Where the data ends and the debate begins.

In addition to contributing to our weekly consensus, I like to provide a brief rationale of why I voted the way that I did.

1. Nashville Kats – (7-1) ↑1
   • The Kats have been remarkably consistent all year, with their only loss coming against Kentucky on a miraculous double-lateral play.
     
2. Albany Firebirds – (8-1) ↓1
   • Albany got outplayed in every aspect this weekend. They can be inconsistent on defense and special teams, but as long as their offense was ticking (which it wasn’t of Friday) it camouflaged those shortcomings. That being said, they are still one of the best teams in the league.
     
3. Minnesota Monsters – (5-3) ↔
   • Played very well but just couldn’t get over that last hurdle against a determined Nashville team.
     
4. Kentucky Barrels – (7-2) ↔
   • In their worst offensive performance of the season, managed to score only 1 point and had 0 yards on offense.
     
5. Michigan Arsenal – (3-6) ↑2
   • BY far the most impressive win of anyone this week. They could be a dark horse team to watch in the playoffs.
     
6. Washington Wolfpack – (4-4) ↓1
   • After a few weeks of playing some really good ball, they seem to have plateaued.
     
7. Beaumont Renegades – (2-5) ↓1
   • Was on a bye.
     
8. Oceanside Bombers – (1-8) ↔
   •  I still contend they’re a pretty good team that plays well, but as Bill Parcells famously said, “You are what your record says you are.”
     
9. Oregon Lightning – (1-8) ↔
   • Has forfeited the rest of the season.

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Playoff projection

1. Albany Firebirds
2. Nashville Kats
3. Kentucky Barrels
4. Minnesota Monsters
5. Washington Wolfpack
6. Beaumont Renegades