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With the preseason already kicking off, I will start releasing my team reviews all at the same time!
***DISCLAIMER*** I do this for fun and I express MY opinion based on MY player weights and MY style of play. I'm not trying to insult anyone and if fact really hope my writeups help educate so please don't take anything I say personal.
I'm also not the "greatest ever" or proclaim to be the "GOAT." I have a fair track record of success but my time & energy is put into my write-ups instead of my game planning and building my rosters.
Hopefully, everyone just enjoys this so that's enough explaining! ***DISCLAIMER***
Kansas City 10-6 Indiana 10-6 Vancouver 9-7 Oakland 4-12
VANCOUVER VANDALS OWNER: Lemon97 (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 40,873,568 LAST SEASON: 9-7 (Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 23rd PASS OFFENSE: 9th TOTAL OFFENSE: 10th RUN DEFENSE: 29th PASS DEFENSE: 15th TOTAL DEFENSE: 25th TURNOVER MARGIN: -9
ADDITIONS: QB Michael Shubert (BRO) WR Francis Justice (CAR) 16 rec/103 yds RT Dallas Johnson (SEA) 16 starts RDE Miquel Watkins (MIA) 2 sacks WLB Joseph Solerno (MIA) 80 tac/18 kds/3 int
SUBTRACTIONS: QB John Bennett (VAN) 4,362 yds/29 TD/22 int WR Andrew Flemings (RET) 32 rec/465 yds/2 TD WR Eduardo Thaler (RET) 9 rec/125 yds/2 TD LG William Macklin (NEC) 16 games/16 starts RT Edwin Green (LAC) 15 starts DT Mike Russell (NYE) 2 sacks RDE Royal Valentino (RET) 9 sacks
DRAFT PICKS: 1.25 WR Evan Edge 2.7 FS Andrew Hall 2.9 RT Doug Cumming 2.25 RDE John Jones 3.25 CB Paul Lowe 4.25 DT Travis Romero 5.4 QB Patrick Lunceford 5.18 WLB Wilbur Patrick 5.21 C Gary Seibert 5.25 WR Robert Desantiago 6.4 CB Jeremy Siggers 6.6 LG Dustin Bullock
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they traded their starting QB for a 2nd round pick plus they lost 2 starting OL, their 4th leading receiver and depth at WR from last seasons 10th ranked offense. They signed a veteran QB, a starting OL and a depth WR in early free agency. They drafted 2 WRs in the 1st & 5th rounds, 3 OL in the 2nd, 5th & 6th rounds and took a flyer on a QB in the 5th round who has shown positive signs in training camp and may become an eventual answer in a few seasons.
Defensively, their starting DE retired and they also lost depth at DT from last seasons 25th ranked defense. They signed a starting LB plus signed some depth at DE in early free agency. They drafted 2 DL in the 2nd & 4th rounds, 1 LB in the 5th round and 3 DBs in the 2nd, 3rd & 5th rounds.
PREDICTION: 9-7 This is year 3 under the current owner and after a successful 12-4 division Title in year 1, the team regressed in year 2 falling to 9-7 but still making the postseason as a Wildcard. They decided to trade their QB and amassed 12 draft picks in this year's draft. This team has talent but they also seem to be in transition so the overall record may not show important but the roster is getting younger in the process.
INDIANA FOG OWNER: Mlowe (12th season) UNDER CAP: 149,066,042 LAST SEASON: 8-7-1 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 8th PASS OFFENSE: 28th TOTAL OFFENSE: 22nd RUN DEFENSE: 2nd PASS DEFENSE: 27th TOTAL DEFENSE: 13th TURNOVER MARGIN: -6
ADDITIONS: RB Jean Williams (LAC) 25 yds rush WR Stephen Allen (PHI) 31 yds rush/328 yds rec WR Sterling Harvey (LAC) 158 yds rec/1 TD WR Thomas Muller (SEA) 74 yds rec RG Donald Hubbard (OAK) 2 games CB Robert Ellis (BRO) 7 tack/3 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: QB James Henry (RET) 95 yds/1 int WR Thomas Muller (RET) 20 rec/348 yds/2 TD WR Sergio Eckstein (FA) 7 rec/113 yds WR Paul Clinton (CAR) 3 rec/21 yds FB William Hodge (RET) 156 pb/27 rb DT Clay Beane (RET) - CB William Burns (FA) -
DRAFT PICKS: 1.18 CB John Branch 1.21 WR George Andrade 1.22 WR Louis O'Neill 1.27 WR Phillip Mandell 6.18 LG Timothy Ballard 6.21 MLB James Caldwell 7.18 TE Sanford Rooney 7.20 MLB Luther Heard
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their 3rd leading receiver, a backup QB and depth at FB & WR from last seasons 24th ranked offense. They signed a replacement at WR plus depth at RB, OL & 2 additional WRs in free agency. Indiana got super proactive in the trade market and mortgaged the next 2 drafts in order to accumulate 4 total 1st round picks in this draft. They used 3 of the 4 1st rounders on WRs plus drafted an OL in the 6th and a TE in the 7th round. All 3 WRs flashed in TC and the excitement level in Indiana has reached a fever pitch.
Defensively, they lost depth at DT & DB when 2 players who didn't play departed from last seasons 13th ranked defense. They signed a depth DB in free agency plus drafted a CB in the 1st round who should be a shutdown CB for years to come. They also drafted 2 LBs in the 6th & 7th round to add depth.
PREDICTION: 10-6 The current owner is entering his 12th season as owner and he has made the postseason just once in that time including 7 straight seasons missing the postseason. But that's the past and fans are excited about the aggressive moves they made in the draft to amass 4 1st round picks and all signs point to all 4 1st rounders being key playmakers for the Fog for the next several seasons. The offense finally catches up to the defense which also improved and Indiana wins double digit games for the first time since 2032 and challenge for the Division Title.
KANSAS CITY CHAOS OWNER: McBolt55 (4th season) UNDER CAP: 68,702,461 LAST SEASON: 10-5-1 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 6th PASS OFFENSE: 18th TOTAL OFFENSE: 12th RUN DEFENSE: 20th PASS DEFENSE: 9th TOTAL DEFENSE: 15th TURNOVER MARGIN: -3
ADDITIONS: WR Earnest Rollins (ZEZ) 56 rec/585 yds/2 TD RDE Joshua Whitlock (SPP) 6 sacks RDE Frank Mooney (SPP) 2 sacks CB James Morrison (TBY) 6 tack CB Lemuel Hedgepeth (SPP) 59 tack/21 kd/2 int CB Robert Britton (TOR) - SS David Randolph (PNX) 2 tack FS Aaron Dalton (PHI) 4 tack
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Ronald Turner (HOU) 25 yds rush/39 yds rec LT James Loera (CIN) 13 games/5 starts RDE Carl Simpson (HOU) 7 sacks RDE Herb "Adder" Lee (FA) -
DRAFT PICKS: 4.26 CB Brandon Kinard 5.17 WLB Grady Raff 6.26 LT Ryan Smith 7.26 WR Carl Wyant
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost depth at RB & OL from last seasons 12th ranked offense. They signed a WR who would have been 2nd in receiving for KC last season. They only had 4 later round draft picks and picked an OL in the 6th round and a WR in the 7th round.
