A little update, sorry this took a bit longer to make, i changed up my simulation methods a bit, hopefully you’ll like the story a bit more, i cut back on team summaries, 12 of them seemed like a lot. If you prefer them though let me know! I’m still just feeling things out right now. I'm also going to wait to do brackets until the postseason evolves a bit more, a 4 team bracket seems kind of pointless right now. Hope you enjoy! Also, sorry to any Bombers fans, Balu, this might be a bit rough to read.

1960-61 NFA Season:
NFA East:
The biggest surprise out of the east was the explosion of both the Gaels and Pirates. Both won 10+ games for the first time in each of their histories. Both were also led by fantastic QBs. Dougie kept up his good play from last year to help Washington claim the top spot in the NFA. This was the first time a team not named the Zephyrs or Bombers had the league’s best record since the 1954 season. QB Donald McCloud had his best season yet in his young career, leading the league in passing TDs. Neither of them were able to eclipse the MVP however. On top of both teams' fantastic quarterbacks, both teams were on top of defensive rankings. Boston led the way at number one, followed by Washington and Cleveland. DB Stan Hunter would win his second straight MOD and help the Gaels dominate the redzone.
Coming in third were the Rangers. Cleveland finished with the same record as last year. The same problems that held this team back last year pursuited them into this one. A lack of a stellar QB or RB stunted this team when it came across tougher defenses. The defense was as good in years previous, but the team still managed to get outpaced by teams they have no business losing to. Following them were the Hornets and Cannons. QB Addams played great per usual, but failed to carry this team to more than 4 wins. With him on the team still for the time being however, makes them just a few pieces from maybe fighting for a postseason spot. The Cannons on the other hand, they had some miracles this season. At the end of the season, it was clear their roster was the weakest in the East. QB Jim Sandusky failed to recover from his sophomore struggles and the rest of the offense sort of caved in with him. This showed as the team's record progressed through the season. They went 3-3 to start the season, and went 1-5 to end it.
But at the very bottom of the league was Pittsburgh. This is not their fault though as by week 5 they were down 2 QB’s and were trying whoever wanted to at QB. Pittsburgh set a league record in week 12 when they sent out their 5th different starting QB that season to start their game against the Hornets. Outside of that, the defense improved, and what we saw from first string QB Pete Blair before he went down was promising. He made some mistakes, but he seemed to have his head screwed on better since Guido’s rookie season.

NFA West:
Out in the west was a fight down to the wire between the Ox, Bombers, and Zephyrs. Going into week 8 Detroit and Minneapolis stood tied, atop the standings, with Chicago at third place. Week 8 was important for many reasons, it was announced during this week that both the RB’s for Detroit and Chicago had gone down with injuries that would end their seasons. Rookie RB Charlie Rodgers was lighting things up for Detroit, he was the assumed MOR winner half way through the season and had become a key part of this Bomber offense, losing him was a huge hit, since a lack of a RB last year cost Detroit a postseason spot. Chicago was losing former MVP Alfie Raschall. Rashcall has been the best RB in the league for the past few years and unlike with Detroit, an injury that led to much more questions. The Bombers still managed to get 8 wins last year without Rodgers, so it was assumed, while a big loss, they could hold out. Chicago however was in much more danger. Already in 3rd currently, and with Raschall having been carrying more of the load than ever. So as the games continued, it was thought that we might see a Chicago-less postseason for the first time since 1954. Hogg would play his heart out however. As all 3 teams won their week 8 matches, Detroit handed Boston their 2nd loss in an impressive showing without Rodgers. We headed into week 9 where Minneapolis would travel to Washington, the 1 loss Washington. They would end up losing in a close one that would leave the first place spot all up for Detroit. Week 10 was one of the last few dominoes that would decide the season. Detroit played at Minneapolis, while the Zephyrs got off easily against the Tigers. After 4 long, hard fought quarters, Minneapolis would come out on top, making the race for 1sta three way tie. Week 11 was possibly the last domino to decide the season. Detroit hosting Chicago. If Chicago wins this, they stay in the race for the 1 seed, they lose, Detroit stays in. Minneapolis got off easy against the Jacks. After another long game, the Bombers couldn’t bounce back and got bounced by the Zephyrs, who after 3 straight phenomenal games by Hogg, clinched a postseason appearance once again. The last week of the season would decide it all however. Minneapolis had to play at Chicago where as Detroit played the 2 win Whales. It seemed as though Detroit would destroy the Whales going into the game, but the Whales, who’d won their last 2, kept things rolling, and jumped out to an early lead that would prove to be too much for Detroit. Detroit would fumble the last 2 games of the season and go from being the one seed to being out of the postseason in 3 weeks. Now with Detroit out of the race, the Ox vs Zephyrs game didn’t mean as much, Zephyrs would win in convincing fashion, guaranteeing them the opportunity to play the Ox at home again the next week.
Outside of that drama, all the new west coast teams played pretty poorly, a division forming between the far west and more central teams as the Tigers, Jacks, and Whales all tie at 3-9. The Whales rattled 3 straight wins off at the end of the season to keep up, one being the nail in the coffin for the Bombers.

