The Top Ten: Week 17
Commentary: Season’s Greetings from the home office of The Executive Director. As we hang stockings by the chimney with care, many Funny Money franchises hope that Week 17 riches will soon be there. Week 16 saw many win $500 (or more). Boss Hardigan lost his wild card bet, likely ending a solid 2012 campaign.
There are many division races yet to be decided, as a bunch of the contenders still have their wild card bets, which will make for an interesting final week. Quick shoutout to a few notable franchises that did not make The Top Ten. Kimmy Gibbler sits on the brink of the playoffs, and has won $500 an astonishing FOUR weeks in a row! Just a month ago, his season was just about over, but with some Week 17 magic he could cap off an amazing run with a playoff berth. Also, Kiko Garcia is still alive. He has his wild card bet, and could get in if he wins $1,000 and has a few things fall his way.
Speaking of wild card bets, there are eight left. Here’s who can swing for the fences in the last week of the season:
East: Gordon Bombay; The Beard of Zeus
North: Yaz
South: Will Cover; Don Mattingly
West: Blossom Russo; Kiko Garcia; The People’s Champ
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Bayonnaise ($3,300; 1)
Another blistering $500 week for the ‘Naise has him sitting atop the standings with one week left. The only one who can catch him in the division is Yaz, while the race for the overall regular season title is far from over because others have their wild card bets available.
2. Blossom Russo ($2,900; 2)
Blossom did her best in Week 16, winning $500. However, her West lead was trimmed to only $300. If she had any stones, she would bet her wild card in the final week. If she wins, she is guaranteed to win the division, and has a shot at the overall crown and the record for most dollars in the regular season in FMFL history.
3. Gordon Bombay ($2,700; 3)
Bombay had late bets last week, but still managed to win $400 and build up a little bit of a cushion in the East Division. Both The 21th Precinct and The Beard of Zeus can catch him, especially Beard, who has his wild card bet. And Bombay still has his wild card bet. If he doesn’t use it and wins $500, he is guaranteed to win the division. If he uses it, he could go for the overall crown, but risks losing the division if he loses his big bet.
4. Face ($2,600; 8)
Face wins $1,000 on the week and is just $300 behind Blossom for the West title. He is all but locked into the playoffs (as long as he doesn’t lose $500 in Week 17 and have many others pass him). He is also on the verge of setting the record for best winning percentage in a season in FMFL history. Heading into the playoffs, Face is as hot and spicy as one of the beef jerky smokies he brings to the Browns games.
5. Yaz ($2,400; 6)
Another old timer that still has some bite, Yaz wins $500 and is the only North team that can challenge Bayonnaise. He can use his wild card and try to catch the ‘Naise, but if he loses $1,000, he could be on the outside looking in for the postseason.
6. The 21th Precinct ($2,100; 7)
The Precinct has continued to turn it on in December. He wins $500 and is now in second in the East (he has an ever so slight advantage in the tiebreaker with Beard). Odds are he’ll make the playoffs, barring a Week 17 disaster.
7. The Beard of Zeus ($2,100; 4)
The Beard split his bet, but much like Yaz, he’s in an interesting spot heading into the final week. He has his wild card bet available and can try to win the division, but a loss would bump him from the January dance.
8. Larisa Oleynik ($1,500; 5)
An uncharacteristic rough week for Larisa, as she lost $500 and now holds onto the final wild card playoff spot. She needs a big week, as there are several franchises only a few hundred behind that are ready to pounce and take the final berth.
9. Don Mattingly ($1,500; NR)
Donnie rises up with a huge week, winning $500 and taking over the South lead, which Will Cover led practically all season long. In the South, it’s likely that only the division winner could head to the playoffs, so it’s do or die in Week 17. Don has his wild card bet available, and so does Will….
10. Will Cover ($1,400; 9)
If the playoffs started today, Will would be out of it. He has his wild card bet, and needs to use it (and win it) to try to win the division, or at best to push into the playoffs. Quick side note: congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Will Cover, who welcomed their first baby to the world last Monday (some pundits have said that Will Cover’s 2012 downward spiral perfectly correlated with Mrs. Cover’s third trimester). They have appropriately named their first born – Three-Team Parlay.
