The American Football League of China (AFLC) Storms Into Third Week of Season

American Football League of China (AFLC) Week 3 gets underway this weekend

Shanghai Warriors at Chengdu Pandamen

The Warriors looked sloppy at times against the shorthanded Dockers last week, and Chengdu showed some encouraging signs against the visiting Titans. The Warriors, rated by some as the top team in China, should be able to win comfortably on the road, as Chengdu has yet to see the likes of their high-flying offense.

Don’t be surprised if human highlight reel Stefan Daniels and the Pandamen hang a few touchdowns on the board themselves however. As is normally the case for visiting teams, certain key players may not be able to make the trip for the Warriors due to other commitments, and Chengdu will be looking to capitalize on their absences.

Shanghai Nighthawks at Chongqing Dockers

After enduring a brutal afternoon against the Warriors in steamy Shanghai last week, the Dockers will look to reload at home against another Shanghai foe. The Nighthawks, fresh off a bye after their opening week triumph over the Titans, would seem to have plenty of momentum, as well as fresh legs, coming off their extended period of rest, something the Dockers may lack. The two sides have never met, and the Nighthawks’ punishing ground game should carry them to 2-0 on the season without much difficulty, as Chongqing has no experience facing the double wing offense.

Guangzhou South China Tigers at Hong Kong Combat Orcas

Both teams have never won a game in their short existences, so history will be made no matter which way the game goes. The Tigers, having held the Cobras to 17 points in week 1, are fresh off a bye, and look to have the advantage over the hapless Orcas, who have given up 125 points in their first two games.

The Orcas sporadic offensive output has also been a concern for them, but should spring to life against a weaker opponent. The Tigers should be able take this one in a close game, and move to 1-1 on the season.

Guangzhou Apaches at Hong Kong Cobras

Just when it looked like the Apaches were set to crash the traditional AFLC South hierarchy, the Warhawks made an emphatic statement, besting Guangzhou by 29 points. The Cobras offense also exploded in week 2, as they hung 57 points on the Combat Orcas. The Apaches defense is much tougher, and the two teams’ preseason matchup was a close game, but momentum would seem to be on the side of the Cobras this time around. The Cobras’ suffocating defense should rise to the occasion, and a 3-0 record is certainly within reach.