Defensively, they lost 2 DEs including 1 starter from last seasons 15th ranked defense. They signed 2 DL & 5 DBs in free agency including a starting DE & starting CB. They also drafted a CB in the 4th round and LB in the 5th round.
PREDICTION: 10-6 This is year 4 for the current owner and KC has won double digit games and made the postseason in the first 3 seasons under his watch. This off-season was relatively quiet as the majority of the starters return and they replaced the few that departed with similar talent while adding to the offense. They should continue their run of making the postseason and winning at least 10 games and will battle Indiana all season for the Division crown.
OAKLAND OUTLAWS OWNER: Mwd65 (4th season) UNDER CAP: 7,965,620 LAST SEASON: 4-12 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 24th PASS OFFENSE: 22nd TOTAL OFFENSE: 26th RUN DEFENSE: 30th PASS DEFENSE: 12th TOTAL DEFENSE: 29th TURNOVER MARGIN: +13
ADDITIONS: FS Albert Dipietro (TEX) 96 tack/4 kd/1 int
SUBTRACTIONS: C Eugene Marshall (TOR) 15 games/0 starts RG Ricky Hicks (RET) 15 games/0 starts RG Donald Hubbard (IND) 2 games SLB Robert Cook (RET) 6 tack/2 sacks/1 kd CB Michael Williams (FA) 21 tackles/4 kd
DRAFT PICKS: 1.6 TE John Cartagena 2.5 RB Eldon Walker 3.7 C Ryan Griffin 4.6 RG Jerome Summers 5.5 RT Billy Cummings 6.7 DT Michael Ferris 7.6 RDE Richard Sousa
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 3 backup OL from last seasons 26th ranked offense. They didn't sign anyone in early free agency but did draft 1 TE in the 1st round, 1 RB in the 2nd round & 3 OL in the 3rd, 4th & 5th rounds.
Defensively, they lost depth at LB & DB from last years 29th ranked defense. They signed a starting FS in early free agency plus they drafted 2 DL in the 6th & 7th rounds.
PREDICTION: 4-12 This is year 4 for the current owner and the francise has missed the postseason in 4 straight seasons after dominating the West Division for the first 2 decades. They continue to rebuild the roster but still find themselves last in the division.
Buffalo 12-4 New York 9-7 New England 6-10 Miami 4-12
BUFFALO SKULL CRUSHERS OWNER: Smirt211 (31st season) UNDER CAP: 4,942,666 LAST SEASON: 14-2 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 18th PASS OFFENSE: 1st TOTAL OFFENSE: 1st RUN DEFENSE: 5th PASS DEFENSE: 21st TOTAL DEFENSE: 9th TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
ADDITIONS: WR Nicolas Brewer (FA) - WR Elijah Diller (ZEZ) 359 yds rush/213 yds rec/2 TD WR Martin Urlacher (WAS) 72 yds rec/1 TD WR Joseph Moore (CIN) 143 yds rush/1,013 yds rec/13 TD RG Jason Lopez (SEA) 17 pb/1 rb K Jason Green (FA) - K Jefferson Davila (FA) - K Thomas Guenther (FA) - CB John McNamara (WAS) 93 tack/27 kd/3 int CB Charles Elsass (CAR) 92 tack/28 kd CB Byron Brown (FA) - SS Dwayne Sargent (BRO) -
SUBTRACTIONS: RB John Love (RET) 26 yds rush/415 yds rec/7 TDs WR Robert Houghton (LAC) 159 yds rec/1 TD LDE James Moore (HOU) 4 tack/1 sack LDE Claurence Isaacs (RET) 3 tack LDE Kevin Wilson (RET) 1 tack RDE Jamaal Dixon (CAR) - CB Juan Hardy (RET) 2 tack K Michael Larson (RET) 9/10 FGs
DRAFT PICKS: 6.24 SLB Robert Feldman 7.10 DT Tyler Ruth 7.24 TE Ramon Hill
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost a depth RB & WR from last seasons #1 offense. They added 3 WRs and 1 OL in free agency plus traded for an aging WR coming off a 1,000 yard receiving season. They drafted a TE in the 7th round but Buffalo hasn't kept a draft pick in years and has no player on their 55 player roster that they originally drafted.
Defensively, they lost 4 DL & 1 DB from last seasons 9th ranked defense but none were starters. They added 4 DBs in free agency including 2 starters plus they drafted a LB & DT who were immediately cut from the roster.
PREDICTION: 12-4 Buffalo has made the postseason for 28 straight seasons and won double digit games in 28 of the 30 seasons while winning the East division the last 14 straight seasons. I see nothing which will prevent them from reaching 29 straight postseasons, 29 double digit win seasons and 15 straight division Titles.
NEW ENGLAND CRUSADERS OWNER: John97334 (25th season) UNDER CAP: -5,894,100 LAST SEASON: 3-13 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 22nd PASS OFFENSE: 30th TOTAL OFFENSE: 29th RUN DEFENSE: 28th PASS DEFENSE: 24th TOTAL DEFENSE: 28th TURNOVER MARGIN: +4
ADDITIONS: LG William Macklin (VAN) 16 games/16 starts
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Blair Yopp (TEX) 338 yds rec/1 TD/1 KO return TD WR Claude Crawford (TBY) 151 yds rush/351 yds rec LDE Nelson Dysart (TOR) 4 sacks
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their 3rd & 4th leading receiver from last seasons 29th ranked offense. They signed a starting LG in free agency plus they drafted a stud RB with the 4th overall pick and an elite speed WR in the 4th round.
Defensively, they lost a DE who had 4 sacks from last seasons 29th ranked defense. They spent no money in early free agency but drafted a DE in the 2nd round and a LB in the 3rd round.
PREDICTION: 6-10 The current owner is entering his 25th season as owner and he is looking to break a 10 season postseason drought. The last 5 seasons have been the roughest in francise history as they have gone a combined 16-64 (.200). The bright side is they drafted a stud RB who will eventually become a beast after he loses enough weight to reach his true potential. I expect the Crusaders will have their best season in the last half dozen seasons as the future looks bright.
NEW YORK EMPIRE OWNER: Amalric7 (1st season) UNDER CAP: 35,592,827 LAST SEASON: 12-4 (Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 11th PASS OFFENSE: 2nd TOTAL OFFENSE: 6th RUN DEFENSE: 15th PASS DEFENSE: 8th TOTAL DEFENSE: 10th TURNOVER MARGIN: +2
ADDITIONS: RG Joshua Wendt (TEX) 15 games/0 starts LDE Daniel Barkley (DAY) 9 sacks DT Tony Jackson (MEM) 2 sacks DT Michael Henderson (TEX) 2 sacks DT Mike Russell (VAN) 2 sacks
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Lamar Bell (PHI) 88 yds rec/1 TD RG Eric Konopka (RET) 15 starts RT Jeffrey Coleman (FA) 15 games/0 starts LDE Steven Tejada (FA) - RDE Thomas Gooch (PNX) 9 sacks MLB Chris Naquin (FA) 88 tack/14 kd CB Ronald Clarkson (RET) 5 tack
DRAFT PICKS: 2.23 C Michael Landry 3.23 QB Paul Mendenhall 4.23 QB David Miller 4.28 C Andy Okeefe 5.23 LG Michael Lyons 6.16 P Daniel Moore 6.23 RT Keith Lopez 6.27 WR Sean Richards 7.17 CB Steven LaFontaine 7.23 RDE Jimmie Mitchell
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 1 depth WR & 2 depth OL from last seasons 6th ranked offense. They signed a backup OL in early free agency plus drafted 4 OL in the 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th round. They also drafted 2 QBs in the 3rd & 4th round and a WR in the 6th round.