Others receiving votes: Mr. Marbles; Bud Fox; Kimmy Gibbler
Dropped out: Mr. Marbles
The Top Ten: Week 16
Commentary: The rich got richer in Week 15, as the four division leaders maintained their leads. The 21th Precinct won his wild card and got into the playoff mix, as the final spot rose to its highest this season at $1,600. With two weeks left, there are still 11 franchises with their wild card bets, so there is still plenty of time for jockeying in the divisions. Here’s who can make the big move:
East: Boss Hardigan; Gordon Bombay; The Beard of Zeus
North: The Phoenix; Yaz
South: Will Cover; Don Mattingly
West: Blossom Russo; Face; Kiko Garcia; The People’s Champ
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Bayonnaise ($2,800; 1)
The ‘Naise regains the top spot with a $500 week. He’s $800 ahead of the rest of the North Division and $400 clear of the rest of the pack for the regular season title. He’s currently in the catbird’s seat with two weeks to go.
2. Blossom Russo ($2,400; 2)
Blossom won $100 and continues to lead the West. He’s $800 ahead of Face, and both still have their wild card bets. Blossom needs a solid Week 16 if he wants to make a run at the overall crown.
3. Gordon Bombay ($2,300; 3)
Bombay is keeping the rest of the East at bay, and is still within shouting distance of the overall leaders. He might not need to use his wild card bet unless someone passes him this week.
4. The Beard of Zeus ($2,000; 4)
Beardy is staying close in the East, and has the first wild card playoff berth right now. He’s only $400 ahead of the final playoff spot, though, so he’s not out of the woods yet. He still has his big bet available.
5. Larisa Oleynik ($2,000; 5)
Larisa lost ground on Bayonnaise in Week 15, but is still in prime position to make the postseason. Her big bet is gone, so she’ll need a big turnaround to win the division.
6. Yaz ($1,900; 6)
Yaz is making his standard late-season run, with a $500 week to pull closer to the top of the heap. He’s part of “The Golden Oldies” – three of the senior members of the FMFL that are occupying spots 6, 7, and 8 of The Top Ten this week.
7. The 21th Precinct ($1,600; NR)
The Precinct emerges with a big wild card win! After dwelling around the playoff picture for the last few weeks, The 21th made a big move and is now in a good spot, with an outside shot to win the division.
8. Face ($1,600; 8)
A strong three-teamer resulted in a $500 week for Face, who occupies the final wild card berth, but is $400 ahead of the nearest competition. The question for Face is whether or not to use his big bet and try to take a shot at passing Blossom.
9. Will Cover ($1,500; 7)
WC has slipped up in the second half and is one bad week away from missing out on the playoffs. In any other division, he’d be on the outside looking in, but he still maintains his lead in the South.
10. Mr. Marbles ($1,200; NR)
Creeping like a wedgie, Mr. Marbles sneaks into The Top Ten after a perfect week. He’s still $400 from the final wild card spot, and might have an easier time winning the division if Will Cover slips up and he can hold off Don Mattingly.
Others receiving votes: Don Mattingly; Waldo Geraldo Faldo; Boss Hardigan
Dropped out: Don Mattingly; Bud Fox
The Top Ten: Week 15
Commentary: The races continue to tighten as we are a mere three weeks away from the playoffs. There is a tie for the overall lead. There is a tie for the final playoff spot, which is currently at $1,100. There are three franchises at $1,100 and three more at $1,000 which makes Week 15 the most crucial of the season.
After The Notorious A.B.T. saw Baltimore choke the game away last week (along with his wild card bet), there are 12 big bets still on the board:
East: Boss Hardigan; Gordon Bombay; The 21th Precinct; The Beard of Zeus
North: The Phoenix; Yaz
South: Will Cover; Don Mattingly
West: Blossom Russo; Face; Kiko Garcia; The People’s Champ
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Blossom Russo ($2,300; 2)
Blossom jumps up to the top spot, as she has the tiebreaker edge with three weeks left. She also is still holding onto her wild card bet, and it looks as though only Face can catch her in the West, barring a big disappointment.
2. Bayonnaise ($2,300; 1)
The ‘Naise drops $300 for the week, but still is tied for the overall lead and leads the North. Week 15 is big in the division race – some distance between Bayonnaise and the field and he can cruise down the stretch, but a slip-up and he can be trailing in the blink of an eye.
3. Gordon Bombay ($2,000; 3)
Bombay split his bets and maintains higher ground in the East, but his lead is only $100 with three weeks left. Interesting to note that all four of the top franchises in the East still have their wild card bets available. All four have a legitimate shot at the division (and overall) title.
