Week 7 AAF Preview and Picks!

Oof. It was a rough weekend for me. I went 1-3 in my picks, thanks to some unlikely events (weird end of game penalties and 50+ yard field goals getting kicked) and my own foolishness (faith in Aaron Murray). I am doing better this weekend. Count on that.



(5-1)VS.(2-4)


The last time these two met, It was all Apollos. Orlando dominated from start to finish, winning 40-6. Atlanta seemed to be on the way up after starting Aaron Murray. But Murray struggled mightily against the Commanders, throwing three interceptions, one of which was returned for six points. This bodes well for the Apollos, who are third in the league in interceptions with seven, should be poised to pick off Murray multiple times. 

Speaking of poise, the Apollos lost theirs last weekend against the Hotshots. I knew Arizona was capable of knocking off Orlando, I just didn't think they would. Orlando was plagued by penalties at the worst possible time, and even had one player ejected for throwing a punch. 

Bottom Line: I look for the Apollos to bounce back this weekend. I don't think it will be a blowout like week 1 was, but I do think they pull off the win and clinch a playoff spot. Atlanta has scored 20 points or more only one time this season, and I don't think they will in this one either. 

Prediction: Apollos 27, Legends 15


(4-2) VS.(2-4)


San Antonio has been on a tear lately. The Commanders have won three in a row on their way to sole possession of first place in the Western Conference. This weekend will be the first time they have played at home in three weeks, so expect record attendance for this game. 

Salt Lake is a true mystery team. The Stallions rank last in passing defense, and first in rushing defense. Sometimes they look dominant, and then they turn the ball over on the next play. In fact, Salt Lake is 7th in the league in turnover margin at -11. 


Bottom Line: Turnovers will decide this game. San Antonio is first in turnover margin at +11, including 13 interceptions! Salt Lake QB Josh Woodrum has thrown 5 interceptions this season. Pair that with a San Antonio home game, and a recipe for disaster is brewing for the Stallions. 

Prediction: Commanders 25, Stallions 18


(3-3) VS.  (3-3)


This is most certainly the most difficult pick of the weekend. It may also be the game that impacts the West more than any other, as the winner of this one holds the tiebreaker over the loser, at least until they play again. The Hotshots are coming off a huge win against Orlando. The Fleet are coming off of a crushing last second defeat against Birmingham. The teams are 4th and 5th in my power rankings. 

Things to consider here: The Hotshots have been an up and down team, typically having a good game followed by a bad game. This week could certainly qualify as a bad game, especially after coming down off of the high of the Orlando victory. However, San Diego has never won a road game, so that could also play a factor in this game. 

Bottom Line: I am anticipating Arizona to come out a little flat after last weekend. I think San Diego will be pumped up for this game, after their close loss at home last week. I look for Kameron Kelly and the Fleet defense to turn over Arizona, leading to a Fleet victory. 

Prediction: Fleet 24, Hotshots 22

(1-5) VS. (4-2)


The addition of Johnny Manziel to the Memphis Express changes this game from a period to a question mark. At least, in theory it does. The Express could reinvent themselves this weekend, go on a run, and finish 5-5. The main issue with this thought is this: Memphis currently ranks 8th in run defense (yards per game) and 6th in pass defense (yards per game). They are facing a Birmingham team that has figured out how to throw the ball, and still has the number one defense in the AAF (points allowed). I'm not sure that Manziel will be able to be that much of a factor in this game, with only one week of practice. 

Bottom Line: The Iron can smell the playoffs. After losing two in a row, they righted the ship in San Diego. They get their 5th win of the season here. 

Prediction: Iron 21, Express 15








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