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
