I’m getting a tad tired of players having career days when they play me. Case in Point: The most point Aaron Brookes has scored all year in a game prior to last week was 9. Last week 27. How annoying. I also found out that John Gruden doesn’t play fantasy football when he pulled Brad Johnson with 241 yards to rest him for this week. Now THERE was a real kick in the groin, considering I would have won at 250 yards. Scratch Gruden off my Christmas card list.  I’m not sure I’ve sworn so much in a while. Col. Piro happened to be on the phone with me when that happened. He seemed a little too pleased with that situation. Speaking of Col. Piro was seen at a “Fan’s of  WoWW” convention this week. (Photo here). Hope he had fun. On with the picks. 

WoWW (3-4) vs. Lightning (4-3)

After 4 straight brutal loses including a crushing 2 point lose to The Pansies in week 7 WoWW needs a win here or they could be looking at another run at the Bridesmaids bowl in 2003. The Lighting, after dropping 3 straight to open the season, have gone on a tear winning 4 in a row and are challenging for The Division for the first time in…. well…..ever.  Normally in this instance I would be rooting pretty dramatically for The Lightning to win here since clearly the Magic is evil and must be defeated. But at the cost of another loss for WoWW? Man that’s a tough choice………

WoWW 85 Lightning 65

 Knights (1-5) vs. Sharks (4-3)

Right about now I think The Knights are starting to realize it may not have been the best have to draft BOTH QB’s with a bye week of 8.. Sharks in a landslide.

Sharks 65 Knights 35

Nukers (1-6) vs. Magic (5-2)

And the league yelled:

“Magic SUCKS! Magic SUCKS! Magic SUCKS! Magic SUCKS! Magic SUCKS! Magic SUCKS! Go Nukers! Go Nukers! Go Nukers!”

Nukers 425 Magic 3.

 Crushers (3-4) vs. Cougars (3-4)

Oh what a difference a division makes. At 3-4 one of these teams is tied for 2^nd and the other is 3 games out of 1st. The Crushers have real issues this week with both Porter and Gardner on bye. Although neither have lived up to their hype as yet, it forces them to put Philly afterthought, Duce Staley, in the line up this week. That can’t be good. Fortunately for them The Cougars have similar bye week issues and not a whole lot to counter win. Look for the Crushers to win in a defensive struggle.

Crushers 55 Cougars 50

-=Game of the week (1)=-

Onslaught (4-3) Panthers (6-1)

Here’s a good old-fashioned divisional slobber knocker. At 6-1 The Panthers are off to a phenomenal start but are only 1-1 in their division to this point. A divisional loss here could prove significant later. The normally vocal Coach Sauerkraut has been suspiciously silent during this winning streak leading one to suspect that either Mel Kiper Jr. is now coaching the team or Coach Sauerkraut has been struck stupid by success. Either way this author is not complaining. The Slugs started off the season like…. well, Slugs  - but since have turned it on, averaging almost 80 points per week over the last 3 weeks. The Panthers are a tad banged up at RB but they catch a break as The Onslaughts ace receiver, Coles, is on bye. Another advantage for The Panthers is they have Mason to play against McNair, which normally could negate the QB play. However the way the spread the ball in Nashville, I don’t think that will happen this week. Look for the Slugs in a tight one.

Onslaught 72 Panthers 70

-=Game of the week (2)=-

Mauler (4-3) vs. Storm (4-3)

This ought to be a good one too. The Maulers and Storm are tied for the division BUT The Maulers already beat The Strom once this year. Both teams have fought through significant injuries to get to this point and are getting healthy enough where either one might run the table the rest of the way. In a nutshell this game is huge for these guys. Bothered by the stress, Coach Sheridan went swimming off the coast of Florida for some R and R. Some of the home video was captured and sent off on the net. Those who aren’t faint of heart can view it here. Speaking of the net - Col. Piro is so sure of a victory this weekend that he has commissioned The Maulers Orchestra to re-write the Maulers fight song. You can get a preview HERE. Regardless this is going to be a close one that could be the first game of the year to decide a divisional title. Considering this is the first game The Maulers have been healthy since week one. I like their chances as well – but not the fight song.

Maulers 78 Storm 70

Good luck to all.