Article:AFL Week 15 Picks

This week’s picks are sponsored by the Ozzie Guillen Bus Company. No room on the bus? No problem! We’ll throw you under it!

In the past few weeks since I’ve been picking AFL games, I’ve done reasonably well. This past week can be described in one word.

WOW! 7-1, the best week I’ve ever had, which makes me for the season 75-34 and there still three weeks left in the season, counting this week. There are some teams that have all but assured themselves of a playoff spot, while some are still fighting to keep their heads above water. Then there are those teams that will be playing golf when the season ends. To those teams, you are on the clock.

Now this week’s games.

New Orleans VooDoo (8-5) at New York Dragons (7-6) - The VooDoo played with a chip on their shoulders last weekend in the Big Easy after their loss to Georgia Memorial Day. Danny Wimprine owned Columbus last week and while 18 for 28 is nothing to sneeze at, he didn’t turn the ball over. New York barely survived a game Colorado squad last week in Denver and needed to capitalize on two Crush turnovers for the win. If anything, the VooDoo will be looking to improve its playoff seeding when the second season rolls around. Going with New Orleans, although New York will give them a battle.

Chicago Rush (10-3) at Cleveland Gladiators (7-6) - Despite having 334 yards in total offense, Chicago had to hold off Kansas City last week at home. The thing that saved the Rush was holding the Brigade to 7 points in the second half. Chicago has to play better if they want to keep the top spot in the playoffs. Cleveland was held to 21 second half points against Dallas last week and need to improve if they want to extend their season. Chicago wins a tough battle in Ohio.

Colorado Crush (4-9) at Grand Rapids Rampage (3-10) - The Crush led New York in every category against New York last week except for one: the final score. This team is not exactly going to the playoffs. Then again, neither is Grand Rapids, who lost to a deceptively good Utah team last week. Crush takes care of Grand Rapids.

Georgia Force (8-4) at Columbus Destroyers (3-10) - Tampa Bay gave Georgia a run for their money before falling short against the Force at Gwinnett Centre last week. Georgia scored 28 points in the final quarter to take the much needed win over their AFC South foes. Georgia is in the driver’s seat, leading the division, which means that they control their own destiny. Columbus turned the ball over 3 times against New Orleans and all but sealed their fate. The Force will make that seal official.

Orlando Predators (8-6) at Tampa Bay Storm (6-7) - Another week nine rematch. This time, it’s on in Tampa, who want to do better than escaping Orlando with a 48-41 win. The Storm was held to 257 yards in total offense last week in the Peach State and want to make the playoffs. Orlando is also coming off a loss from last week’s action and looks to have a huge chip on their shoulders. Revenge match? Better believe it. This time, Orlando comes away with the win.

Philadelphia Soul (10-3) at Dallas Desperados (11-2) - These two meet again. This time, it’s in the backyard of Dallas, who will be looking to avenge a week 9 loss in the City of Brotherly Love. Dallas clinched a playoff spot but will try to right things with the Soul. Dallas had one turnover in their win at Cleveland but that’s one turnover too many. In the first meeting, the Desperados had four turnovers, which basically did them in. Philly was off last week and looks forward to sweeping the season series and make thing miserable for the other team in Big D.

Revenge is a dish best served cold. Hope Dallas has an appetite. Dallas wins this slugfest.

Arizona Rattlers (7-6) at Kansas City Brigade (3-10) - Arizona held Orlando to 13 points in the first half and then held on for dear life against the Predators. Kansas City had one turnover against Chicago last week but that was all the Rush needed to win their matchup last weekend in the Windy City. Arizona takes Kansas City to task.

Los Angeles Avengers (4-9) at Utah Blaze (4-10) - These two teams are going to the golf course when the season ends. However, they still have some business to tend to in Salt Lake City. Both are struggling to find their identities, like Sybill. This game’s on ESPN2, which means that there may be a lot of interest in this contest. Going with the Avengers to take the Blaze close.

Idle - San Jose (9-5)