Well the regular season has finally come to a close and the playoff picture is finally set. Although Psychos and Toin Coss both made an impressive comeback after they both started the season at 2-4, it was Attitude Adjustment squeaking into the playoffs with yet another close victory. Six of Attitude Adjustment's victories were by less than 15 pts and 4 were 5 or less. Joining AA in the playoffs is one of the preseason favorites and consistent #1 Miller Time. MT finished the season at an impressive 11-3 winning their last seven. Tree Huggin' Hippies, although inconsistent at times, had enough heart to put together one season ending run winning their last four to clinch playoffs. Maybe the biggest surprise, however, is that of the mighty expansion team: Rage. Coach Brian Babjack rallied his troops and is ready to make some noise in the playoffs. Let's take a look at some matchups.

#4 Attitude Adjustment @ Miller "Prime" Time

Overall MT-4, AA-1, Even-2

even if AA pulls through in the two ties they will still be down by 1

MT looks forward to next week's fantasy bowl

Attitude Adjustment barely squeaked into the playoffs. While many believe this team should not be here, Miller Time has to be glad AA is here as opposed to TC, Psychos, or JV. AA recently lost Harrison and Odonnell to season ending injuries. Chandler's injury a few weeks ago cost AA their top receiver in Galloway in desperate attempt to get Gannon back. In just a few weeks, AA went from being the only team with 3 top ten WRs to only having one. Conwell is also out for the season, and Cleeland's production has diminished with Kerry Collins at the helm. Freddie Jones will have to step up at TE and add in some points, cuz AA will need all they can get. Davis and Chandler have been the backbone, while free agent pickup Priest Holmes has added some late season excitement. Bettis's slump has lasted 14 weeks and running. A big game will be needed from newly acquired Ismail as he gets his first start this week. Defenses have been solid, but could try to pick it up a little. MT has been awesome this season. Seven straight victories and counting. Riding on Brunell and Young most of the season, MT did not slow down when missing either player. Jamie Martin should solidify the QB's with Brunell out. Picking up Martin may have been the wisest move by Coach Miller as he would be without a QB had he not done so. Jamal Anderson has been outstanding this season. Anderson, Young, and Martin will look to lead MT past AA this week. Owens should hook up for a few TD's vs Detroit and Defenses have been solid, regardless of schedule. While AA has been riding on a cinderella storybook season, it is long past midnight and Miller Time is ready to give AA the inevitable rude awakening.

MT BY 23

#3 Rage @ Tree Huggin Hippies

Overall: THH-3, Rage-2, Even-2

Take your pick both teams have been tough, Rage could pull this out with a strong kicking game.

This game is far more interesting than the other 1st rounder. These teams met only once during the regular season, resulting in a THH victory. Look for Coach Richie Fusinski to exploit any weaknesses on this Rage squad. THH has had remarkable production from Fred Taylor and Brett Favre. Favre is tied for third in the league for overall prduction. Coming on in the latter of the season is Doug Flutie. Flutie for President campaign expected shortly after season's end if he continues this amazing fan support. Playing his magical tune, he has gotten 81 points in limited playing time and has given THH the extra push they have been looking for. Tree's running trio of Taylor, Martin, and Edwards has been as good as any trio in the league. WRs are explosive and could add a plus to intangibles for this game. Wycheck is the 4th (tie) best TE in the league. Defenses have been disappointing at times, but have remained solid enough to put together a few win streaks. Rage has been awesome in the last half of the season, dominating almost every team they have played. Two of the top four defenses reside here in Rageville. Emmitt Smith has been leading the way with with the defense providing the added support. Rage has been awesome despite a few injuries to top players during the regular season. However, a major injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Cris Carter has been listed as questionable forcing Rage to play the rookie Crowell. With Rage's top receiver out, he will need big games from calloway (vs denver), stokes (vs detroit), and crowell (vs niners). Other WR options include: jacquez green and jeff graham. With WR core weakened it will be tough for this scrappy team to pull out a victory. Also missing from the lineup is RB sensation Robert Smith. Rookie Charlie Batch has been impressive though and nothing less is expected out of him this week. Look for Coach Babjack to pump his team up and get ready for a fight to the finish. Should be an outstanding matchup with THH pulling out the close victory by 7.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: Rage

In only their first season, Rage has proved they can hang with the best. After drafting 10th overall, Rage finished week 13 with a 5 game winning streak and went 6-2 over their final eight games. Coach Brian Babjack has been pheonominal in his first season as head coach. Coach Babjack, a 1998 Coach of the Year nominee, and his team have surpassed all expectations for the 1998 season. Coach Babjack is the only playoff team to be missing a top ten league scorer. Seattle's Defense and Emmitt Smith have paved the way for Rage. When teams like AA and MT can rely on Davis, Chandler, Young, or Brunell to pull out tough games, Coach Babjack has relied on overall team contribution. It is great to see an expansion team get into the palyoffs and gain some valuable experience to help the league grow and promote competition, but is coach Brian and his team having fun? Well, i had a chance to interview him earlier in the season on coach's corner (Oct 14 issue), and i think one of his quotes says it all: "Well, what can I say? Four months ago I barely new what fantasy football was. Now, I am a crazed nut trying to get my hands on anything related to football." Good luck to Coach Brian Babjack and his team in the playoffs.

NOTE: Check here tomorrow for special edition FIT tourney coverage and matchups

Once again these are my opinions and do not necessarily represent or intend to represent the opinions of the entire league.

Special Thanks:
Coach Brian - Coach's Corner Guest Comments (Oct 14 issue)
Rich Fusinski - Web Publisher

Good Luck to all Teams and Coaches in round 1 of the fantasy playoffs

Coach Vince Levigne
Attitude Adjustment