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Week 9 Previews

Irwin Hellions
at
Jody's C.W.O.T.
(6 - 2)
(4 - 4)
series history: Jody leads 4-2
last meeting: Week 4, 1999
JODY 49, Irwin 32
 

The struggling Colossal Waste of Time hosts the West-leading Irwin Hellions in a classic interdivisional matchup. Jody has dropped two straight and will have to play to a higher level to stop that streak against Irwin, now winner of four in a row. Yet despite being an underdog on paper, the C.W.O.T. has won the last four games in the series, avenging a 1997 upset by Irwin during Championship Week.

The Hellions have built a two-game cushion in the West in defense of their first division title. Jody still trails The Pimps by two games in the East, but now must turn most of their attention to meeting the six-win qualification for the playoffs. This contest should feature one of the better backfield matchups as the Hellions' Edgerrin James and Curtis Martin will lock horns with C.W.O.T. horses Stephen Davis and Eddie George (if he's healthy). Ready for some smash-mouth football?

victims of the bye week:
Irwin - REC Robinson
Jody - DEF Denver

 

 
The Pimps
at
B.Y.O.B.
(6 - 2)
(2 - 6)

series history: first meeting
 

The defending Eastern division champs are struggling of late, dropping two in a row after opening the season with six straight wins. In theory, a date with the 2-6 Banshees could be just the cure for their mini-slump. Yet Brandon is coming off a streak-snapper of their own, posting its first win in six games last week against the Players. The Pimps remain the heavy favorite, but will be without stud receiver Rod Smith, out on a bye. Brandon, countering with a formidable Redskin defense, could make a game of it. This will be the first of two meetings between the two over the next three weeks.

victims of the bye week:
Pimps - QB McNown, REC Smith
B.Y.O.B. - none
   
Abstract Machines
at
Thomas' Bock Boys
(3 - 5)
(4 - 4)
series history: Thomas leads 1-0
last meeting: Week 5
THOMAS 55, at Machines 37
 

Four weeks ago, Thomas' Bock Boys downed the Abstract Machines for what would become their first of four straight losses, a streak that would drop them from first to fourth place in the Western Division. Now, the Machines have a chance to break back into the win column against the surprising Bock Boys. As an expansion franchise, Thomas has shown unparalleled consistency, alternating wins and losses for eight straight weeks. Given that, they're due for a win. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper is the major threat for Thomas, while the Machines will rely on running back Marshall Faulk and a resurgent ground game. The Bock Boys are still eyeing the Western title, trailing Irwin by two games. The Machines have more pressing concerns; needing to win three of their final five to qualify for the postseason, they can't afford to drop their fifth straight.

victims of the bye week:
Machines - REC Glenn
Thomas - none
 
Anderson Brewmeisters
at
The Players
(4 - 4)
(2 - 6)
series history: Anderson leads 3-2
last meeting: Week 12, 1999
Anderson 10, at PLAYERS 24
 

The Players scored their third and final victory of 1999 against Anderson in Week 12. That decision gave both clubs a record of 3-8-1. Having split a two-game series, Anderson won the total-points-for tiebreak and went into the playoffs and on to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory. The Players went on to lose to the Raze in their second Draft Bowl apperance. At 2-6, The Players will have to fight their way out of the league cellar to avoid an unprecedented third apperance at the not-so-big game. At 4-4 and winners of their last two, the Brewmeisters are in good shape to make a run at the playoffs. Yet a late-season meeting such as this could change fortunes in a hurry.

victims of the bye week:
Anderson - RB Anderson, REC McCaffery
Players - DEF New England

 

   
Game of the Week
Sims Stereco
at
Piana Raze
(5 - 3)
(4 - 4)
series history: Piana leads 3-1
last meeting: Week 9, 1999
Piana 9, SIMS 30
 

Two of the hottest teams in the league will collide to keep their streaks alive. Both the Stereco and Raze come into Week 9 riding three-game win streaks and carrying hopes of catching their respective division leaders. Both teams feature capable offenses, yet both will also be without their starting quarterbacks. The Stereco's Kurt Warner has been lost for five weeks due to a broken pinky, and The Raze's Brian Griese will be sitting out on a bye. The big difference is the backup situation. Piana will start Elvis Grbac while Sims will have to go without, having no backup nor available transactions. Stereco runningback Ricky Williams and receiver Albert Connell had huge games last week to carry Sims to a short-handed victory, and they might have to do the same to outscore the likes of Piana's Charlie Garner and Issac Bruce.

Piana won the first three meetings of this series, but the Stereco broke through with a 21-point beating last season. Another win here would qualify the Stereco for the playoffs and keep them in the thick of the Eastern race. The Raze would like nothing better than to crack above .500 for the first time since Week 1, 1999.

victims of the bye week:
Sims - none
Piana - QB Griese, RB Davis