ELF: 2024 regular season comes to an end in Week 14
The last week of the 2024 European League of Football regular season has come. For many teams, this will either be their last game of the year or a tune-up game for the playoffs. But there are a couple of matchups with significant playoff implications.
Saturday, August 24
Cologne Centurions (5-6) @ Fehervar Enthroners (2-9)
Playing in a tough Western Conference, the Centurions have put together a respectable campaign this year, as they come into this game at 5-6. They could move to .500 on the season with a win in Hungary, as they face a 2-9 Enthroners team who will want to earn one more victory at home this year.
Madrid Bravos (7-4) @ Hamburg Sea Devils (2-9)
In the ELF’s first game in Croatia, the 7-4 Bravos face the 2-9 Sea Devils. The expansion Bravos started the season hot, but have cooled down since and currently sit on the outside of the playoff picture. To make the playoffs, they need a win on Saturday and the Ravens to beat the Raiders. Madrid’s win is likely, so they will have to hope for the best in the other game.
Stuttgart Surge (10-1) @ Helvetic Mercenaries (1-10)
At 10-1, the Surge have had a great season, but currently sit at the 3rd seed in the ELF playoff picture, which means they would not have a first round bye. So they still have something to play for on Saturday against a 1-10 Mercenaries squad, which means they should put this game out of reach early.
Barcelona Dragons (2-9) @ Milano Seamen (3-8)
The Barcelona Dragons’ turbulent season will mercifully come to an end following this game in Milan. After suffering several major blowouts in recent weeks, they face an easier test this week against the 3-8 Seamen. As this could be the last game in the ELF for both sides, the teams will surely play hard on Saturday night.
Sunday, August 25
Paris Musketeers (9-2) @ Frankfurt Galaxy (4-7)
The 4-7 Galaxy will cap off their disappointing campaign with a tough matchup at home against the 9-2 Musketeers. Both teams had playoff expectations coming into the season, but only Paris has realized their potential. They will look to clinch a home playoff game with a victory on Sunday.
Wroclaw Panthers (5-6) @ Prague Lions (1-10)
The Panthers are another team who disappointed after having high hopes coming into the season. They had a nice blowout victory over Frankfurt in their home finale last week, and will try to get one more win to close the season against the 1-10 Lions in Prague.
Raiders Tirol (8-3) @ Munich Ravens (8-3)
The most important game of the weekend is saved for last. The Ravens and Raiders both sit at 8-3 and are two of three teams (along with Madrid) who are vying for the last two playoff spots. Thanks to a weak schedule and a points differential tiebreaker, Munich has already essentially clinched a playoff spot, and will most likely make the playoffs even if they were to lose this game. For Tirol, their situation is simple. If they win, they will be in. If they lose, they are likely out, as Madrid is expected to beat Hamburg and would likely have the advantage over Tirol in the tiebreaker.