4. The Beard of Zeus ($1,900; 6)
The Beard heats up again as he wins $500. He’s nipping at the heels of Gordon Bombay and is now in pole position for a wild card berth in the playoffs. He’s also just $400 off the overall lead.
5. Larisa Oleynik ($1,900; 4)
Larisa is looking good for the postseason, and can now set her sights on the division or regular season title. She’s already used her wild card bet, but is $800 ahead of the final playoff spot.
6. Yaz ($1,400; 7)
Yaz split his bets in Week 14, but has the all-important wild card bet on the shelf with only a few more chances to use it. He can make a run at the division, but losing it would put him on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
7. Will Cover ($1,400; 5)
WC continues to drop back, but nevertheless he retains his lead in the South Division. He looked like a shoo-in four weeks ago for the postseason, but a few bad weeks and his playoff bubble will burst.
8. Face ($1,100; NR)
Face is coming on at the right time. He wins $500 and vaults himself into the playoff scene. He would have the second last wild card spot if the season ended today. He also still has his big bet available. Interesting fact: without any fines this year, Face would be at $1,900.
9. Don Mattingly ($1,100; NR)
Donnie isn’t exactly bringing the “wow” factor, but is squeaking into the playoff picture. He holds onto the final spot because of the tiebreaker. The Donald and Will Cover are the only two South franchises with their wild card bets available.
10. Bud Fox ($1,100; 8)
Bud was close to losing $500 last week, but survived to remain in The Top Ten. He’s only missing out on the postseason because of a tiebreaker. Because he already wagered his wild card bet, he’s a long shot to catch Blossom for the division.
Others receiving votes: Boss Hardigan; The 21th Precinct; Waldo Geraldo Faldo
Dropped out: Waldo Geraldo Faldo; The 21th Precinct
The Top Ten: Week 14
Commentary: Week 13 featured a handful of backdoor covers and last second wins, including New England failing to cover on a meaningless field goal (which sunk many franchises) and Philadelphia’s miraculous final-minute punt return to lose by 5 instead of 11 (which a few franchises benefitted from). The division races are pretty close in the East and South, and the North and West are close to being runaways.
With four weeks left, here’s a look at the franchises that still have their coveted wild card bet:
East: Boss Hardigan; Gordon Bombay; The 21th Precinct; The Beard of Zeus
North: The Phoenix; Yaz
South: Will Cover; Don Mattingly; The Notorious A.B.T.
West: Blossom Russo; Face; Kiko Garcia; The People’s Champ
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Bayonnaise ($2,600; 1)
Bayonnaise’s wild ride continues with another perfect week. After treading water in the North for weeks, he has surged to a $800 lead in the division, and maintains his lead for the overall crown.
2. Blossom Russo ($2,400; 4)
A big week for Blossom as she wins $500 and increases her lead in the West. She’s $1,200 ahead of the rest of the pack and just $200 behind The ‘Naise for the overall lead.
3. Gordon Bombay ($1,900; 2)
Bombay dropped $100 in Week 13, but keeps his lead in the East. He’s $500 ahead and still has his wild card bet. Gordie just needs to keep his head above water to win the division.
4. Larisa Oleynik ($1,800; 5)
Larisa lost $100 and now has some ground to make up in the North Division. On the bright side, she still has the top wild card spot and is looking good for the playoffs with four weeks to go.
5. Will Cover ($1,500; 3)
Will’s free-fall continues as he loses $500. However, no one in the South has been able to capitalize on his vulnerability. WC still has a $500 lead on the rest of the division, though his confidence must be shaken after a few tough weeks.
6. The Beard of Zeus ($1,400; 7)
Beard stays the course and is in postseason position, but is still $500 behind Bombay in the North. He also still has his wild card bet, which will make the next month quite interesting.
7. Yaz ($1,300; 6)
Yaz suffers a rough week, losing $500 and taking a step back in the division race. He’s holding onto a playoff berth, but will need to change his ways if he doesn’t want to be passed by the rest of these young whippersnappers.
8. Bud Fox ($1,200; 9)
Bud is still in a good spot heading into Week 14, as he’d be invited to the postseason party if the season ended today. His big bet is gone, so he might need an extra boost by way of a perfect week to give him more of a cushion.
