So we're three weeks in and that's enough time for me to work my genius and put these teams in their place.

1.Russia - They're playing with three above average teams in Serbia, the Czechs, and Belgium. They've posted scores of 70, 42, and 59 Vs human defenses, while the most they've given up in a game is 24. They're an offensive juggernaut with enough defense to win comfortably.

2.Netherlands - 3 tough teams in their division, they've won them all. Their defense is suspect, but they've got a dynamic offense, scoring 42, 35, and 34 Vs stiff competition.

3.USA - Not the stiffest of competition, and they haven't earned too many style points, but a blowout Vs Ukraine and a win over Mexico show they can play. They've clearly got pools of talent to pick from, and we'll see how it all comes together.

4.France - Knocked off UK, Australia, and Norway without fail. Led by a stout defense, which has held all three of their opponents to their lowest score, France is sitting pretty atop the standings of a tough division. With a good offense to boot, they're a force to be reckoned with.

5.Italy - Not much to say about them really. They're lighting up the scoreboard, and took most everybody by surprise by knocking off pstimpel's German squad. We'll see if they can replicate the feat October fifteenth.

6.Austria - They've faced two bot formations and Portugal, so they're yet to really be tested, but I think it's safe enough to assume they can put together a strong squad. They beat Portugal safely, and seem to have a good squad. They'll be truly tested next week if Denmark puts together a human line-up.

7.Canada - They've beaten Spain and Switzerland by 17, and have put out strong performances in both games. They'll be able to surprise a few teams in the knockout round, despite their seemingly limited options.

8.Sweden - After getting manhandled by Holland, they've bounced back with two strong performances, beating Poland with ease and using a miracle play at the end of the game to stun Brazil. Their offense is a passing machine, and they can put up points on most everybody it seems. I'll look at the Netherlands game as the exception, not the rule.

9.United Kingdom - It looked to be in control after they manhandled Australia, posting 56 points, but then a loss to France and an OT scare Vs Norway have put some of it into doubt. Whether or not they can rebound from this is to be seen,

10.Germany - They beat New Zealand fairly easily, but followed it up with a bad loss to Italy. Yep, that's pretty much it. For now I'll file them under the overhyped column.

11.Denmark - They set a bot line-up Vs Austria, but it doesn't really look like it will matter. They obliterated Slovenia's human line-up and then faced a botified Portugal. We'll see how they fare playing at Austria.

12.Finland - Haven't been tested, but they have beaten Hungary and Romania. The Romania win was ugly, but since a probable win next week solidifies them a spot in the knockout stage, we'll see them against stiff competition.

13.Poland - Luck of the draw I guess. They're not bad, they hung in with Netherlands and beat Brazil. But Sweden beat them with little trouble, and unless they can turn things around, they look to not advance.

14.Serbia - Two good wins Vs Belgium and Czech Republic, led by a solid offense, but they were slaughtered by Russia, 42-14. They can beat good teams, but it won't be with defense or without luck.

15.Switzerland - Managed to put up a decent amount of points on the Canadians, but their defense was a train wreck. They did manage to complete a miraculous comeback Vs the Spaniards though, overcoming a 24 points deficit they incurred in the first quarter.

16.Norway - They put up a good fight Vs France, forced UK to OT, and narrowly beat Australia. Their games have been closed, but unfortunately for them they've ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard more often that not.

17.Mexico - They gave the "Yanks" quite a scare, and are the only team to post a shutout on a human offense, Ukraine's offense albeit. They've got arguably the best pass defense in the game, and are capable of knocking off some strong teams. Actually I checked on what I said and apparently USA also shut out Ukraine. Whatevs.

18.Belgium - They've got a pretty good offense, but their defense is Swiss cheese. They'll need to pull off some upsets to make the knockout stage, and I just don't think it'll happen despite taking home field advantage Vs the teams they lost to.

19.Romania - Lost to Finland in OT and beat Hungary. Look to be on par with Finland, but they lost to them so that drops their ranking. They should finish 2nd in their group, but I see a 1st round elimination in their future.

20.Brazil - Eh. They're not bad. They're in a tough group, have played tough Vs good opponents, and have lost.

21.Portugal - They beat Slovenia with ease, and proceeded to lose to Austria and not set a line-up Vs Denmark. Not much will come out of their appearance. I imagine they'll go 1-2 down the stretch and will end like they are now - third place.

22.New Zealand - Two 49-35 losses. At least they're consistent. I guess.

23.Australia - They kept it close Vs Norway. Got blown out by UK and France. Their defense is poor, offense decent. Unimpressive as a whole.

24.Spain - Lost to Canada by 17, trailed the entire time. Racked up a 24 points lead Vs the Swiss and blew it. They're down 14 on PD Vs the Swiss, so I guess they have an outside shot at making the knockout stage, but that's about it.

25.Czech Republic - They've got a nice enough offense, but the least they've given up is 42, to Belgium and the Czechs. They gave up 70 to Russia with a human D. Unacceptable D.

26.Slovenia - Got beat down by Portugal, SLAUGHTERED by Denmark, and didn't set a defense Vs Austria. 7-35, 7-52, and 49-105 with the assistance of the relax rule. Not good at all.

27.Ukraine - I get it, you've faced two tough defenses in USA and Mexico. But 0-76 PD? Your starting quarterback is 14-61 for 196 yards, 0 TD's and 4 interceptions. I guess I'll cut them some slack because they were the last team put in, just had to elect a manager and throw together a roster.

28.Hungary - Lost to Finland 38-7. Lost to Romania 35-7. Not much to say except they're terrible.

WEEK 4

1.Russia (Clinched)
2.Netherlands (Clinched)
3.USA (Clinched)
4.France (Clinched)
5.Canada (Clinched)
6.Denmark
7.UK
8.Finland (Clinched)
9.Sweden
10.Italy
11.Austria
12.Poland
13.Germany
14.Serbia
15.New Zealand
16.Switzerland
17.Romania
18.Portugal
19.Mexico
20.Norway
21.Belgium
22.Brazil (Eliminated)
23.Australia (Eliminated)
24.Spain
25.Hungary
26.Ukraine
27.Czech Republic (Eliminated)
28.Slovenia (Eliminated)Last edited on 2010-10-03 at 1:50

russia ahead of the US? traitor.

jespernohr wrote: A lot can still change though

You wish

my dear friend you are....
WRONG
I refuse to face your truth ))

MasterMark wrote: jespernohr wrote: Scrooge McDuck wrote: jespernohr wrote: A lot can still change though You wish I am not the manager, so not really bothered about it. With that said, does it really matter? Two teams promote, so no matter what happens in the next match (the match that will show who have the stronger side), both Austria and Denmark will qualify for the World Cup after 6 matches. one could argue that part of a good successful team is making sure to have a legal formation. therfore, whoever is first after 6 weeks is the best team of the division

No not the best team. The most active/remembering/observant manager the best team isn't found until after the final of the World Cup

But if it makes you happy and feel all high and mighty then let's call you the best manager...