AFI’s Way Too Early ELF Power-Rankings: The Middle of the Pack (10-6)

Earlier this week, AFI’s European League of Football Panel announced the launch of its Way Too Early ELF Power Rankings revealing the spots 17-11.

Now that same panel will take will show which five teams sit within the middle of the rankings placing themselves 10-6.

10.  Wroclaw Panthers

After a mediocre 5-7 season last year, the Panthers brought in a new head coach in longtime college coach Dave Christensen.  With new acquisitions like quarterback Nik Rango, receiver Brenton Martin, and safety Artevius Smith, Wroclaw is seeking to make it back to the postseason.

9. Milano Seamen

Milano Seamen joining the ELF from the Italian Football League, the Seamen might seem to be a bit of a wild card this season.  They have a veteran quarterback in Luke Zahradka, an American who has been playing in Europe since 2014, and with the Seamen since 2017.  In the offseason, Milan brought in one of the top receivers in the league in Jean Constant, who spent last year with the Hamburg Sea Devils.  With a roster full of depth and experience, it would not be a surprise if the Seamen made an immediate impact in their new league.

Check out AFI’s Cover 7 State of Franchise – Milano Seamen Episode Here:

8. Berlin Thunder

The Thunder had a solid season last year at 7-5, but that was not good enough for the team to make the postseason for the first time.  However, they have had a busy offseason and looked to be primed to make a run at the playoffs in 2023.  Berlin will have a new quarterback in Donovan Isom, an American who spent last season in the same city with the Berlin Rebels of the GFL.  He’ll have some talented receivers to throw to in Max Zimmerman, Aaron Jackson, and Robin Wilzeck.  Their hope is that their passing game will put up lots of yards and points, while their running game and defense (led by Kyle Kitchens) will do their part as well.

Check out AFI’s Cover 7 State of Franchise – Berlin Thunder Episode Here:

7. Raiders Tirol

The Raiders made the playoffs last year in their first season in the league, making 2022 a successful year.  Sean Shelton, their quarterback who won the MVP last season, has retired, and the team has replaced him with Christian Strong, a Canadian who spent the past two seasons with the Cologne Crocodiles of the GFL.  The team also brought in receiver Jarvis McClam, an American receiver who has played with Strong for several years.  With a lot of homegrown talent in the mix, the Raiders are looking to have another strong year.

Check out AFI’s Cover 7 State of Franchise – Raiders Tirol Episode Here:

6. Frankfurt Galaxy

After winning the championship in the league’s first season, the team took a step back in 2022 and missed the playoffs.  They are bringing back a lot of their key players from last season, including quarterback Jakeb Sullivan and receivers Reece Horn and Lorenz Regler.  Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to compete in a tough Western Conference which features the Fire, Sea Devils, and Musketeers.

Stay tuned for our next Top Five edition (5-1) of the ELF power rankings coming later this week