1960-61 NFA Standings:
NFA East:
1.Washington Pirates- 11-1-0 | 0.916
2.Boston Gaels- 10-2-0 | 0.833
3.Cleveland Rangers- 6-6-0 | 0.500
4.Philadelphia Hornets- 4-8-0 | 0.333
5.New York Cannons- 4-8-0 | 0.333
6.Pittsburgh Ironmen- 2-10-0 | 0.166 

NFA West:
1.Chicago Zephyrs- 10-2-0 | 0.833
2.Minneapolis Blue Ox- 9-3-0 | 0.750
3.Detroit Bombers- 8-4-0 | 0.666
4.Los Angeles Tigers- 3-9-0 | 0.250
5.San Francisco Whales- 3-9-0 | 0.250
6.Seattle Lumberjacks- 3-9-0 | 0.250

The Most Valuable Player Award went to QB Scott Hogg of the Chicago Zephyrs.
The Most Outstanding Defender Award went to DB Stan Hunter of the Boston Gaels.
The Most Outstanding Rookie Award went to RB Charley Rodgers of the Detroit Bombers.
The Most Outstanding Coach Award went to Coach Charlie Stacey of the Washington Pirates.

C&C Appreciated! How'd your team do?

You almost had me with Chicago missing the playoffs and then becoming mediocre like every other team playing there. Hopefully they add one for the thumb this time around to cement their dynasty. How much longer will the window be open for the Zephyrs? 

DireBear wrote:

You almost had me with Chicago missing the playoffs and then becoming mediocre like every other team playing there. Hopefully they add one for the thumb this time around to cement their dynasty. How much longer will the window be open for the Zephyrs? 

The window is still very open for Chicago, Hogg and Raschall are only 28, Hogg is just coming off his third MVP year and is looking like the best to play his position yet, and Raschall is looking pretty spry too, he had his most carries this year despite winning the MVP himself just 2 years ago. They've been aided by fall of the Hornets dynasty in the East, having some pretty easy opponents in all of their Champions Bowls. What might cause them some trouble however is the supporting cast to Hogg and Raschall are aging, the core of the defense in particular. That and the rapid expansion of the league leading to more competition will definitely be felt by Chicago in the coming years.

Rugrat wrote:

Not... the best start for Seattle. I'll say it again the Zephyrs are this leagues Patriots

Well, Seattle wasn't poised to have the best record from the start, no expansion team does. But Seattle has the second pick in the draft next year and are projected to take a QB, which, under the guidance of the Jacks coach; Bob Urchin, who coached Elijah Kingston to his best form all the years back, would have great potential, It'll be pretty promising in the Emerald City. 
For Chicago I think the Patriots aren't much of a comparison, the Patriots run is much more impressive, New England had 20 years of success in a 32 team league, Chicago just happened to get good, and thanks to the low amount of teams and lack of a true free agency have been able to build a monster of a team. I'd say the Boston Celtics are a better comparison.
 

Btw, is there any expansion soon? Here are some suggestions for cities
Denver, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Portland (OR), Birmingham to name a few