Defensively, they lost a starting DE and starting LB plus depth at DE and DB from last seasons 10th ranked defense. They signed a starting DE in early free agency plus signed 3 DTs to add depth. They drafted a DE & CB in the 7th round to add more depth.
PREDICTION: 9-7 New York had back to back postseason appearances the last 2 seasons for the first time since 2018 & 2019 before the owner sold the team to a new owner. The question becomes can the new owner keep the positive momentum going or will New York revert back to the francise that missed the postseason in 25 of 26 seasons?
MIAMI NEMESIS OWNER: Beercloud (1st season) UNDER CAP: 119,065,709 LAST SEASON: 5-11 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 17th PASS OFFENSE: 27th TOTAL OFFENSE: 25th RUN DEFENSE: 22nd PASS DEFENSE: 16th TOTAL DEFENSE: 20th TURNOVER MARGIN: +3
ADDITIONS: FB Alvaro Stewart (FA) - WR Derrick Bergeson (FA) - LG Robert Mathis (HOU) 10 games/0 starts LG John Duncan (TBY) 2 games/0 starts LG Casey Weber (FA) - RG Henry Peterson (BRO) 16 games/0 starts SLB Jeffrey Dominguez (FA) - CB Daryl Gardner (PNX) 13 tack/2 kd SS Leopoldo Worrell (FA) -
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Lester Pierce (FA) 442 yds rush/238 yds rec/1 TD WR Michael Perry (FA) 74 yds rec WR Shane Garcia (FA) 7 yds rec C William Childress (FA) 15 games/13 starts RG Kevin Hall (PIT) 14 games/14 starts RDE Miguel Watkins (VAN) 2 sacks WLB Joseph Solerno (VAN) 80 tack/18 kd/3 int WLB Robert Brooks (FA) - CB Billy Flanagan (FA) 64 tack/28 kd/2 int CB Jonathon Judkins (FA) 42 tack/18 kd/4 int CB Jeremy Miller (DAK) 6 tack FS Charles Holmes (FA) 8 tack/4 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.9 WLB Frank Watson 2.8 RDE George Roberts 3.10 FS Charles Waters 4.9 CB Derrick Roberts 5.8 C Thomas Williams 6.10 WR Samuel Sharma 7.9 MLB Patrick Rodriguez 7.32 TE Joseph Watts
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their 2nd leading rusher plus 2 starting OL from last seasons 25th ranked offense along with 2 depth WRs. They signed 1 FB, 1 WR & 4 OL in free agency but none were starters last season. They also drafted a TE in the 7th round, a WR in the 6th round and an OL in the 5th round.
Defensively, they lost a starting LB and 2 starting CBs from last seasons 20th ranked defense along with depth at DL, LB & 2 DBs. They signed 1 LB & 2 DBs in early free agency as depth players who weren't starters last season. They did draft a stud LB with the 9th overall pick along with a solid DE in the 2nd round plus 2 DBs in the 3rd & 4th rounds.
PREDICTION: 4-12 This is year 2 for the current owner and he put his stamp on the team with his 1st round pick of a stud LB as the team begins the long process of rebuilding a francise that has missed the postseason for 13 straight seasons. The team should improve overall but it might not result in many more wins as the team with need more off-seasons to address all their needs.
Cincinnati 11-5 Houston 10-6 Toronto 9-7 Pittsburgh 9-7
HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS OWNER: Privatesnowflake (19th season) UNDER CAP: 61,594,341 LAST SEASON: 6-10 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 10th PASS OFFENSE: 13th TOTAL OFFENSE: 11th RUN DEFENSE: 9th PASS DEFENSE: 32nd TOTAL DEFENSE: 26th TURNOVER MARGIN: +0
ADDITIONS: RB Ronald Turner (KCY) 25 yds rush/39 yds rec/1 TD FB Edward Connor (TBY) 2 yds rush/25 yds rec WR Eli Bouldin (ZEZ) 17 yds rec LT Roy Lackey (WAS) 14 games/14 starts LG Gary Zimmerman (GCG) 12 games/12 starts C John Mattingly (FA) - C Larry Wilson (BRO) 16 games/16 starts RG Dave Lapham (GCG) 9 games/9 starts RT Anthony Pope (BRO) 14 games/10 starts LDE James Moore (BUF) 1 sack RDE Robert Anders (CIN) 7 sacks RDE Carl Simpson (KCY) 7 sacks CB Kenneth Flores (WAS) 20 tack/3 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Kelvin McMillin (RET) 5 yds rush/11 yds rec LT Roland Westbury (RET) 16 games/12 starts LT Scott Friend (RET) 16 games/0 starts LG Ricardo Perry (GCG) 15 games/6 starts LG Robert Mathis (MIA) 10 games/0 starts C Johnathon Brinkley (FA) 12 games/12 starts C Joseph McCasland (KCY) 12 games/6 starts C Matthew Barrow (FA) 3 games/0 starts RG Frederick Yates (RET) 16 games/7 starts RG Sam Freeman (CAR) 15 games/9 starts RT Carlos Ward (TOR) 5 games/1 starts RDE Peter Grant (DAK) 10 sacks LDE Christopher Howland (CAR) 1 sack LDE Odell Paschke (TEX) 12 sacks LDE Scott Wilson (DAK) 1 sack LDE Shelby Harris (RET) 5 tack DT Randall Meyers (LAC) 8 sacks DT Christopher Williamson (FA) 1 hurry WLB Stanley Shade (FA) 1 kd CB Jon Wright (RET) 15 tack/5 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.13 CB John Barnett 2.12 RG Robert Strother 3.11 LG Gene Perez 5.12 WLB Leon Davis 6.11 DT Max Sloan 7.13 WLB John Machado
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost a depth WR plus 10 OL from last seasons 11th ranked offense. The loses on the offensive line accounted for 53 starts & 120 games. In free agency, they added depth at RB, FB & WR plus they signed 6 OL who has a combined 61 starts & 69 games played. They also drafted 2 OL in the 2nd & 3rd round as they have completely rebuilt the entire unit.
Defensively, they lost a starting DE & DT plus depth at 3 DE, 1 DT & 1 DB from last seasons 26th ranked defense. They signed 3 DEs and 1 CB in free agency including 2 starting DEs. They also drafted a DT in the 6th round, 2 LBs in the 5th & 7th and a CB in the 1st round.
