(S26) Ultimus Week

[deadlunatic]

Question 1.

It's Ultimus week here in the ISFL and we have our playoff schedule all lined ep. First off, I'll start with how each team got to where they are and of course explain the dark horses and favorites from last season. 

I will start with the NSFC and go down the order they are seeded for playoffs to make it easier.

1. Yellowknife Wraiths - Top seed, top record, top defense(points allowed), second best offense(points scored). Record - 13-3.
Clear number one going into the playoffs. Went from seven and nine and out of the playoffs (fifth in the division) to 13-3. We were definitely not the favorites going into the season. A decent number of people had us in the top 3/4 for our division. Clearly somewhat in the running for playoffs but by no means a lock. Of course, I had us in the playoffs. We have a good mix of really young talented high earning guys and some veterans providing the right amount of leadership and TPE. And while we did finish in fifth last season, we weren't that far off from a playoff berth. For the NSFC, we were the dark horse as far as biggest leap from last season/projections to number one overall seed. 

2. Chicago Butchers - Second best record in the entire ISFL, has one of the better offenses and one of the better defenses as well. Record - 10-6.
Finished second in the NSFC, three games behind the wraiths, and two games ahead of third place. Also, has the second best record in the whole league. Now, that doesn't make them the second best team by any means. I know last season they were projected to do well, finished eight and eight, but they made the playoffs. From a lot of projections, they seemed to be again selected by most to make the playoffs. I would put them fourth or fifth best of the teams who made the playoffs, I do have them winning the first round and moving to the second round, where they lose to the wraiths. Solid team, they have a few older guys on the way to the old folks home, but they have a solid core of S21 and S22 players who should keep this team competitive for at least a couple more seasons. 

3. Sarasota Sailfish - Third best record in the NSFC, but behind all of the ASFC playoff teams. Honestly they are not great in either offense or defensive scoring. Record 8-8.
Finished third in the NSFC due to tie breaker rules, beating out the colorado yeti. I personally had the Yeti making the playoffs over the Sailfish. I do think they are the fourth best team in this division, but they did manage to make the playoffs(and win the first round, started this before the first round). They have a solid core of S21 players and a decent number of S22-25. Honestly, a good bit of lower TPE guys, but they all have a few seasons to progress and show what they can do. Could easily see them being competitive for the next few seasons(of course who knows with the new sim coming).

(4). Berlin Fire Salamanders - Fifth best record in their division, 7-9.
While I know they didn't make the playoffs, they ended one game out, as a second year expansion team. talk about improvement. They have a legit shot at making the playoffs the third year of their entire existence. Just wanted to put this out there. They have mostly S22 and S23 players on their roster. Definite contenders next couple of seasons for a dark horse run.

1. New York Silverbacks - Tied for best record, tie breakered for top spot. Record - 9-7.
I must first commend them for getting the top seed for the playoffs the second year of their existence. Very impressive. I would put them third best in their division. But, they are currently number one, according the seeding. They have a mediocre offense and good defense. Which should make for a tough game against whoever wins the wild card game. (NO) I see them losing the next game. But a really good year for them regardless of how the playoffs work out. 

2. New Orleans Second Line - Tied for best record. Record - 9 - 7.
This is the top team of the division as far as I can tell. One of the top offenses in their division and one of the better defenses in the league. They had a couple of close losses in the second half of the season, all they needed was one of those close games to go their way for the number one record in their division. They have a ton of old guys. And I know quite a few are retiring after this season. So kind of looks like this is their chance to make a push before a semi forced rebuild happens. I have them in the finals losing to the wraiths. 

3. Orange County Otters - Tied for best record. Record - 9 - 7.
The most hyped team from their division before the season started. A lot of people had them pegged to win their division and compete for a Ultimus, myself included. They lost four of their last five games, not a great way to go into the playoffs fighting for your life against the Second Line. (they lost). Another team with some older guys on it, a few pretty far in regressions and a good number S21 who will start their regressions pretty soon. Not sure how big their window is, but I would assume, based on their current roster, they have at least two more seasons of being competitive before regression starts hitting pretty hard. 

Personally, based off the way the season went, and how each team performed, the Wraiths have the best shot at winning this season, and continuing to win in the next few seasons. Of course, the current sim will do whatever it wants, and the new sim, well it is an unknown as of now. So a lot of the things could unfold next season. Go Wraiths!