9. Waldo Geraldo Faldo ($1,100; 10)
WGF is currently the last man in right now and still has an outside shot of making a run at the division if he can come up with a perfect week or two down the stretch.
10. The 21th Precinct ($1,100; NR)
With 13 weeks in the books, the 21th has hung around and now needs one final push to make his first playoff appearance since 2008.
Others receiving votes: Don Mattingly; Ron Mexico; Boss Hardigan
Dropped out: Don Mattingly
The Top Ten: Week 13
Commentary: A wild Baltimore/San Diego game saved many franchises, as the Ravens pulled out the win in overtime. There was a changing of the guard in the FMFL this week, with a new franchise taking over the top spot. Five weeks to go, and exactly half of the league has their wild card bet available. In the East and the North, the division races are still close, and in the South and West, the division leaders are maintaining the status quo, but don’t have comfortable leads by any means.
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Bayonnaise ($2,100; 7)
What a surge by Bayonnaise! A perfect week when so many others could not put together two wins in Week 12 has the ‘Naise at the top of the heap. He’s leading the North by $200. His wild card bet is gone, but he’s the clubhouse leader right now.
2. Gordon Bombay ($2,000; 2)
Bombay split his bets this week and stays on top in the East, right behind Bayonnaise for the overall lead. He has a $500 lead on the rest of his division, and needs to avoid a letdown after building up this lead.
3. Will Cover ($2,000; 1)
WC dropped $300 last week but still maintained a $500 lead in the South. After a long reign at #1 in The Top Ten, Will has slipped back, but is still knocking on the door of the overall title.
4. Blossom Russo ($1,900; 4)
Blossom split his bets and is up by $600 in the West. Her lead is slowly shrinking, but if she could put together a few winning bets in Week 13, Russo could break away from the rest.
5. Larisa Oleynik ($1,900; 5)
Larisa won $100 and is still in second place in the North, but is now trailing Bayonnaise by $200. She’s done a great job of treading water and not losing $500, but can her luck continue in unlucky Week 13?
6. Yaz ($1,800; 3)
Though Yaz fell back to third in the division, he does have his wild card bet, something that Bayonnaise and Larisa don’t have to use down the stretch. He also has experience on his side in what will be the most heated divisional race in the last five weeks.
7. The Beard of Zeus ($1,500; 10)
A push and a win moved the Beard into playoff position. His hot second half of the season continues and he’s just $500 off the lead in the East. He’ll need to keep it up, but is within striking distance of the division and overall leaders.
8. Don Mattingly ($1,500; 6)
The Donald failed to take advantage of an off week by Will Cover, and did not gain any ground in the division. Donnie is still clinging to a wild card playoff berth, but reports coming from Mattingly headquarters are saying that there is conflict between the two co-managers resulting from a disagreement over the Green Bay/NY Giants game. DM could be coming apart at the seams.
9. Bud Fox ($1,300; NR)
What a comeback by Bud. Left for dead five weeks ago, if the season ended today, he’d be in the playoffs, grabbing the last spot. With a December push, Bud could make a run at the West crown, something unfathomable earlier in the year.
10. Waldo Geraldo Faldo ($1,200; NR)
Waldo has quietly positioned himself on the doorstep of the postseason. His wild card bet is gone, but he’s right where he needs to be with one month to go.
Others receiving votes: The 21th Precinct; Ron Mexico; Karl Farbman
Dropped out: Ron Mexico; The 21th Precinct
The Top Ten: Week 12
Commentary: The majority of the league bet Green Bay and covered on a late field goal, which led to a perfect week for many franchises. The North Division was absolutely flawless – every franchise picked every game correctly. There was a changing of the guard in the East, and the playoff picture is getting more and more crowded with each passing week. Six weeks are left, and 15 franchises have their wild card bet available.
As we head into Turkey Day weekend, nearly half of the league – 13 franchises – have $1,000 or more.
One other quick side note – Rick Moranis lost his wild card bet. Stick a fork in him – he’s done!*
*Catchphrase – Copyright, Face 1996, All Rights Reserved
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Will Cover ($2,300; 1)
Back to normal for Will Cover. He bounced back from a rough Week 10 to win $500 and maintain his lead in the South and for the overall crown.
2. Gordon Bombay ($1,900; 5)
A big week for Gordon as he wins $500 and takes over the lead in the East. Three franchises sit $600 behind him in the division, but he’s sitting pretty for now, and with his wild card bet still available.