PREDICTION: 10-6 Houston has a down year last season and missed the postseason after making the postseason the 6 previous seasons. In fact, the current owner has made the postseason in 12 of his 18 seasons as owner. They completely rebuilt their offensive line plus addressed their 26th ranked defense with a 1st round CB and 2 DEs signed in free agency. They haven't missed the postseason in consecutive seasons in 17 seasons which was the first 2 seasons of the current owners tenure so I'm expecting a bounce back season from the Roughnecks.
PITTSBURGH BLITZKRIEG OWNER: Warrior462 (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 8,948,265 LAST SEASON: 10-6 (Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 13th PASS OFFENSE: 20th TOTAL OFFENSE: 21st RUN DEFENSE: 23rd PASS DEFENSE: 10th TOTAL DEFENSE: 14th TURNOVER MARGIN: +30
ADDITIONS: LG Stephen Barnes (FA) - RG Michael Branch (FA) - RG Kevin Hall (MIA) 14 games/14 starts WLB Vernon Wilson (DAY) 67 tack/15 kd/7 int CB Jimmy Brooks (DAK) 79 tack/12 kd/1 int
SUBTRACTIONS: QB Alan Wyatt (ATL) - FB Daniel Hughes (TBY) 36 yds rush/55 yds rec/1 TD TE Jeffrey Johnson (TEX) 59 yds rec LG Joe Tuma (RET) 14 games/14 starts MLB Charles Bowman (RET) 41 tack/7 kd/3 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.20 C Terry Swanson 3.22 RDE David Straub 4.21 QB James Spriggs 5.20 WR Maurice Herbert 6.19 RB Randal Thrush 7.22 RB Ruben Simpson
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their starting LG plus backups at QB, FB & TE from last seasons 21st ranked offense. They signed a starting OL plus added 2 depth OL in free agency. They drafted a backup QB in the 4th round, 2 RBs in the 6th & 7th round, a WR in the 5th round and an OL in the 1st round.
Defensively, they lost a part-time starter at LB from last seasons 14th ranked defense. They signed a starting LB & starting CB in free agency plus they drafted a DE on the 3rd round as they improved the strongest unit from last season.
PREDICTION: 9-7 This is the 3rd and final season under the current owner who has publicly stated he will be selling the team after this season. After going 8-8 in year 1, the Blitzkrieg went 10-6 last season and made the postseason as a Wildcard. The team has talent but with Houston having a bounce back season and the AXC North being a traditionally tough division, Pittsburgh may struggle to reach last seasons 10 wins.
TORONTO TITANS OWNER: thanos4real (5th season) UNDER CAP: 11,140,152 LAST SEASON: 8-8 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 14th PASS OFFENSE: 16th TOTAL OFFENSE: 14th RUN DEFENSE: 24th PASS DEFENSE: 11th TOTAL DEFENSE: 17th TURNOVER MARGIN: -3
ADDITIONS: FB Ralph George (FA) - WR Charles Bracewell (WAS) 17 yds rec WR Brian Thompson (FA) - C Eugene Marshall (OAK) 15 games/0 starts RG Patrick Snyder (FA) - RG Mark Green (VBA) 3 games/0 starts RT Carlos Ward (HOU) 5 games/1 start LDE Nelson Dysart (NEC) 4 sacks
SUBTRACTIONS: QB Wilber Williams (FA) 306 yds/1 TD/5 int WR Ivory Stoner (FA) 300 yds rec/1 TD WR Antonio Meade (FA) 11 yds rec LG Andrew Huff (RET) 12 games/12 starts DT Roger Reynolds (FA) 2 sacks SLB Charles Cox (FA) 21 tack/1 kd CB Jerome Hensley (FA) 29 tack/7 kd CB Robert Britton (KCY) - SS Karl Grant (LAC) 77 tack/15 kd
DRAFT PICKS: 1.16 CB John Teixeira 2.17 WLB Robert Stapleton 4.17 MLB Juan Ferguson 5.16 QB William Tracey 6.17 MLB Logan McCormick 7.16 WR Jason Allen
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their starting LG, 5th leading receiver and a backup QB & WR from last seasons 14th ranked offense. They added depth at FB, 2 WR & 4 OL in free agency but none were starters last season. They drafted a backup QB in the 5th round plus a WR in the 7th round.
Defensively, they lost 1 DL, 1LB & 3 DBs from last seasons 17th ranked defense but only the SS was a starter. They signed a DE in free agency plus drafted 3 LBs in the 2nd, 4th & 6th rounds and they used their 1st rounder on a CB in hopes of replacing the lose of their SS.
PREDICTION: 9-7 Toronto has missed the postseason the last 3 seasons despite going a combined 25-23. They have fallen short by a game or 2 each season and it's their division record which has prevented them from making the postseason as they have gone a combined 7-11 within the division the last 2 seasons. Toronto finally breaks through this season as they go 3-3 in division sneak in as a Wildcard.
CINCINNATI DEFENDERS OWNER: Blondie1977 (15th season) UNDER CAP: 95,207,132 LAST SEASON: 11-5 (Division Champ/Conference Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 4th PASS OFFENSE: 4th TOTAL OFFENSE: 3rd RUN DEFENSE: 5th PASS DEFENSE: 14th TOTAL DEFENSE: 5th TURNOVER MARGIN: -11
ADDITIONS: QB Gary Fielding (VBA) 382 yds/1 TD/7 int LT James Loera (KCY) 1 game/1 start K William Muhammond (FA) -
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Anthony Bryant (LAC) 356 yds rush/308 yds rec/1 TD WR Joseph Moore (BUF) 143 yds rush/1,013 yds rec/13 TD C Christopher Mitchell (RET) 16 games/16 starts LG Carl Gordon (RET) 15 games/0 starts DT Harold Messick (TEX) 2 sacks RDE Robert Anders (HOU) 7 sacks CB Raul Roth (VBA) 70 tack/8 kd/4 int K Son Thurman (RET) 22/22 FGs
DRAFT PICKS: 1.5 WR Willis Vanhorn 3.29 C Robert Rodgers 3.31 CB Philip Woody 4.31 CB Glenn Blakey 5.26 SS Terrance Bissell 5.31 RDE Sidney William 6.15 RG Victor Sullivan 6.31 DT James Spohn 7.31 C Rex Lampe
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their starting Center, a backup OL, their 3rd & 5th leading rusher plus their 2nd leading receiver from last seasons 3rd ranked offense. They traded for a QB to compete with aging starter Thompson who will be entering his 17 seasons plus they signed a backup OL in free agency. They drafted a WR with the 5th overall pick who they hope will take some of the load off last seasons rookie phenom Julio Hamilton who led the team in rushing & receiving. They also drafted 3 OL in the 3rd, 6th & 7th as they look to fill the void from the lose of their Center.
Defensively, they lost a starting DE & starting CB from last seasons 5th ranked defense along with a depth DT. They drafted 3 DBs in the 3rd, 4th & 5th rounds plus a DE in the 5th and a DT in the 6th round to replace the loses.
PREDICTION: 11-5 This is season 15 for the current owner and after making the postseason in 9 of the first 14 seasons, they finally broke through and won the AXC Conference Championship. WR Julio Hamilton took the league by storm and he helped push the Defenders to winning their first Conference Championship. If they can get just a small percentage of that production out of their 5th overall pick, Cincinnati could get back to the big game.
