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
