By Nick Garrett – Isla Sorna Raptors GM
As the fantasy football season draws to a close, the playoff picture has become clear, with the top teams now poised to battle for the championship. After months of meticulous planning, roster adjustments, and calculated decisions, the path to victory is now defined. With the field narrowed down to a select few, the final matchups are set, and the contenders have emerged. This year’s playoffs feature a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, all of whom have earned their spot through consistent performance. With each team’s fate in their hands, the stakes are high, and the outcomes feel less certain than ever. Here’s an in-depth look at the playoff picture and what’s at stake for the teams vying for the title.
Sitting (Mostly) Tight
- Game of Zones (10-3 | Div. 4-1 | Points 1025.02)
With a crucial win, Game of Zones has the chance to claim the coveted #1 seed, cementing their place as the top contender. Their steady performance throughout the season has positioned them for a dominant finish, and securing that top spot would set them up as the team to beat heading into the playoffs. Their stellar WR core of AJ Brown, Garrett Wilson, and Zay Flowers hasn’t been as fiery as of
late, and they’ll continue to have to face the tough decision of starting a shaky Aaron Rodgers or the ‘Could Be Out At Any Moment’ Tua Tagovailoa. One last win though, and this team can relax and wait for their Round 2 opponent while enjoying the bye.
Best Case: #1 Seed, with a win or Cloud 9 loss.
Worst Case: #2 Seed, with a loss and Cloud 9 win. - Cloud 9 (10-3, Div. 3-2, Points 1243.04)
With a little bit of luck and the right outcome elsewhere, Cloud 9 still has a shot at the top spot, making this final game crucial for their playoff positioning and potential championship run. They’ve been consistent and calculated throughout the season, and have proven they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. With potential NFL MVP Lamar Jackson leading the way, Cloud 9 is a force most teams will look to avoid come playoff time.
Best Case: #1 Seed, with a win and Game of Zones loss.
Worst Case: #2 Seed, with a loss or Game of Zones win. - Bruce Almighty (8-5 | Div. 2-3 | Points 1194.58)
Bruce Almighty has secured their division title in the historic FFC South. With a solid, well-rounded roster and no glaring weaknesses, they’ve built a team capable of handling any challenge. Now locked into the playoffs, they’ll face stiffer competition, but their balanced approach and depth make them a formidable threat. It’s a fresh start in the postseason, and with lineup where each and every player could go for 20+ points each week, they’re ready to prove they can go the distance.
Best Case: #3 Seed, with a win or Gandalf the Goat loss.
Worst Case: #4 Seed, with a loss and Gandalf the Goat 9 win. - Gandalf the Goat (7-6 | Div. 4-1 | Points 1206.32)
After a rocky (and lucky) finish to the season, Gandalf the Goat just might barely squeak into the playoffs, and their road ahead looks anything but certain. With inconsistent performances, and too many feast-or-famine players, their playoff spot feels fragile at best. If things don’t turn around quickly, they could be on the outside looking in before long. They will look to their 1-2 punch of Josh Allen and Alvin ‘Super Kamario’ Kamara to lock in their division win, but they haven’t clinched things yet…
Best Case: #3 Seed, with a win and Bruce Almighty loss.
Worst Case: Out of the Playoffs, with a loss and Mahomies’ Deezflated Nuts win by 105 points. - Elk Grove Spartans (8-5 | Div. 5-0 | Points 1083.64)
The Elk Grove Spartans came out of the gates like a juggernaut, dominating the early part of the season and looking like a surefire contender. However, after a dramatic mid-season collapse, they found themselves on the brink of missing the playoffs altogether. Despite their strong start, inconsistency and a series of missteps almost cost them their spot in the postseason. The Spartans performance and top players have mimic’d their NFL counterparts with both Derrick Henry and the Spartan’s 49er Trio having a great start to the season but are now cooling down. Now that they’ve locked themselves into the #5 seed, they’ll need to rediscover the form that made them such a threat earlier in the year if they hope to make a meaningful playoff run.
Best Case: #5 Seed.
Worst Case: #5 Seed. - Pool of the Dead (8-5 | Div. 3-2 | Points 1151.72)
The former champion, Pool of the Dead, have found themselves in a much tougher spot this season, sneaking into the playoffs after a tumultuous stretch. Once dominant, their team has faced numerous challenges and tough competition threatening their chances. Despite the struggles, they’ve somehow managed to secure a postseason berth, and while they might not be the favorites this time around, their championship pedigree and experience make them a team no one will want to face. If Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Joe Mixon can hit their stride, don’t be surprised if they make another deep playoff run.
Best Case: #6 Seed, with a win and outscoring Isla Sorna Raptors OR Isla Sorna Raptors loss.
Worst Case: #7 Seed, with a loss and Isla Sorna Raptors win OR a win and Isla Sorna Raptors win
while being outscored by 0.29 points by the Raptors. - Isla Sorna Raptors (8-5 | Div. 3-2 | Points 1151.44)
The Raptors have fought through one of the toughest divisions this season, where almost every team made it into the post-season, as well as facing relentless competition week after week. But what I feel really set the Raptors apart was the ability to wheel and deal. Never afraid to make bold moves in the trade market, and always looking for ways to improve the roster and stay competitive. Those trade decisions were key in securing a playoff spot, and now, with a team that feels stronger than ever, we’re ready to make a run. It’s crazy to think that in week 14 the only starter from draft day still playing is Jahmyr Gibbs. The hard work and strategy put into this season has paid off… now it’s time to prove we belong at the top.
Best Case: #6 Seed, with a win and Pool of the Dead win while outscoring Pool of the Dead by 0.29
points OR Pool of the Dead loss.
Worst Case: #7 Seed, with a loss and Pool of the Dead win OR a loss and Pool of the Dead loss while
being outscored by Pool of the Dead.
Just Outside - Jedi Knights (7-6 | Div. 1-4 | Points 1057.76)
Despite being a strong divisional rival, the Jedi Knights will fall just short of making the playoffs. Their inability to capitalize on key divisional matchups ultimately held them back. As always, they made every game a fight, but the missed opportunities in those crucial head-to-heads proved to be the difference. It’s a tough way to end the season, but a reminder of just how important those divisional wins can be. - Philippine Garbage Dumps (7-6 | Div. 1-4 | Points 995.36)
Unfortunately, the Garbage Dumps will fall short of making the playoffs, and the lack of key divisional wins ultimately proved costly. In a season where every matchup counted, securing those division victories would have made all the difference.
Still Alive (Technically…) - Mahomies’ Deezflated Nuts (6-7 | Div. 3-2 | Points 1101.54)
Against all odds, the Nuts have a miracle shot at making the playoffs. After a season full of ups and downs, they’re hanging on by a thread, needing everything to go right in the final week. It’s a long shot, but if they can beat Gandalf the Goat in the final game of the year by 105 points then they will claim the FFC East throne.
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