ORLANDO GUARDIANS OWNER: Loftusranger (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 51,405,178 LAST SEASON: 6-10 (2nd place) RUN OFFENSE: 15th PASS OFFENSE: 29th TOTAL OFFENSE: 24th RUN DEFENSE: 19th PASS DEFENSE: 13th TOTAL DEFENSE: 16th TURNOVER MARGIN: +12
ADDITIONS: None
SUBTRACTIONS: QB Juan Payne (RET) 2,366 yds/16 TD/13 int RT Jack Russell (TBY) 16 games/16 starts DT Timothy Toussaint (RET) 3 sacks DT Lawrence Montgomery (MEM) - CB Tom Hunting (DAK) 45 tack/21 kd CB Michael Shrader (TBY) 29 tack/2 kd/1 int SS Elmer Amezcua (TBY) 6 tack/1 sack
DRAFT PICKS: 1.12 WR Manuel Crippen 2.11 RG Brian Tyree 3.13 C Billy Moore 4.12 K Joseph DAY 5.11 SS Christopher Kang 6.13 WR Mark Bradshaw 7.12 RB Paul Wells
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their starting QB and starting RT from last seasons 24th ranked offense. They signed nobody in early free agency but drafted 1 RB (7th), 2 WRs (1st/6th) & 2 OL (2nd/3rd) as they will turn to former starting QB Young to lead the offense.
Defensively, they lost 2 DL & 3 DBs from last seasons 16th ranked defense including 1 starting CB. Again, they signed nobody in early free agency and drafted just 1 DB in the 5th round.
PREDICTION: 5-11 After back to back division Titles in 2043 & 2044, Orlando has missed the postseason the last 3 seasons while changing owners in 2046. They won 6 games last season and didn't improve on either side of the ball in the off-season while losing their starting QB so things could be worse thus season.
TEXAS HOLD'EM OWNER: DrDeath00 (1st season) UNDER CAP: 3,208,910 LAST SEASON: 1-15 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 31st PASS OFFENSE: 25th TOTAL OFFENSE: 30th RUN DEFENSE: 25th PASS DEFENSE: 20th TOTAL DEFENSE: 24th TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
ADDITIONS: FB Gordon Dragon (FA) - TE Jeffrey Johnson (PIT) 59 yds rec WR Blair Yopp (NEC) 338 yds rec/1 TD C Michael Wright (PNX) 13 games/13 starts LDE Odell Paschke (HOU) 12 sacks DT Harold Messick (CIN) 2 sacks WLB Ed Dillon (DAY) 83 tack/28 kd/4 int
SUBTRACTIONS RB Rodney McLamb (LAC) -1 yds rush WR Stephen Powell (PNX) 88 yds rush/630 yds rec/3 TD WR Gregory Gurley (RET) 134 yds rush/175 yds rec RG Joshua Wendt (NYE) 15 games/0 starts LG David Peeples (RET) 16 games/16 starts DT Michael Henderson (NYE) 2 sacks RDE David Hoops (DAK) 1 sack CB David Gonzales (RET) 76 tack/25 kd/2 int CB Tyrone Birge (PNX) 23 tack/9 kd FS Albert Dipierto (OAK) 96 tack/4 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.3 RDE Marvin Williams 2.2 CB Steve Burgher 3.1 RT Richard Carroll 4.3 MLB Alan Alston 5.2 RB Oscar McVay 6.1 WR Clemente Parker 7.3 FS Brad Carstens
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 1 RB, 2 WRs & 2 OL from last seasons 30th ranked offense including their #1 receiver, 2nd leading rusher and starting LG. They added 1 FB, 1 TE, 1 WR & 1 OL in free agency and the OL was a starter last season. They drafted a RB in the 5th round, WR in the 6th round and a OL in the 3rd round.
Defensively, they lost 2 DL & 3 DBs from last seasons 24th ranked defense including a starter at CB & FS. They added a starting DE and starting LB in free agency plus signed a depth DT also. They drafted 1 DE in the 1st round, 1 LB in the 4th round and 2 DBs in the 2nd & 7th round.
PREDICTION: 4-12 Texas gas missed the postseason for 5 straight seasons and they hit rock bottom last year going 1-15 for the worst record in the francises 30 year history. Like the saying goes, it can't get any worse and it's all upwards from here. The offense didn't improve much but the defense added some talent so it should keep them in games and give them a chance to win more games.
DAKOTA BLIZZARD OWNER: Cjfred68 (31st season) UNDER CAP: 7,078,935 LAST SEASON: 14-2 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 5th PASS OFFENSE: 6th TOTAL OFFENSE: 4th RUN DEFENSE: 1st PASS DEFENSE: 28th TOTAL DEFENSE: 11th TURNOVER MARGIN: -3
ADDITIONS: WR Jerome Pond (MEM) 732 yds rush/308 yds rec/5 TD WR Antonio Collins (FA) - WR Brandon Stone (WAS) 387 yds rush/245 yds rec/3 TD LT Charles Linder (TBY) 14 games/7 starts RT William Bledsoe (TBY) 15 games/2 starts P Christopher Mendez (TBY) 120 punts/5,605 yds/54 inside 20 LDE Scott Wilson (HOU) 1 sack DT Sydney Nair (TBY) 8 hurries RDE David Hoops (TEX) 1 sack RDE David Grant (HOU) 10 sacks MLB Frank Johnson (SPP) 105 tack/8 kd/2 int CB Luis Emery (PNX) 47 tack/23 kd/1 int CB Tom Hunting (ORG) 45 tack/21 kd CB Sean Baker (BRO) 76 tack/12 kd/1 int CB Wesley Rolon (MEM) 7 tack CB Jeremy Miller (MIA) 6 tack CB Daryl Pugh (PHI) 10 tack/6 kd/1 int
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Paul Hoffman (LAC) 288 yds rush/721 yds rec/8 TD WR Christopher Pacheco (FA) 157 yds rush/57 yds rec/4 TD RT Carroll Owens (FA) 8 games/0 starts CB Mark Goss (CAR) 60 tack/18 kd/2 int CB Jimmy Brooks (PIT) 79 tack/12 kd/1 int CB William Coronado (FA) 42 tack/2 sacks/6 kd/1 int CB Anthony Spring (FA) 31 tack/2 int CB Marvin Broughton (VBA) 18 tack/1 kd/1 int FS Larry Sansone (FA) 1 hurry P Chad Babcock (RET) 81 punts/3,706 yds/31 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 6.30 LDE John Gamboa 7.29 P Roland Cryer
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their 3rd leading receiver plus depth at WR & OL from last seasons 4th ranked offense. They added 2 WRs & 2 OL in free agency plus traded for a WR who will become their primary rusher. They only had 2 draft picks and used neither on offense.
Defensively, they lost 6 players from last seasons 11th ranked defense including 2 starting CBs who aged out of the position. They signed 4 DL, 1 LB & 5 DBs in free agency plus traded for another DB. They drafted a DE in the 6th round also as they made an effort to bulk up their defensive front.
PREDICTION: 12-4 Dakota has made the postseason in all 30 seasons and won at least 10 games in all 30 seasons. Nothing about the roster, schedule or the division leads me to believe that will change in season 31.