3. Yaz ($1,900; 4)
Yaz continued his solid month, with a $500 week. He still leads the hotly contested North Division, which looks like it will be the best division race down the stretch. Five franchises are within $800 of his current lead.
4. Blossom Russo ($1,800; 7)
Russo got back to her glorious self with a perfect week. She keeps her comfortable lead in the West and keeps pace with the others in the race for the overall regular season title.
5. Larisa Oleynik ($1,800; 6)
Oleynik stayed on the heels of Yaz in the North with a $500 Week 11 performance. She’s tied for the first wild card berth, but in a great spot with just six weeks to go.
6. Don Mattingly ($1,800; 3)
A true testament of how well the league did this week: Donnie won $300, yet dropped back three spots in The Top Ten. If the season ended today, he’d have the first wild card spot via tiebreaker with Larisa.
7. Bayonnaise ($1,600; 8)
The ‘Naise is still in this! He wins $500 as well, and is just $300 behind Yaz for the division lead. He currently claims a postseason berth.
8. Ron Mexico ($1,500; 9)
Ronnie keeps winning, but so did everyone else in the North. He did move up a notch in the playoff race, though, and is within reasonable striking distance to win the division.
9. The 21th Precinct ($1,300; 10)
The Precinct continues to sizzle! Four straight perfect weeks, and I can’t believe I’m writing this – if the season ended today, The 21th Precinct would make the postseason.
10. The Beard of Zeus ($1,300; NR)
TBoZ won $500, too, and just by the hair of his chinny chin chin misses out on the final playoff spot. The 21th boasts a 0.621 winning percentage, and The Beard is currently sitting at 0.595.
Others receiving votes: Karl Farbman; Waldo Geraldo Faldo; Bud Fox
Dropped out: Karl Farbman
The Top Ten: Week 11
Commentary: A return to normalcy in the FMFL after a record-breaking Week 9, this week tightened up all of the divisional races. Bud Fox won his wild card bet and $1,000 on the week, going from irrelevancy to the brink of the playoffs with two short bets. Face inexplicably forgot to bet, dropping out of the postseason race. With seven weeks to go, 16 franchises still have their wild card bet available.
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Will Cover ($1,800; 1)
The shocker of the week was the seemingly invincible Will Cover dropping $500 and falling back towards the rest of the field. He still maintains his overall lead, but it has been trimmed to $200, and his divisional lead has been cut down to $300.
2. Karl Farbman ($1,600; 3)
Karl split his bets and won $100, preserving his lead in the East over Gordon Bombay. Farbman is suddenly right behind the overall leader, though the top of the ranks have become more and more crowded.
3. Don Mattingly ($1,500; 5)
Don eked out $100 in Week 10, and a $600 swing in the division has him just behind WC in the South. The Donald also keeps a tight grasp on the first wild card playoff berth.
4. Yaz ($1,400; 4)
Yaz is still on top in the North, but wasn’t able to separate himself from the rest of the pack. He still has a $100 lead on the rest. On the bright side, one good week and he could take the overall lead.
5. Gordon Bombay ($1,400; 6)
Gordie is keeping pace in the East, just $200 behind Karl. He’s in prime playoff position, and still has his wild card bet in his back pocket.
6. Larisa Oleynik ($1,300; 7)
Larisa won a bet and lost a bet, but no harm done. She is still $100 behind Yaz for the division lead, and sitting pretty with a wild card berth if the season ended today.
7. Blossom Russo ($1,300; 2)
Whoa. Blossom lost all three of his bets and dropped $500 in Week 10. For weeks she’s enjoyed a comfortable lead in the West, but Bud’s surge has sliced that lead to only $800.
8. Bayonnaise ($1,100; 8)
The ‘Naise is still in this. He lost $100 last week, but is hanging around in the divisional race and just needs one big push to rise to the top.
9. Ron Mexico ($1,000; 10)
Ron won $100 and jumped into the final playoff spot, winning two of his three bets on the week. Ron’s been here before, and is definitely a franchises to watch down the stretch.
10. The 21th Precinct ($800; NR)
Three weeks in a row, the Precinct has been perfect, and he surges into The Top Ten! He’s $200 out of the last playoff spot and needs to remain hot to stay in the thick of things.
