League of Legends LCS power rankings – Week 8
By Josh Tyler
5. OpTic (8-8)
OpTic could have basically solidified their spot in the playoffs by taking that game off Golden Guardians, but now they’re in desperation mode. With two games left against two of the top three teams, it seems quite likely that OpTic will end the season with an 8-10 record. Of the teams they would end the season tied with at that record (Clutch, 100 Thieves, and Golden Guardians), they split all their series against those teams and thus would require a tiebreaker.
Remaining Schedule: CLG/Cloud9
Remaining Strength of Schedule: F
4. TSM (9-7)
Even though TSM is all but assured a playoff spot (if they win either game they are in, as they own the tiebreaker over both Clutch and Golden Guardians thanks going 2-0 on the split) last week’s 1-1 split was not a cause for concern. TSM struggled to beat Echo Fox and lost to 100 Thieves, continuing a several-week slide of poor play and lack of coordination. At this point, saying that they’ll win the game they should against FlyQuest isn’t a sure bet.
Remaining Schedule: FlyQuest/Liquid
Remaining Strength of Schedule: C
3. Cloud9 (10-6)
Most would not be surprised that Cloud9 went 1-1 last weekend, but losing to FlyQuest and beating Liquid was certainly not what most fans would have expected. C9 is right back in the thick of the fight for a playoff bye as a result, but they’re going to be facing two teams that might be first round opponents if they don’t snag the bye.
Remaining Schedule: Golden Guardians/OpTic
Remaining Strength of Schedule: C
2. CLG (11-5)
CLG is currently sitting pretty, holding a game over C9 for that second bye. They are also going to be facing some desperate teams this week, but they certainly seem to have all the momentum and a head start going for second place.
Remaining Schedule: OpTic/100 Thieves
Remaining Strength of Schedule: B
1. Team Liquid (12-4)
Incredibly, Liquid is actually still not (technically) guaranteed that first seed or a first-round bye. They can still be caught by C9 or CLG and would have to play either team in a tiebreaker game should they end the season with the same record. Luckily, they’re getting two easy games against the worst team in the LCS and a chance to fully-eliminate a slumping TSM.
Remaining Schedule: Echo Fox/TSM
Remaining Strength of Schedule: A