ELF: Playoff races heat up as Week 10 kicks off
As week 10 of the 2024 European League of Football comes around, the playoff race is shaping up.
Here is a look at the eight matchups of the weekend.
Fehervar Enthroners (2-6) @ Wroclaw Panthers (3-5)
The 3-5 Wroclaw Panthers host the 2-6 Enthroners in an Eastern Conference clash. In a disappointing season, the Panthers have had a lot of turnover in both the roster and coaching staff. We shall see if they can rally together to defeat a beatable opponent.
Prague Lions (0-8) @ Vienna Vikings (9-0)
In a matchup between a winless team and an undefeated team, there should not be too much anticipation for this contest. The Vikings clinched the Eastern Conference title last week, and will look to keep things rolling at home against the lowly Lions.
Stuttgart Surge (7-0) @ Barcelona Dragons (2-6)
The other undefeated team in the league in Stuttgart also faces a weak opponent as they travel to Barcelona to face the Dragons. With all the turmoil the Dragons have faced in recent weeks, let us hope that they can keep this game remotely competitive.
Cologne Centurions (3-4) @ Madrid Bravos (5-2)
After a loss to Paris last weekend, the 5-2 Bravos will look to bounce back at home against a scrappy Centurions squad. Madrid beat Cologne 35-24 back in week 4, so the Centurions will look for revenge as they try to stay alive in the playoff race.
Paris Musketeers (6-1) @ Rhein Fire (8-1)
In undoubtedly the game of the week, the 6-1 Musketeers travel to Duisburg to face to 8-1 Fire. The Musketeers’ only loss came at the hands of the Fire at home in week 4, so they will look to avenge that on Sunday. Whoever wins this game will likely end up as champions of the Western conference.
Milano Seamen (3-5) @ Munich Ravens (4-3)
The Munich Ravens square off against the Milano Seamen for the second time this season. Last time, Munich trounced Milano on the road, winning 47-7. As they look to keep pace in the playoff race, expect Munich to have a big game on Sunday.
Helvetic Mercenaries (1-7) @ Raiders Tirol (5-3)
Like Munich, the Raiders are another team needing a win against a weak opponent to stay in the playoff hunt. They defeated the 1-7 Mercenaries 33-10 in week 5, and will look to win by an even greater margin this time around at home.
Frankfurt Galaxy (2-5) @ Hamburg Sea Devils (2-5)
While these teams have been two of the most successful teams in the brief history of the ELF, they sit together in the Western Conference basement at 2-5 this season. Frankfurt has lost 3 in a row and Hamburg has lost 4 in a row, so something has to give in this Sunday afternoon matchup.
