Inspired by a recent MLB article where 2 writers "drafted" their top World Series contenders, here is my ranking of the top contenders for winning III.7 this season. I would love to see other managers lists, even without any analysis.
Tier 1 - Title Contenders
1. Archers of Loafcross
The hottest team in the league right now, having won 13 straight. This young team (all under 30) relies on a deep and balanced roster and maximizes their teams enthusiasm for every match. No real weaknesses as evidence by them leading the league in Points For AND Points Against.
2. Rashmonsters
Led by the highest RB differential in the league (+19.9), this team is solid all around and looks to be the favorite from the Great 8. While not as deep as AoL, in Watson they have a 50k big coming off the bench which is tough for other teams to match.
3. Missouri City Sounders
My early season favorite looked dominate early on, but proved vulnerable when Cisong went down with injury. If they can stay healthy, Cisong and Estrada could carry this team to a championship
4. Cyborgs
Call me a sucker for potential, but they have all of the pieces to succeed. Long tenured manager, good deep team, young upcoming stars, solid wins against other good teams. Yet, they would be out of the playoffs if they start today. Perhaps this is a fooldhardy place to put them, but consider them my dark horse candidate.
Tier 2 - Almost Title Contenders
1. Dark Matter
A mini-rebuild this season has hurt their depth, but that has not hampered their ability to still beat some good teams. A diverse enough offense makes them hard to game plan for and makes them dangerous, but at the same time they seem to be one piece away from competing with the top teams.
2. Drunken Sconnies
The Sconnies hold opponents to 37.4% shooting on the season which is good for 3rd best in the league, and still has the ever dangerous Chen Cunrong. Despite their low team rebounding, Paul Wilks covers enough to keep rebounding from being a black hole. And yet this team does not appear quite as strong as in seasons past.
3. Hasting Hornets
The roster construction looks good, but the enthusiasm management and Game Shape management is what seems to be holding this team back. If they adopted's AoL philosophy of Take It Easy every game and find a way to get their starters about 10 less minutes a week, I could see this team threatening for a title.
4. Bananahorns
2 NBBA titles, 1 Cup title, Coach Shnuffy definitely know what it takes to build a winner. Thankfully for the rest of the league the Banahorns are in the middle of a re-build. Given their pedigree and probable money in the bank though, they are one decision to compete away from becoming a title contender.