The fourth Sunday of the AAF features two matchups that don’t look intriguing on paper. Birmingham and Arizona have been two of the top teams in football throughout the early part of the season. On the other side, San Antonio and Atlanta only have one win between the two teams. The AAF looks like it is quickly becoming polarized with a group of good teams and a group of bad teams. Can one of the teams lower in the standings close the gap in Week 4? Sunday gives them a chance.
San Antonio Commanders (1-2) at Birmingham Iron (3-0)
San Antonio barely snuck out a win at home in Week 1 against San Diego and hasn’t won since. Last week, they were embarrassed by that same Fleet team in a 31-11 loss. Now, they have to turn around and face one of the hottest teams in the league. Birmingham is one of the two undefeated teams remaining in the league and beat up on the struggling Legends last week. Trent Richardson had three touchdowns and is establishing himself as one of the better short-yardage backs in the game. Birmingham may not be as flashy as the undefeated Apollos, but they have gotten the job done.
They will continue that trend in Week 4. The Commanders haven’t been terrible this season, but they haven’t done much to inspire trust that they will win on the road in Birmingham. The Iron is hot and they will continue to dominate on their home field. San Antonio will keep it close early, but Birmingham will pull away in the second half and stay undefeated almost halfway through the season.
Prediction: Iron 29 Commanders 18
Atlanta Legends (0-3) at Arizona Hotshots (2-1)
This game will most likely not be close. Arizona looked to be in the same category as the Apollos at the top of the league until they fell to Salt Lake last week. However, they still have one of the more talented rosters in the league. Wide receiver Rashad Ross has a connection with quarterback John Wolford and they have made this Hotshots offense go over the first three weeks. The Legends haven’t had anything going all season. They have proven to be the worst team in the AAF early in this inaugural season. The Express are 0-3 as well, but they showed some fight last week against Orlando. Atlanta is struggling mightily and playing the Hotshots isn’t exactly a break for the Legends.
Arizona at home is going to have its way with Atlanta. The Legends’ coaching situation has left them at a disadvantage after head coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Michael Vick left the team. Kevin Coyle is trying to keep the team afloat, but it looks like they are just going to sink. The Hotshots dominate from start to finish in Arizona and prove they are a contender this season.
Prediction: Hotshots 36 Atlanta 12
