What a week in the AAF. The sixth weekend with Alliance football was one for the ages, on and off the field. The Apollos lost their first game in shocking fashion at home against the Hotshots. Arizona saved their season with that win, getting them back to just one game back in the West. Orlando’s loss allowed Birmingham to creep back within one game of the lead in the East. The stretch run is getting hot at the top of the standings and that will continue in Week 7. Two divisional matchups kick off the week on Saturday, including a rematch in the East between two teams looking to bounce back.
Orlando Apollos (5-1) at Atlanta Legends (2-4)
Both of these teams looked like they could be playoff teams after Week 5. The Apollos, obviously, are most likely going to be in the playoffs despite their first loss. However, the Legends lost their fourth game of the season. They had won two games in a row going into last week, but were blown out at home by San Antonio. The Legends aren’t out of the playoff race completely, but it doesn’t look good. They will have to pull of the upset against Orlando this week if they want to stay in the race.
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These teams faced off on opening night of the AAF back in early February and the Apollos won 40-6. This is still the largest margin of victory in AAF history. The second largest loss is also held by the Legends from their game last week when they lost 37-6. The Apollos may not win by 34 this time, but they will still win. Atlanta is better at home, but as we saw last week, good teams will still beat them. Orlando is a very good team and will clinch a winning season on Saturday.
Prediction: Apollos 27 Legends 16
Salt Lake Stallions (2-4) at San Antonio Commanders (4-2)
The Commanders have won three straight and are emerging as title contenders from the West. They currently hold a one game lead over the Hotshots and Fleet in the division with Salt Lake sitting two games back. This game could even out that division and give every team a chance to win out West at the end of the season. However, it won’t be that easy for the Stallions to knock off the Commanders. Salt Lake was 1-4 before beating up on the Memphis Express, who are currently in the basement of the AAF. The Stallions will have to play a lot better on the road to beat the Commanders.
San Antonio had one bad game against San Diego a few weeks ago. Outside of that, they’ve been one of the more dominant teams in the Alliance. Their only other loss was to Orlando in a shootout. The Commanders have a good chance to take control of the West at home and I expect them to take it. The Stallions haven’t been a great team this year and San Antonio should dominate at home.
Prediction: Commanders 34 Stallions 12