DAYTONA BEACH BULL SHARKS OWNER: Voryzover (22nd season) UNDER CAP: 136,881,287 LAST SEASON: 4-12 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 26th PASS OFFENSE: 31st TOTAL OFFENSE: 31st RUN DEFENSE: 21st PASS DEFENSE: 19th TOTAL DEFENSE: 23rd TURNOVER MARGIN: +7
ADDITIONS: None
SUBTRACTIONS: LDE Daniel Barkley (NYE) 9 sacks WLB Ed Dillon (TEX) 83 tack/28 kd/4 int WLB Vernon Wilson (PIT) 67 tack/2 sacks/15 kd/7 int WLB Barry Lewis (LAC) 11 tack CB Timothy Allen (RET) 51 tack/20 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.7 RDE William May 2.6 LG Norman Covarrublas 3.5 LG Hector Lococo 4.7 CB Patrick Marcum 5.6 CB Steven Oliver 6.5 RDE Roy Woody 7.7 RG Stephen Lockhart
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they return their entire 31st ranked offense and while they signed nobody in early free agency they did draft 3 OL in the 2nd, 3rd & 7th rounds.
Defensively, they lost a staring DE, 2 starting LBs and a starting CB from last seasons 23rd ranked defense. Again, they signed nobody in early free agency but drafted 2 DL in the 1st & 6th round plus 2 DBs in the 4th & 5th round.
PREDICTION: 6-10 Daytona is the complete opposite of Dakota as they have never made the postseason in 30 seasons and won 10 games just once in francise history. That happened in the inaugural season of the XFL in 2018 and Daytona has finished with a losing record in 27 of 30 seasons including 18 straight seasons. The team isn't devoid of talent but they just haven't been able to translate that talent to the field. With the division weak besides Dakota, Daytona could finish as high as 2nd place if things break just right.
Providence 14-2 Philadelphia 10-6 Washington 10-6 Brooklyn 7-9
BROOKLYN HITMEN OWNER: dadub3 (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 96,195,980 LAST SEASON: 7-9 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 29th PASS OFFENSE: 17th TOTAL OFFENSE: 23rd RUN DEFENSE: 13th PASS DEFENSE: 6th TOTAL DEFENSE: 8th TURNOVER MARGIN: -7
ADDITIONS: WR Terrance McConkey (ATL) 984 yds rec/5 TD LT Daniel Sotelo (SPP) 13 games/13 starts RG Samuel Thomas (WAS) 10 games/0 starts
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Earl Jameson (PHI) 272 yds rush/294 yds rec/2 TD LG Floyd Swartz (RET) 16 games/0 starts C Larry Wilson (HOU) 16 games/16 starts RG Henry Peterson (MIA) 16 games/0 starts RT Anthony Pope (HOU) 14 games/10 staŕts CB Sean Baker (DAK) 76 tack/12 kd/1 int CB Timothy Steward (RET) 3 tack CB Robert Ellis (IND) 7 tack/3 kd SS Dwayne Sargent (BUF) - P Derek Grimes (TBY) 125 punts/5,823 yds/46 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 1.15 WLB James Felipe 2.14 DT Scott Jacobs 3.15 WLB Leroy Turner 4.14 TE Doug Kelly 5.15 WR Richard Bishop 6.14 RB William Smalls 7.15 RB Antonio George
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost a backup WR and 4 OL from last seasons 23rd ranked offense including 2 starters on the OL. They added a starting WR & OL in free agency along with a depth OL. They also drafted a TE (4th), WR (5th) and 2 RBs (6th/7th) to add more depth at playmakers.
Defensively, they lost 4 DBs from last seasons 8th ranked defense including 1 starter. They made no additions in early free agency but they did draft 1 DL (2nd) & 2 LBs (1st/3rd) as they add more talent to the strength of their team.
PREDICTION: 7-9 This is the 3rd season of the current owner and after winning just 4 games in year 1, they improved to 7 wins in year 2. I expect the team to continue to improve in year 3 but the record may be similar based on their schedule and the division they play in.
PROVIDENCE ISLANDERS OWNER: Brxnivy (9th season) UNDER CAP: 224,087,992 LAST SEASON: 14-2 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 12th PASS OFFENSE: 10th TOTAL OFFENSE: 8th RUN DEFENSE: 6th PASS DEFENSE: 1st TOTAL DEFENSE: 1st TURNOVER MARGIN: +11
ADDITIONS: C Timothy Nichols (SPP) 6 games/0 starts
SUBTRACTIONS: LT Francesco Fischer (LAC) 11 games/6 starts DT Oscar Fischer (LAC) 1 tack/1 hurry CB Carl Holland (LAC) 6 tack/6 kd
DRAFT PICKS: 1.30 WR James Hicks 2.29 CB Jack Coleman 3.30 RG Mark Larocque 4.29 QB Alejandro Stanley 5.30 DT Chris Savage 6.29 WR Derrick Borowski 7.30 RDE Timothy Weaver
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they only lost a backup OL from last seasons 8th ranked offense. They signed his replacement in early free agency then drafted a QB (4th), 2 WR (1st/6th) & 1 OL (3rd) to add depth to the top 10 unit.
Defensively, they lost depth at DL & DB from last seasons #1 defense. They didn't add anyone in early free agency but did draft 2 DL (5th/7th) & 1 DB (2nd) as all 11 starters return.
PREDICTION: 14-2 Providence has been the closest to knocking off Atlanta the last 3 seasons losing 3 straight NXC Conference Championship games to them by 7, 7 & 14 points. They basically return their entire starting 22 and with Atlanta retooling after their QB retired, this could be their year.
PHILADELPHIA SLAYERS OWNER: Waitwut (11th season) UNDER CAP: 44,026,268 LAST SEASON: 10-6 (2nd place/Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 30th PASS OFFENSE: 5th TOTAL OFFENSE: 9th RUN DEFENSE: 12th PASS DEFENSE: 4th TOTAL DEFENSE: 6th TURNOVER MARGIN: -2
ADDITIONS: QB Richard New (FA) - WR Robert Pasillas (CAR) 307 yds rec/2 TD WR Earl Jameson (BRO) 272 yds rush/294 yds rec/2 TD WR Roy Kirkpatrick (FA) - WR Lamar Bell (NYE) 88 yds rec/1 TD WLB David Barrow (FA) - CB Rick Basham (TBY) 64 tack/5 kd/2 int
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Stephen Allen (IND) 31 yds rush/328 yds rec LG Allen Dewberry (RET) 16 games/1 start CB Eric Torgerson (RET) 6 tack/2 sacks/1 kd CB Daryll Pugh (DAK) 10 tack/6 kd/1 int FS Aaron Dalton (KCY) 4 tack/1 sack
DRAFT PICKS: 2.21 WR Jeremy Smith 3.20 WR Jeremy Brown 4.18 CB Frank Dupre 4.19 DT Ronald Ramirez 5.22 WLB Carl Williamson
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 1 depth WR & 1 depth OL from last seasons 9th ranked offense. They signed a legit veteran backup QB plus 4 WRs in free agency including 2 WRs that are solid 4th or 5th WR options. They also drafted 2 WRs in the 2nd & 3rd rounds to give them solid depth at WR.
