As we approach Week 4 of the PLL season, fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting matchups on the schedule. Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for the teams involved. Here are my predictions for this weekend’s games.
New York Atlas (17) vs Maryland Whipsnakes (10)
No one is stopping the Atlas this season. Although the numbers are slightly skewed because the Atlas have played one more game than half the league, their 71 points with a +19 score differential speak volumes about their offensive production. The Atlas are a freight train right now, looking to continue their undefeated start to the season. On the other hand, the Whipsnakes currently hold a 1-2 record with an average point total compared to the rest of the PLL. They could definitely sneak some points past the Atlas’ rocky defense, which has allowed the most goals in the league. However, the Whipsnakes’ defense has absolutely zero chance of containing the Atlas. Expect the Atlas to put on a clinic. This game might not be very enjoyable outside of some highlight-reel goals from the Atlas.
Boston Cannons (11) vs Utah Archers (12)
This is probably the second most intriguing game of the weekend. The Cannons and Archers appear to be virtually identical on paper, hosting similar score differentials on both sides of the ball. The Archers’ high-flying offense is still looking to shake off that loss to the Outlaws. This game will really show how big of a fluke that game was. The Cannons will give the Archers’ defense a real test. Archers fans should be a little nervous considering what Brennan O’Neill did to them, on top of letting the Waterdogs come back in their Week 1 matchup, blowing a massive lead. The good news is this is an Eastern team vs a Western team, so playoffs won’t have that much of an impact. Overall, I think the Archers are still too good and will come out on top in this one, but it will be close.
California Redwoods (13) vs Denver Outlaws (10)
Arguably, the two worst teams in the league showdown with one another. I am not buying that the Waterdogs’ record of 0-3 puts them in this category just yet. Both the Redwoods and Outlaws are still very much looking to find their identities this year. They have both had some change-ups in terms of roster makeup, and we just haven’t had a good enough sample size to get a solid gauge. I’m fairly confident in what we will see from the Redwoods, but the Outlaws remain a question mark. O’Neill cannot carry this team for the entire season, and that defense just needs to make more stops, which they were able to do in the latter half of their game against the Archers. I have no faith in the Outlaws, and I see the Redwoods walking away with this one.
Philadelphia Waterdogs (16) vs Carolina Chaos (13)
This might be my hot take of the PLL weekend, but this is the game the Waterdogs turn it around. The Chaos have been very impressive to start the season, which is a compliment to Andy Towers for really understanding how to get his teams to click on a yearly basis despite some roster changes. The Waterdogs have struggled to start the year, as I have discussed previously, but they are so close to reaching their potential. A couple of unfortunate losses will not determine this team’s season, and I have full confidence that this game against the Chaos is going to turn their season around.