Others receiving votes: The Beard of Zeus; Waldo Geraldo Faldo; Bud Fox; Kiko Garcia
Dropped out: The Beard of Zeus
The Top Ten: Week 10
Commentary: A banner week for the FMFL, as over 60% of the league (17 franchises) won $500 or more in Week 9. On top of that, no franchise lost $500 last week. Three out of the four wild cards wagered were won, with the lone loss being Mr. DeBlasis (the first wild card bet loss this season). With eight weeks to go, there are 17 franchises that still have their wild card bet remaining.
One division leader was ousted last week, with the rest of The Top Ten staying the same, just jockeying for position. A few of the division races are heating up.
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Will Cover ($2,300; 1)
Will got richer in Week 9, winning $300 and maintaining a comfortable cushion in the South. It has been over a month since Cover had a negative week, though with last week’s developments, the rest of the league is beginning to creep closer to his throne.
2. Blossom Russo ($1,800; 4)
After downing several Labatt Blues on Sunday, Blossom walked away with a perfect week. She increases her lead in the West to $1,300 and is now within earshot of the overall lead.
3. Karl Farbman ($1,500; 2)
Farbman is still number one in the East, but he only scratched out $100 last week, which meant the rest of the division gained ground. He now only has a slim $200 lead.
4. Yaz ($1,300; 5)
Yaz keeps on rolling with a perfect week, his second perfect week in a row. He takes over the number one spot in the North, though it’s crowded at the top of the division.
5. Don Mattingly ($1,400; 6)
Donnie hit all three legs of a three-teamer last week and finally was able to inch closer to Will Cover’s seemingly insurmountable lead. The rest of the South is way behind, so it looks like Mattingly is the only one with a chance to catch Will.
6. Gordon Bombay ($1,300; 7)
Bombay won $500 and is now hovering around Karl Farbman for the East. He’s currently sitting in the second wild card spot, $400 ahead of the playoff cutoff.
7. Larisa Oleynik ($1,200; 3)
Tough week for Larisa. She only lost $100, but slipped out of the lead in the North. She is still in prime postseason position, but now in a crowded scene with all the winners from Week 9.
8. Bayonnaise ($1,200; 9)
The ‘Naise hit on his wild card bet and vaulted himself not only into the postseason race, but the division race as well. If the season ended today, he’d be in the playoffs, and he’s only $100 back from Yaz.
9. The Beard of Zeus ($900; 8)
The Beard continues to surge! He’s won $500 three weeks in a row. No one is hotter than him right now, and he holds onto the final playoff spot by way of winning percentage tiebreaker. He’s also just $600 from the division lead.
10. Ron Mexico ($900; 10)
Ron stayed close with a perfect week and is just outside the playoff bubble. Anything can happen in the North Division, and we’ll see who blinks first in Week 10.
Others receiving votes: Face; Waldo Geraldo Faldo; Kiko Garcia; The 21th Precinct
Dropped out: None
The Top Ten: Week 9
Commentary: One wild card bet was won in Week 8, with Waldo Geraldo Faldo cashing in on the big Giants win. The league’s perfect record on wild card bets is still intact. For the first time this season, the top four members of The Top Ten didn’t change position at all, and all ten franchises from last week stayed in this week’s edition of The Top Ten. Also of note, three of the defending division champions from last season – Will Cover, Karl Farbman, and Larisa Oleynik – are currently leading their divisions again.
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Will Cover ($2,000; 1)
Will keeps on chugging, winning another $100 and staying out in front of the rest of the league. He currently has a $600 lead for the overall title and a $1,100 lead for the division crown.
2. Karl Farbman ($1,400; 2)
Farbman won $100 in Week 8 as well, and keeps his lead in the East, though it did shrink slightly. He’s now $600 ahead of the rest of the division as we head into the second half of the season.
3. Larisa Oleynik ($1,300; 3)
Larisa remains on top in the North, where she now enjoys a $500 lead on the other franchises. The North has by far been the most competitive division thus far, with several worthy competitors within shouting distance of Larisa’s lead.
4. Blossom Russo ($1,300; 4)
The West is still led by Blossom, as she enjoyed an “almost” perfect week. She won all three of her bets, but a late fine kept her from the full $500. The good news is that Russo has a comfortable $1,100 lead on the rest of the division.
5. Yaz ($800; 9)
Yaz’s roller coaster first half continues, as he won $500 to jump back into second place in the North. It’s been win $500, lose $500, win $500 the last few weeks, but if he can keep moving in a positive direction this week, he can make a run at the division lead.
