#1 - malicious activity
If they actually play all the way through the season (which would be a first for most of these players), I don't see how this team wouldn't win open. Would love to be proven wrong.
#2 - The Westbrook Effect
Second place would belong to No Johns, except for one glaring issue - Westbrook Effect has rolled them for 4 or 5 scrims in a row. It's hard to tell if they belong at this high of a rank since their week 1 matches weren't against the toughest opponents, but they are definitely an excellent team.
#3 - No Johns
A favourite among many to win open, especially after picking up medic cookiejake this week. Superstar scout demoted absolutely went off in their match against Cant Predict Stupid, and it's expected he continues to do so all season.
#4 - Egg Salad Dressing
Narrowly beating out Not Around Bears during golden cap in the most exciting match of week 1 gives Egg Salad Dressing the higher spot in the rankings. One of the most consistently good teams in open this season.
#5 - Not Around Bears
A close loss to one of the best teams this week doesn't affect their playoff chances at all, and as they become more adjusted to playing with new scout Saturn they should only get better.
#6 - Ie Sparkle Gang black
I admittedly underestimated this team initially, but they have proven they are thirsty for wins and more than capable of getting them. Notably spanked kuwumbu jungle 2 in a fast 5-0.
#7 - Bote 6v6
So far at least they seem to be putting enough time into 6s to do well, beating Cant Predict Stupid comfortably in week 1. If they don't get too distracted by their highlander team they should be able to make playoffs. Pocket Brick still seems slightly lost in the format, but I expect his more experienced teammates to turn that around in due time.
#8 - Hurricane Watch
They've been putting in lots of work and it shows. They might be overly ambitious in trying to get RainofLight to comm and/or get off sniper occasionally, but I will be very surprised if they don't make playoffs and maybe even get a win or two in the postseason.
#9 - WuT dUdE
Beating Lolipoppers and losing to Egg Salad Dressing shows that WuT dUdE belongs somewhere in the middle of top 16 for now. I believe they have lots of potential once they start showing more teamwork.
#10 - The Lolipoppers
Ex-invite scout Br0nze hasn't carried as hard as I expected so far, but they are still a solid team and after picking up Space Ghost on scout they might find themselves moving up in the rankings.
#11 - Cant Predict Stupid
Their DM skill and experience hasn't managed to translate into wins yet, but given the difficulty of their week 1 opponents I still anticipate them going far this season. Taking rounds off No Johns is a good sign, at least.
#12 - Shutup Mom im Bowflexing
Granted they are still underwhelming in scrims, but 2 seemingly effortless 5-0 victories in week 1, including massive performances from demoman fdwdo, shows that they are rapidly improving. Maincaller Dr Shdwpuppet allegedly yells at Dreamboat a lot, which can't hurt. He seems determined to whip them all into shape.
#13 - kuwumbu jungle 2
Given the talent on their roster, this is one team that hasn't performed up to expectations so far. They still need to find a permanent pocket soldier, and perhaps once their roster stabilizes things will improve for them.
#14 - Milters
As they become more consistent, Milters are beating some excellent teams in scrims and showing a lot of promise. Depending on their schedule they definitely have a good shot at playoffs; so far on track for an easy 4-0 start to the season without dropping a round.
#15 - Bearly Getting By
Another group that is difficult to place, as they sometimes beat top teams and sometimes lose to worse teams. They have 2 tough metalworks matches coming up next week, but will be looking to take multiple rounds at least.
#16 - Every Villain Is Lemons
Squeaking out 2 close victories over Cool Club and ChibiBoutique earns EVIL the highly-coveted 16th spot. Faust and Troopo in particular have had an excellent start to the season; let's hope it carries on and nets them a playoff seed.
Just outside top 16:
Cool Club, ChibiBoutique ESPORTS, Bob-omb Squad
Some upcoming matches to watch:
The Lolipoppers VS Bearly Getting By
The Westbrook Effect VS kuwumbu jungle 2
Bote 6v6 VS Shutup Mom im Bowflexing
malicious activity VS Ie Sparkle Gang black
I pred for malicious activity to die by week 6.
ReplyDeleteI still think everyone is underestimating EVIL as well.
I think you're right about both points (and there are a couple other teams at risk of dying), but I don't really want to factor that into my posts. EVIL definitely has a lot of potential to shoot up the rankings (as do several others I currently have around the 10-20 slots)
Delete