1960-61 NFA Postseason

Boston Gaels at Washington Pirates
Boston came into this game as an underdog but were punching above their weight to start off this game. QB Donald McCloud outshone Pirates QB “Dougie” for most of the quarter, finding his way down the field to take an early 3-0 lead that the Pirates couldn’t match. Their defense stepped up too, forcing 2 sacks, one that doubled as a safety just on the Pirates first drive. Pirates however, on the ensuing drive would force a fumble and set up shop at midfield towards the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was much more of a level playing field. Pirates started off the drive getting a touchdown 5 plays into it, when RB Jack Dorsey found his way in untouched by any Gaels. The Gaels would retaliate, however, unsuccessfully, as the Pirates managed a stop, highlighted by a big tackle by star ILB Parker Romeo, that would stop Boston’s RB Stevie Parks a yard short. Washington wouldn’t end up doing much however as they would end up having to punt as well. The Gaels would attempt to make a late quarter score. They came down the field as the time ticked off the clock, making a throw to the endzone that would almost be picked off, before calling a timeout that would set up a field goal poised to give them the lead. The kick however, some 48 yards away from the uprights would fall short. The game would go into halftime with the odd score of 5-7, the home Pirates having a small lead over the visiting Gaels.
Coming out of the break Washington RB Carson King was unusually lined up to receive the second half kickoff. This would pay off in the teams favor however as he would end the return in the endzone after a stunning 70-something yard return to give the Pirates a 14-5 lead. Boston would finally break into the endzone on the subsequent drive, when McCloud found TE Percy Quinte on the goal line, diving in for 7 after the 9 yard reception. Both teams would then exchange short drives that ended in punts as the quarter came to rest.
With the Gaels punting to start the quarter, and the Pirates up 12-14, all Washington had to do was score and they’d have clinched a ticket to their second straight Champions Bowl. However, the punt receiver botched the catch. The ball would fall through his arms and end up in a pile up that took what felt like years to pull apart to discover who had possession. After a long couple minutes it was unraveled who had gotten the ball, the Gaels were to have a chance to take the lead early in the quarter, set up deep in Washington territory. It wouldn’t take long as the first play out of scrimmage was RB Stevie Parks finding his way through the Pirates line and ending his run in the endzone. Dougie and crew struggled to fight back. After a couple first downs Washington found themselves facing a crucial third down at midfield. As the ball snapped and the play was set into motion, we saw 3 Gaels overwhelm their blockers and rush Dougie. In a rushed forced through he tossed one to his #1 option, WR Dale English. The throw was tipped by one of the Gaels defenders however, resulting in a pass that was criminally underthrown, flipping through the air before ending in the arms up S John McGee, and being carried all the way back to give Boston a 26-14 lead. The score would remain unchanged and Boston would walk out of Pirates Stadium a victor. The scoreboard bearing the final 26-14 score as fans left their seats defeated and disappointed.
Minneapolis Blue Ox at Chicago Zephyrs
One week after the Blue Ox lost to Chicago to cap off their season, losing the chance to host this very game, Minneapolis traveled back to Barber Field to take on the mighty Zephyrs. Much like Boston in the game before Minneapolis came into Chicago swinging. They managed to take the first drive of the game and turn it into a almost 8 minute run that ended in 7 points. This lead wouldn't last long however as the Zephyrs would turn around and score themselves by the end of the quarter. Hogg was perfect on the drive, completely 7 straight completions, the final one being a short toss to the corner of the end zone, where WR David Rossi brought it in for 7.
The second quarter was very similar to the first, in which the Blue Ox took another drive the distance, stretching out a almost 80 yard drive over 7 minutes. O’Connor would hand it off to RB Perry Plumfield for the 2 yard rushing TD. Now the Zephyrs would retaliate much how they did last time. Hogg only needed 3 throws to get to the redzone, and only one run to get the 7. After two straight first down gaining-11 yard receptions, Hogg launched one deep for rookie WR Wayne Schick, who brought it in as he shoved mid air, drawing the flag pinning the Z-men even deeper in Minneapolis territory. One 13 yard run later by RB Brad Cohn and the Zephyrs had quickly tied this thing up at 14. The Ox still had some time to take the lead, but all hope was lost when a deep ball was intercepted, then kneeled on the change of possession.
As they exited the locker rooms and ran back out on the field, both teams were antsy to get started again. Hogg was still perfect through the game, and he would keep this up, he managed another flawless drive, another 8 straight receptions before finding TE Robert Wilson in the end zone for the 21-14 lead. Hogg was playing a fantastic game, he was an astonishing 18-18 on his passing attempts, he hasn't been sacked, let alone touched more than a couple times. Minneapolis had to find a way to slow him down if they wanted to win this, or match their pace and manage to outrun them. They would do neither of those things as unlike their first two drives this one sputtered out early, DT James Carpenter finding a way to shut down RB Chuck Boston on back to back run attempts when he only needed a yard. The Zephyrs would keep up the heat and make it down the field easily. Hogg would pick up his first incompletion however, ending his phenomenal streak. This wouldn't discourage him, he continued to put his foot on the gas and pick up his 3 TD of the game and put Chicago up 28-14. Minneapolis would receive the ball and get to a third down before the quarter ended, leaving everyone in suspense. 
The fourth quarter would start and everyone's questions would be answered as one again, Minneapolis was brought to a 4th down. They however elected to try to convert the 4th and 3. They lined up and the ball was snapped. O’Connor stepped back looking to his right, the weight of the Ox’s season on his back. The pressure started to flank his right, so he ran left tucking the ball and deciding to take it himself. He saw one defender coming at him from his right, but he saw the line. He's about a yard away as the defender reaches him, but as soon as he braces for a tackle, his receiver comes out of nowhere providing a huge block, opening the field up for O’Connor, who now has a straight shot down the rest of the field. He takes it, he's now 5 yard past the first down line, then 10, and 20, he reaches midfield as his defenders start to catch up with him.  10 yards later he's down, but the crowd is silenced. The Blue Ox would carry this momentum into another 7 bringing the game within a score with time to go. The Blue Ox would even manage to stop the Zephyrs quick enough to leave them some time to score again, but before they knew it the Zephyrs had them on another 4th down that they unfortunately couldn’t convert. One Chicago first down later and the Zephyrs were officially headed back to the Champions Bowl, and the Blue Ox had officially come up short again. The final score was 28-21. The Chicago Zephyrs were set to play the Boston Gaels for the 1960-61 Champions Bowl.


C&C Appreciated, how'd your team do?