Week 7 Picks

Now it’s crunch time. Teams are not separated by much so the last 4 weeks are critical and almost no teams have been eliminated. Boston and NJ look to keep pace with each other in the East while Miami looks to top the Naka-led Sluggers, and SF looks to continue their West division dominance.

And of course, no comment on my picking ability please.

New York Knights vs. Philadelphia Inventors

Given the rating advantage for NY, this should be an easy one for NY – they win 3-1.
Carolina Cobras vs. Dallas Destiny

Dallas is favored on paper and needs a win, while you have to think Carolina scores one of these weeks – heck, the Panthers won this week vs. the hapless Fail to the Skins. I could take the easy way out and pick the favorite, and that’s exactly what I am going to do. Dallas wins a very close one 2.5-1.5.

Boston Blitz vs. Queens Pioneers

Boston has played well since their Ohh-fer and I don’t see them having a problem against Queens who lacks any real advantage on any of the 4 boards. Boston should coast in this one, and stay tied for first in the East. I promise not to make any further references to a certain professional baseball team who laid a huge egg against a city that has Disneyland nearby. Boston wins 3-1.

Baltimore Kingfishers vs. New Jersey Knockouts

A match that has huge playoff implications for both teams. Baltimore really can’t afford to lose this match, while NJ has to feel like Boston is nipping at their heals.  Baltimore goes with the balanced lineup, except it’s not as balanced as it has been. Meanwhile, I expect GM Joel to rebound from his tough loss last week, and GM Boris Gulko, well it’s just criminal he is on board 2, should handle fellow GM Larry Kaufman, especially with the white pieces. Boards 3 and 4 are toss-ups, so NJ should win this one 3-1.

Chicago Blaze vs. Tennessee Tempo

This could be an elimination match for the loser. Funny things can happen in the USCL – and any team can get hot. Because of TN’s double GM lineup, Chicago has to get production from boards 3 and 4, especially from IM Angelo Young, who has yet to lose a game in USCL team play, though John Bick has played fantastic for TN thus far . Board 4 is a toss-up. Overall, TN is favored and should win, but I think this will be a close match, where Chicago ends up on the short end of the stick. TN wins 3-1.

Seattle Sluggers vs. Miami Sharks

Miami has been playing under the radar thus far, while Seattle is having a great season. If Miami wins, they are tied for first in the West, while Seattle needs to continue winning to hold off San Francisco in the West. Nakamura vs. Becerra should be a treat – Seattle needs this one.  If Naka wins – which he should, Seattle will be tough to stop. I think Seattle wins though I think this match could swing to Miami’s favor just as easily. Call it the NAKA Factor – Seattle wins 2.5-1.5.

Arizona Scorpions vs. San Francisco Mechanics

Let’s see – I picked against them last time (though I really didnt). Lets try sort of picking them again – ok thats dumb.  AZ wins.