Happy Hump Week: Midseason Playoff Picture

10 weeks, 9 games, and a 4-5 record are the story so far for the 2012 Iowa Barnstormers. The team sits at 3rd in the National Central division, and 2 games behind the Talons and Rush, who are tied for the division lead. So far, the Barnstormers 5 losses have come to top 5 teams, losing to Utah twice, Chicago twice, and San Jose.

The Barnstormers still have to face San Antonio twice, as well as the Rattlers and San Jose again (both away). They also get to play the Command, Sharks, Power, Shock, and a potentially winnable game against Cleveland. Assuming the trend of dropping games against rough teams and winning winnable games continues, the Barnstormers could be looking at anywhere from 9-9 to 12-6. Historically, that's a decent shot at the playoffs.

On the other hand, the National Conference is absolutely stacked. Both divisions have 3 teams that are realistically potential competitors for the division title, which will inevitably leave 2 teams out on the curb come playoff time.

What does this tell us? Nothing we didn't know at the beginning of the season. The Barnstormers absolutely need to win big games in the second half of the season, and if they want to make the playoffs, have to stay focused in the games that are easily winnable.


If the playoffs started today:

American East - Philadelphia Soul
American South - Georgia Force
National Central - Chicago Rush
National West - San Jose SaberCats

American Wildcards - Cleveland Gladiators, Tampa Bay Storm
National Wildcards - Arizona Rattlers, Utah Blaze


And just for fun, a prediction bracket for how I think that playoff would go.

Round 1: (it's interesting how many games in this round 1 were actually played this week)

Philadelphia Soul  (X)
Cleveland Gladiators

Georgia Force
Tampa Bay Storm (X)

San Jose SaberCats (X)
Utah Blaze

Chicago Rush
Arizona Rattlers (X)

Round 2:

Philadelphia Soul (X)
Tampa Bay Storm

San Jose SaberCats
Arizona Rattlers (X)

ArenaBowl:

Philadelphia Soul
Arizona Rattlers (X)


Lots of football left to be played, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Let the playoff push begin!



-Shard
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