Post by alecs on Aug 22, 2021 8:44:01 GMT -8
The 8-team field is set for the IFL Playoffs! Gonna be an exciting few weeks as we see who can ride a 3-game win streak en route to hoisting the United Bowl Trophy in September. Here's my picks for next weekend's first-round games:
#8 Sioux Falls @ #1 Arizona:
Pick: Rattlers 56-35
Worth noting that Sioux Falls is responsible for one of Arizona's two losses in the regular season, but that game was within the friendly confines of South Dakota (and very early in the season). No need to overthink this one - the better team should win pretty convincingly. Also a rematch of the 2019 United Bowl, which Sioux Falls won 56-33.
#7 Bismarck @ #2 Massachusetts:
Pick: Pirates 50-34
My hometown Pirates, despite their history of regular season success, have yet to win a playoff game in their franchise history. That win should come against the Bucks, who they defeated twice in the regular season. Alejandro Bennifield has enjoyed an MVP-like season since coming off the bench in Week 1 following Sean Brackett's injury, and the defense is the best the league has to offer at the moment. It will also be another homecoming for Bucks WR Andre Williams, who played his college ball at nearby Dean College.
#6 Spokane @ #3 Frisco:
Pick: Fighters 40-33
This game is so tough to pick, mainly because it depends on Spokane's injury situation. From what I can tell, the Shock should be getting RB Davonte Sapp-Lynch back, which will certainly help their cause. No word yet on who will be behind center, but if Charles McCollum or even Blake Sims can suit up, Spokane could have a fighting chance to pull off the upset. I think Frisco does just enough to eke out a victory at home, though, despite their own struggles at the QB spot. Frisco won both regular season meetings this year.
#5 Duke City @ #4 Iowa:
Pick: Gladiators 52-49
There's gotta be an upset somewhere in the first round, and I think this one will be it. Duke City's offense is the highest-flying unit in the league with 52.8 points/gm, and outscoring your opponent is the name of the game. Yes, most of their wins came against NAZ, so the stats may be padded, but you can only play the schedule given to you, and that's precisely what the Gladiators did. It will go down to the wire with this game for sure. Duke City beat Iowa 63-55 in overtime in the regular season.
That would set up Duke City @ Arizona, and Frisco @ Massachusetts in the semifinal rounds. Give me the Rattlers and Pirates in those contests, and the Pirates winning the title in the "Snake Pit"!
Agree? Disagree? Who do you have winning it all?
#8 Sioux Falls @ #1 Arizona:
Pick: Rattlers 56-35
Worth noting that Sioux Falls is responsible for one of Arizona's two losses in the regular season, but that game was within the friendly confines of South Dakota (and very early in the season). No need to overthink this one - the better team should win pretty convincingly. Also a rematch of the 2019 United Bowl, which Sioux Falls won 56-33.
#7 Bismarck @ #2 Massachusetts:
Pick: Pirates 50-34
My hometown Pirates, despite their history of regular season success, have yet to win a playoff game in their franchise history. That win should come against the Bucks, who they defeated twice in the regular season. Alejandro Bennifield has enjoyed an MVP-like season since coming off the bench in Week 1 following Sean Brackett's injury, and the defense is the best the league has to offer at the moment. It will also be another homecoming for Bucks WR Andre Williams, who played his college ball at nearby Dean College.
#6 Spokane @ #3 Frisco:
Pick: Fighters 40-33
This game is so tough to pick, mainly because it depends on Spokane's injury situation. From what I can tell, the Shock should be getting RB Davonte Sapp-Lynch back, which will certainly help their cause. No word yet on who will be behind center, but if Charles McCollum or even Blake Sims can suit up, Spokane could have a fighting chance to pull off the upset. I think Frisco does just enough to eke out a victory at home, though, despite their own struggles at the QB spot. Frisco won both regular season meetings this year.
#5 Duke City @ #4 Iowa:
Pick: Gladiators 52-49
There's gotta be an upset somewhere in the first round, and I think this one will be it. Duke City's offense is the highest-flying unit in the league with 52.8 points/gm, and outscoring your opponent is the name of the game. Yes, most of their wins came against NAZ, so the stats may be padded, but you can only play the schedule given to you, and that's precisely what the Gladiators did. It will go down to the wire with this game for sure. Duke City beat Iowa 63-55 in overtime in the regular season.
That would set up Duke City @ Arizona, and Frisco @ Massachusetts in the semifinal rounds. Give me the Rattlers and Pirates in those contests, and the Pirates winning the title in the "Snake Pit"!
Agree? Disagree? Who do you have winning it all?
Graphic courtesy of David.