Defensively, they lost 3 depth DBs from last seasons 6th ranked defense. They signed a starting CB in early free agency plus a depth LB. They drafted 1 DL in the 4th round, 1 LB in the 5th round and 1 DB in the 4th round to round out their depth.
PREDICTION: 10-6 Philadelphia has made the postseason plus won at least 10 games in the last 10 seasons. They return their entire starting 22 plus added quality depth on both sides of the ball. I expect both streaks will reach 11 seasons.
WASHINGTON WARRIORS OWNER: Shark1720 (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 155,816,395 LAST SEASON: 10-6 (3rd place/Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 21st PASS OFFENSE: 14th TOTAL OFFENSE: 18th RUN DEFENSE: 3rd PASS DEFENSE: 18th TOTAL DEFENSE: 7th TURNOVER MARGIN: -13
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Brandon Stone (WAS) 387 yds rush/245 yds rec/3 TD WR Charles Bracewell (TOR) 17 yds rec WR Martin Urlacher (BUF) 72 yds rec/1 TD TE Antonio Emerson (RET) 216 yds rec LT Roy Lackey (HOU) 14 games/14 starts RG Samuel Thomas (BRO) 10 games/0 starts SLB Kenneth Martinez (RET) 47 tack/1 sack/5 kd CB John McNamara (BUF) 93 tack/27 kd/3 int CB Kenneth Flores (HOU) 20 tack/3 kd
DRAFT PICKS: 1.19 LDE Cecil Scneider 1.26 RB James Grayson 1.31 QB Jack Harber 4.13 WR Robert Robinson 6.22 C Salvatore Smith 7.21 MLB Mark Labadie
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 3 WRs, 1 TE & 2 OL from last seasons 18th ranked offense. Only 1 OL was an everyday starter and they traded for 1 WR & 2 OL from Memphis where the WR & 1 OL were starters. They drafted 1 RB & 1 QB in the 1st round, 1 WR in the 4th round and 1 OL in the 6th round.
Defensively, they lost a starting CB plus depth at LB & DB from last seasons 7th ranked defense. They didn't sign anyone in early free agency but drafted a DE in the 1st round plus a LB in the 7th.
PREDICTION: 10-6 Washington improved 6 games last season going from 4 to 10 wins in 1 year during their new owners 2nd season. They made the postseason for the first time in 7 seasons. With Washington's emergence last season, the NXC East became the toughest division in the XFL with 41 combined wins, replacing the AXC North who held that distinction the last 4-5 seasons. Washington won't catch anyone by surprise this season and how they do within division will ultimately determine if they finish ahead or behind Philadelphia for 2nd place in the division.
Arizona 14-2 Los Angeles 10-6 Vegas 8-8 Seattle 3-13
PHOENIX PREDATORS OWNER: Armoredgiraffe (10th season) UNDER CAP: 30,037,990 LAST SEASON: 14-2 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 3rd PASS OFFENSE: 8th TOTAL OFFENSE: 5th RUN DEFENSE: 7th PASS DEFENSE: 3rd TOTAL DEFENSE: 3rd TURNOVER MARGIN: +3
ADDITIONS: WR Stephen Powell (TEX) 88 yds rush/630 yds rec/3 TD P Jeff Kempf (FA) - RDE Thomas Gooch (NYE) 9 sacks CB Tyrone Birge (TEX) 23 tack/9 kd CB Turkey Leg Summerall (MTG) 10 tack/1 kd SS Jose Henderson (LAC) 3 tack
SUBTRACTIONS: QB David Kennedy (FA) - WR John Sellers (CAR) 1,137 yds rec/8 TD RG Eddie Martinez (LAC) 12 games/5 starts CB Joshua Chavez (CAR) 53 tack/35 kd/7 int CB Daryl Gardner (MIA) 13 tack/2 kd CB Billy Powell (TBY) 8 tack CB Enrique Ginsberg (VBA) 2 tack/2 kd SS David Randolph (KCY) 2 tack SS Leopoldo Worrell (MIA) - P Robert Heffner (RET) 82 punts/3,801 yds/39 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 1.28 MLB Thomas Reyes 2.19 WR Mark Sager 2.28 FS David Smothers 3.17 WR Kenneth Ong 3.18 SLB Carl Pettit 3.28 DT Nicholas Matias 4.16 C John Courtemanche 5.1 K Rocco Hobbs 5.28 LT Enrique Davis 6.28 RT Edward Parker 7.14 QB Luis Phillips 7.28 WR Ronald Pritchett
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their leading receiver, a backup QB and a depth OL from last seasons 5th ranked offense. They signed a solid WR in free agency plus drafted 3 WRs (2nd/3rd/7th), 3 OL (4th/5th/6th) and a backup QB (7th).
Defensively, they lost 6 DBs from last seasons 3rd ranked offense but just 1 starter. They signed 1 DL & 3 DBs in free agency and the DL was a starter with 9 sacks last season. They also drafted 1 DL (3rd), 2 LBs (1st/3rd) & 1 DB (2nd) to replace their loses.
PREDICTION: 14-2 Phoenix has owned the West for 7 straight seasons winning 7 straight Division Titles while making 8 straight postseasons. It's been in the postseason where they have fallen short, making just 2 NXC Conference Championship games in the past 7 seasons and none since 2043. With Atlanta seemingly vulnerable, Phoenix is one of a few teams looking to fill that void along with Providence & Memphis.
LOS ANGELES CHALLENGERS OWNER: Warthog (6th season) UNDER CAP: 50,385,379 LAST SEASON: 8-8 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 20th PASS OFFENSE: 12th TOTAL OFFENSE: 13th RUN DEFENSE: 16th PASS DEFENSE: 17th TOTAL DEFENSE: 19th TURNOVER MARGIN: -2
ADDITIONS: QB Lee Chen (TEX) 101 yds RB Rodney McLamb (TEX) -1 yds rush RB Thomas Obrien (MTG) 142 yds rush/51 yds rec WR Robert Houghton (BUF) 159 yds rec/1 TD WR Peter Chappell (ATL) 1,266 yds rush/188 yds rec/15 TD WR Paul Huffman (DAK) 288 yds rush/721 yds rec/8 TD WR Anthony Bryant (CIN) 356 yds rush/308 yds rec/1 TD LT Francesco Fischer (PRI) 11 games/6 starts C Robert Epps (ATL) 16 games/0 starts RG Eddie Martinez (PNX) 12 games/ 5 starts RT Edwin Green (VAN) 15 games/15 starts DT Oscar Fischer (PRI) 1 hurry DT Randall Meyers (HOU) 8 sacks WLB Barry Lewis (DAY) 11 tack CB Carl Holland (PRI) 6 tack/6 kd SS Karl Grant (TOR) 77 tack/15 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Eric Truvillion (RET) 433 yds rec/2 TD WR Sterling Harvey (IND) 158 yds rec/1 TD RT Greg Strauch (RET) 14 games/11 starts DT Laurence Meredith (RET) 1 sack SLB Daniel Allen (MTG) 2 tackles CB Bernard Jernigan (VBA) 42 tack/7 kd SS Jose Henderson (PNX) 3 tack
DRAFT PICKS: 1.17 SS Frank Child 1.32 LT Richard Dobson 2.16 MLB John Smith 2.18 DT Dennis Lopez 3.26 TE David Moore
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 2 WRs & 1 OL from last seasons 13th ranked offense including a starter on the OL and their 4th & 7th best receiver. They were very active in the off-season adding a backup QB, 2 RBs, 4 WRs & 4 OL including 2× ALLPRO WR Chappell via a trade with Atlanta. They also drafted an OL in the 1st round and a TE in the 3rd round.
