Mexico: Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA) Week 6 Power Rankings – Making Sense of the Middle

The 2022 regular season for Mexico’s Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA) is almost over. Not only have teams been focusing on the playoffs and the respective seedings, but for a couple of teams, a first-round bye could legitimately be in play.

Of the six teams that qualify for the post season, the top two earn an automatic advance to the semifinal round while the teams that finish three to six will battle it out in a wild card round with home field advantage at stake. So, for the teams in the middle of the rankings, the next couple of weeks are crucial. And although they don’t have the same firepower as the top two, they have better constructed rosters than the last two.

1. Dinos de Saltillo (5-0)

Last Week: 1

It looks like that close win against the winless Galgos for the Dinos was merely a fluke as they orchestrated their best victory of the season by far, whipping Jalisco 34-6 to earn a first-round bye. If the 5-0 record thus far and the domination against their opponents doesn’t ensure Javier Adame coach of the year honors, then nothing will.

Thanks to having their first-round bye, after their game against the Raptors this Sunday, Saltillo won’t play again until May 7. Also, with a victory, the Dinos would become the first team in LFA history to finish the regular season undefeated.

2. Fundidores de Monterrey (3-1)

Last Week: 2

After winning a hard-fought brawl against the Raptors, the Fundidores are now virtually guaranteed a playoff berth with a win in any of their final three games. Outside of their first game of the season against the Dinos in Week 2, the Fundidores have been one of the top teams in the league and quarterback Shelton Eppler has been leading the LFA in passing yards, completion percentage and passing touchdowns.

For the Fundidores, they face the Gallos Negros on the road on Sunday. Following that, their final two games will be against the expansion teams, the Galgos and the Reyes, which look favorable on paper for Monterrey.

3. Raptors Naucalpan (2-2)

Last week: 4

Last Sunday, the Raptors, after suffering heartbreak at the hands of the Fundidores, had arguably the most impressive performance by a team in LFA history, handing the Galgos a 40-0 shutout, the largest ever. 

Most notably, quarterback Bruno Marquéz looked like his old MVP self, throwing four touchdowns in the contest.

This Sunday, they face their toughest challenge yet as they are set to host the undefeated Dinos de Saltillo. Perhaps the Raptors can deny the Dinos a perfect season, which would not be unprecedented as both teams have a history of upsetting each other in the playoffs.

4. Mexicas CDMX (2-2)

Last Week: 3

The Mexicas have had a nice rest since their 46-12 dismantling of the Reyes on March 26, but now they have to prepare for the Gallos Negros coming to town. The Mexicas will need to win their next two games in order to be in play for a first-round bye, or at the very least, home field advantage in the quarterfinals.

The Mexicas are at .500 right now and it will be very interesting to see how they will fare in their last two games. Either Héctor Toxqui’s crew will coast through and get to host a game, or they will be viewed as an easy opponent by whoever takes them on April 30.

5. Gallos Negros de Querétaro (1-2)

Last week: 5

Even with their close loss to the Fundidores, it is still difficult to gauge what kind of team the Gallos Negros are. So, putting them in the middle of the pack along with the Raptors and Mexicas, but putting them above the Reyes feels the most right for now.

Fortunately, with the next three weeks all having a Gallos Negros game, we will appropriately get to see what side of the spectrum Querétaro is going to be on. Could they be on the hosting or visiting side of the quarterfinals? We just have to wait and see.

6. Reyes de Jalisco (1-3)

Last Week: 6

Another week for the Reyes results in yet another blowout loss on the road. For a defense that once gave up only the second fewest points, they have now given up a whopping 80 points combined in their last two games.

If there is any positive that could come out of the Reyes so far it would be that they are more than likely going to still make the playoffs as the 6ht seed thanks to their win against the Galgos in Week 3. The only question is that given how poorly the season has gone for them, is it even worth it?

7. Galgos de Tijuana (0-4)

Last Week: 7

So much for moral victories. It really did look like the Galgos figured it out despite losing to the Dinos. But alas, they proceeded to lose 40-0 against the Raptors the following week. No other team has been shut out twice in one season in the LFA before. To add insult to injury, the Galgos haven’t score a touchdown since their Week 1 game against the Gallos Negros in garbage time.

The only positive for the Galgos this season is that they get the largest crowds of any team. While it makes sense considering Tijuana’s proximity with San Diego, it is a very bad look as a team when your only positive has just been your crowd size.