Mexico: Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional heads into pivotal 3rd week of action
Week 3 of the Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional is shaping up to be the most interesting week of the 2023 season thus far. It is chock full of intriguing matchups, storylines and rematches. The red hot Reyes host the Mexicas, while Caudillos and Reds could have a Tazón México VI preview. The Dinos-Jefes and Galgos-Raptors games will show who the contenders are while the Fundidores host the Gallos Negros in a Tazón México V rematch.
Saturday, March 18
Reyes de Jalisco (2-0) vs. Mexicas CDMX (1-1)
This is an important game to see if these teams are real contenders or if they are in danger of missing the playoffs. Last season, the Reyes were clobbered on the road against the Mexicas thanks to offensive rookie of the year, Ruben Zendejas. This year, the tables have turned, Jalisco is 2-0 to start the season, with big wins against the Gallos Negros and the Raptors. The Mexicas meanwhile, lost to the Galgos in week 1, and in week 2, they won in the winding seconds against a Gallos Negros team that did not score any points on offense against the Reyes in the first week of the season.
Caudillos de Chihuahua (2-0) vs. Reds CDMX (2-0)
Forget matchup of the week, this could be the matchup of the season. The top two seeds so far, the Caudillos and the Reds were castoffs from the now-folded FAM and in their first season in the LFA, look to be priming for a face-off in Tazón México VI. The Caudillos followed a close game against former FAM rival, the Jefes with a 51-16 clobbering against the Galgos. The Reds meanwhile have run an LFA record 539 rushing yards from their top two running backs, Denzel Strong and Joshua Mack, blowing through both the Fundidores and the Dinos.
Dinos de Saltillo (1-1) vs. Jefes de Ciudad Juárez (0-2)
Two weeks in, and neither team is having the start they would’ve wanted. The Dinos were competitive and won against the rival Raptors in their first matchup, but then followed that up by getting thrashed by the Reds. They hope they will have better luck against the Jefes, a team that has been competitive against championship contenders in the Caudillos and the Fundidores, but failed to get the job done against either of them.
Sunday, March 19
Galgos de Tijuana (1-1) vs. Raptors Valle de México (0-2)
Just like the last matchup, neither team is having the start they were wanting before the season began. The Galgos won their first game to start the season, beating the Mexicas. However, the next week, they reverted back to their old ways, getting destroyed by the Caudillos. The Raptors meanwhile, are 0-2 for the first time since 2016 after losses to the Dinos and Reyes, they need this road win to try and keep their playoff streak alive.
Fundidores de Monterrey (1-1) vs. Gallos Negros de Querétaro (0-2)
Last season, this was the matchup of Tazón México V, which had the Fundidores pulling away with an 18-14 victory. This season, neither has yet to find their true footing. Monterrey allowed 31 unanswered points to the Reds after being up 15-0, followed by a very close win against an 0-2 Jefes team. The Gallos Negros on the other hand are 0-2 and both of their losses were bad. In their opening game against the Reyes, their only points came on defense. As for their week 2 game against the Mexicas, they were up 14-3 before blowing the lead late by giving up a touchdown, and having a field goal attempt blocked with less than a minute to go.
