Before getting into it, a quick note. I invite you all to review your scores so far for the year. The IT Nerd and his Excel Wizardry has its limitations, chiefly among them is that the IT Nerd is human and can make mistakes. One of the reasons why I post the scores for each week is so that you all have a chance to review them and ensure they are accurate.

Standings and Fantasy pages have been updated. What a week for the team of Steve/Lochner/Joey. Steve sits atop the leaderboard, Lochner is now the only TBO player with 10 wins and Joey delivered a clutch make-up and regular play win. It should be noted that their 2 point lead is due to Lochner having pre-played his match vs. Jon Carroll for Week 16 and won.

Looking at the standings, the IT Nerd believes there is a clear line of who is still in it and who should start making vacation plans.

 

With those five teams in mind, let’s take a quick glance at the schedule for Week 16 and 17.

 

Lochner already has his win against Jon Carroll in the books as well as the team point for his team. That means, heading into Week 16, his team is actually 1 point down from the leaders. Looking at the top 5 teams and who they have left suggests Week 16 is going to be a week that will separate out a few more teams.

Here’s the IT Nerd’s two cents on what these teams need to do to make sure they are in it come position night:

1) Steve/Lochner/Joe – They are one-sixth of the way there with a convincing Lochner win. The team really needs to not fall into a trap in Week 17 against the last place team of Jack/Burns/Tom.

2) Devin and the Mahars – Sounds like a great band name. If they can deny Pat/Denny/Jeff in Week 16, that will likely eliminate that team from contention. The reality for this team is that they can have a let down, but it needs to be balanced with a strong performance for them to be in it.

3) Hawk/Jon/Zaleski – This is the team that just won’t die. Jon Carroll started the year 0-6-1 with his only tie being a no-show vs. Dale. He then rattles off 8 straight wins until Lochner finally breaks his back Lex Luger style in Week 15. If Hawk and Zaleski can balance out Jon’s loss in Week 16, they still will need either 1) Devin and the Mahars to take a big loss in Week 16 or 17 or 2) Six of seven points in Week 17.

4) Donahue/Denny/Raus – If they don’t take AT LEAST 5 off the leaders in Week 16, they are out. Then they have to come back in Week 17 and likely do the same thing. Tall order, but they control their destiny. This will be the team to watch going down the stretch. Even if they blow it win Week 16, their match in Week 17 will still have some serious implications.

5) Connor/Mongoose Morgan/Paul Daniels – With matchups against two mid-table teams remaining, this team needs to take 6 or 7 in both weeks to have a chance. One five point week and this team could be out of it.