The second half of Week 6 features two crucial matchups in the thick of the playoff race. All four teams playing on Sunday in the AAF sit between 2-3 and 3-2. These games could determine who takes control of the West and who steps up to second in the East. There’s still a lot of football to be played, but this week begins the stretch run in the AAF. Teams will start to emerge as contenders and others will fall out of the playoff conversation. Atlanta tries to stay hot at home against San Antonio. Then, the Iron and Fleet try to stay above .500 and grab that elusive fourth win. These games could have a major impact on the rest of the season.
San Antonio Commanders (3-2) at Atlanta Legends (2-3)
The Legends were widely regarded as the worst team in the league after the first three weeks. However, they have pulled out two close wins in a row and now are just a game out of a playoff spot. They can make up that game with another big win at home over San Antonio. The Commanders have also won two straight and can possibly vault themselves into first in the West with a win. Both teams have a ton to play for and will be fighting to win their third in a row.
Atlanta has the best defense in the league allowing just under 290 yards per game this season. They will be able to stay hot at home and hold the Commanders offense down. The Legends looked like they were going to struggle through the season after their coaching chaos in the preseason. However, they have gotten into a groove and will find themselves in a playoff spot at the end of the week.
Prediction: Legends 17 Commanders 11
Birmingham Iron (3-2) at San Diego Fleet (3-2)
Despite the loss two weeks ago to Memphis, San Diego has been one of the better teams in the AAF over the past three weeks. Birmingham has not been. The Iron have now lost two in a row after starting undefeated through three weeks. They now are two games back of the Apollos in the East and will struggle to contend for the division title. The Fleet won last week, despite struggles from their quarterback Mike Bercovici who had to start due to injury to starter Philip Nelson.
The Fleet are too good to not pick at home. The Iron benefitted from an easy schedule earlier in the year and now have to face better teams on the road. The Fleet are finally getting into a groove similar to the Legends. They will be able to take complete control of the West with a win this week at 4-2. San Diego is starting to look like a possible contender at the midway point of the season.
Prediction: Fleet 26 Iron 18