6. Don Mattingly ($900; 6)
The Donald won $300 and is in prime position for the playoffs, enjoying first wild card position. He’s $1,100 behind Will Cover, but $500 ahead of the final playoff berth. Donnie still has his wild card bet available, so the second half balancing act of going for the division and staying in playoff contention will shape his decision.
7. Gordon Bombay ($800; 7)
Gordon won $300 and crept closer to the division lead in the East, and if the season ended today, he’d be in the playoffs.
8. The Beard of Zeus ($400; 10)
The Beard is surging at the moment, winning $500 each of the last two weeks. He’s within $1,000 of the division lead, and more importantly bounced back from a slow start to be in solid position for the postseason.
9. Bayonnaise ($400; 8 )
Another week, another $100 for Bayonnaise. His first half performance hasn’t been anything glamorous, but you can’t argue with the results. He currently owns the final playoff spot.
10. Ron Mexico ($400; 5)
Ron can’t seem to maintain any consistency from week-to-week. He lost $500 and went from second place in the North to being on the outside of the playoff bubble.
Others receiving votes: Waldo Geraldo Faldo; Face; The 21th Precinct
Dropped out: None
The Top Ten: Week 8
Commentary: The 2012 FMFL continued to take shape in Week 7, as four franchises placed wild card bets. All four won, with three wagering on Green Bay, and one on Pittsburgh. Three of the four are mentioned in The Top Ten, with T-Ferg the only one who didn’t make it, but he’s on the cusp. It’s worth noting that six franchises have used wild card bets, and all six have won thus far. There are 22 left with 10 weeks to go.
A few of the division leads have increased, and now the majority of the franchises are hovering around -$200 or so. A handful of franchises have fallen way back, but we’re only halfway through a long season.
(current total; last week’s rank)
1. Will Cover ($1,900; 1)
Will keeps on rolling with another $500 week. He still maintains his top spot, with a $600 lead on the rest of the league. His lead in the South is now $1,300.
2. Karl Farbman ($1,300; 5)
Karl rolled the dice and won his wild card bet, netting $1,000 for the week. Farbman stretched his lead in the East to $800 over the rest, and now is a bit closer to being in the running for the overall title.
3. Larisa Oleynik ($1,200; 6)
Larisa joined the wild card party as well, as she won both her bets and picked up a grand in Week 7. She’s now in the lead in the North, which is yet another sign that the historically successfully franchises have started to rise to the top in the FMFL.
4. Blossom Russo ($900; 4)
No wild card, no shirt, no shoes, no problem for Blossom. She won $500 and extended her lead in the West. Russo is $1,000 above the rest of her putrid division, as she’s the only franchise right now on the positive side of $0.
5. Ron Mexico ($900; NR)
Ronnie went from -$100 to $900 in two easy bets, winning his wild card and booming back into relevance in the North Division. Though he still trails Larisa, Mexico has broken away from the rest of the pack. However, he was here a few weeks ago, and will need to be consistent the rest of the way.
6. Don Mattingly ($600; 2)
Donnie was one of the few franchises to struggle in Week 7, dropping $300 and falling even more behind Will Cover. However, on the positive side, he has a firm grasp on a playoff spot and still has his wild card bet available.
7. Gordon Bombay ($500; 10)
In a week when Farbman could’ve completely broken away from the East, Bombay won $500 and stayed close, trailing Karl by $800. He’s in playoff position right now, but the next three weeks are crucial if he wants a shot at the overall title.
8. Bayonnaise ($300; 7)
Another week goes by, and Bayonnaise continues to tread water in the North. He’s still in the positive, and still sitting in a favorable spot. Now the game for him might be picking a week to get hot, place his wild card bet, and make a run at the division.
9. Yaz ($300; 3)
Yaz went from first in the division to trailing the leader by $900, as he lost $500 and had two pass him with big wild card bets. If you’re a glass half full type, at least he got his bets in on time this week?
10. The Beard of Zeus (-$100; NR)
It’s rare that we would allow someone with negative money into the fraternity that is The Top Ten this late in the season. But The Beard sneaks in, as a $500 week has him on the doorstep of the playoffs.
Others receiving votes: T-Ferg; Face; Kenny Powers
Dropped out: Kenny Powers; Face