Defensively, they lost 1 DL, 1 LB & 2 DBs from last seasons 19th ranked defense but only 1 DB was a starter. They added 2 DL, 1 LB & 2 DBs in the off-season including a starting SS. They also drafted 1 DL (2nd), 1 LB (2nd) & 1 DB (1st) to improve the unit.
PREDICTION: 10-6 Los Angeles has missed the postseason in the last 8 seasons but have been right around .500 the last 4 seasons going a combined 29-34-1. They were extremely active in the off-season in free agency, the trade market and in the draft where they landed four players in the top 50 picks. Los Angeles looks poised to finally break through this season and make the postseason.
SEATTLE BARBARIANS OWNER: Rialto (10th season) UNDER CAP: 127,348,516 LAST SEASON: 1-15 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 28th PASS OFFENSE: 21st TOTAL OFFENSE: 27th RUN DEFENSE: 31st PASS DEFENSE: 31st TOTAL DEFENSE: 32nd TURNOVER MARGIN: -6
ADDITIONS: FS Robert Gonzalez (SPP) 72 tack/1 sack/14 kd/1 int
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Stuart Cooper (VBA) 386 yds rush/276 yds rec/4 TD WR Emanual Haywood (FA) 61 yds rec WR Thomas Muller (IND) 74 yds rec WR Douglas Richter (FA) 129 yds rec RG Jason Lopez (BUF) 8 games/0 starts RT Dallas Johnson (VAN) 16 games/16 starts SLB Guy Brown (ATL) 50 tack/1 sack/2 kd/1 int CB David Honore (FA) 38 tack/18 kd/2 int P Ricky Carter (RET) 33 punts/1,509 yds/9 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 1.1 QB Charles DeLeon 1.14 MLB Harold Elser 2.3 LDE Paul Green 2.15 WR Todd Pilon 2.26 SLB Eric Sosa 3.2 QB Stanley McKeon 3.16 TE Steven Jones 4.1 WLB Alvin Ward 4.32 QB Eduardo Bradshaw 5.3 WR Prince Larsen 6.2 WR Donald Shanklin 7.1 QB Darrell Sawyer
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 1 RB, 3 WRs & 2 OL from last seasons 27th ranked offense including their leading rusher and a starting RT. They added nothing in early free agency but drafted 4 QBs including the #1 overall pick. They also drafted 3 WRs (2nd/5th/6th) & 1 TE (3rd) as this draft is all about finding the QB of the future as 7 QBs will be in camp.
Defensively, they lost 1 LB & 1 DB from last seasons 32nd ranked defense and both were starters. They added a starting FS in free agency plus drafted 1 DL (2nd) & 3 LBs (1st/2nd/4th) as they look to improve the leagues worst defense.
PREDICTION: 3-13 Seattle has missed the postseason for 16 straight seasons and have 12 straight losing seasons including just 5 combined wins in the past 3 seasons. They used the #1 overall pick on a quarterback and his development is all that really matters for the future of this francise. Early returns have the 3rd round QB out playing the #1 overall pick in training camp.
VEGAS BLACK ACES OWNER: Claymore (26th season) UNDER CAP: 74,469,758 LAST SEASON: 7-9 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 2nd PASS OFFENSE: 26th TOTAL OFFENSE: 16th RUN DEFENSE: 11th PASS DEFENSE: 25th TOTAL DEFENSE: 18th TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
ADDITIONS: MLB Paul Zook (FA) - CB Marvin Broughton (DAK) 18 tack/1 kd/1 int CB Eugene Sargent (FA) - CB Paul Roth (CIN) 70 tack/8 kd/4 int CB Bernard Jernigan (LAC) 42 tack/7 kd CB Enrique Ginsberg (PNX) 2 tack/2 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: QB Gary Fielding (CIN) 382 yds/1 TD/7 int WR Robert Funk (FA) 19 yds rec LG Timothy Heilig (FA) 13 games/13 starts RDE Charlie Leahy (FA) 1 sack DT Kenny Penn (RET) 1 sack CB Philip Evans (FA) 101 tack/13 kd
DRAFT PICKS: 2.31 RDE Guillermo Griffiths 3.14 RT Robert Bullock 4.15 QB Harry Boisvert 5.14 WR Donald Smith
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost a backup QB, a depth WR and a starting LG from last seasons 16th ranked offense. They signed nobody in early free agency but drafted an OL in the 3rd, a backup QB in the 4th and a WR in the 5th round.
Defensively, they lost 2 depth DL and a starting CB from last seasons 18th ranked defense. They signed 1 depth LB & 5 DBs in free agency including 2 starters. They also drafted a DL in the 2nd round of the draft.
PREDICTION: 8-8 Since winning back to back XFL Championships in 2039 & 2040, Vegas has made the postseason 4 times in the last 7 seasons but only once in the last 4 seasons despite going a combined 33-30-1. Vegas seems stuck in this limbo of being right around 8-8 every season and they didn't improve enough in the off-season to make that much of a difference although having WR Cooper all season may be somewhat of a gain.
Gem City 10-6 Zehlendorf 7-9 Montana 6-10 Saint Paul 3-13
GEM CITY GANGSTERS OWNER: Raidergreg69 (28th season) UNDER CAP: 34,262,160 LAST SEASON: 10-6 (Division Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 9th PASS OFFENSE: 23rd TOTAL OFFENSE: 19th RUN DEFENSE: 18th PASS DEFENSE: 7th TOTAL DEFENSE: 12th TURNOVER MARGIN: +1
ADDITIONS: LG Ricardo Perry (HOU) 15 games/6 starts FS Earnest Phu (VBA) 3 tack/2 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: LG Gary Zimmerman (HOU) 12 games/12 starts RG Dave Lapham (HOU) 9 games/9 starts
DRAFT PICKS: 2.20 RB Icabob Crane 3.19 MLB Frank N. Stein 4.22 P Jack O'Lantern
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 2 starters on the offensive line from last seasons 19th ranked offense. They added 1 OL in free agency plus drafted a RB in the 2nd round of the draft.
Defensively, they return the entire 12th ranked defense, signed a DB in free agency plus drafted a LB in the 3rd round in a relatively quiet off-season.
PREDICTION: 10-6 Gem City has won the North in 9 of the last 10 seasons and they return the bulk of their team this season so I expect another 10 win season and another North Division crown.
ZEHLENDORF ZECKEN OWNER: Ctiger77 (13th season) UNDER CAP: 150,071,089 LAST SEASON: 5-11 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 16th PASS OFFENSE: 19th TOTAL OFFENSE: 20th RUN DEFENSE: 27th PASS DEFENSE: 29th TOTAL DEFENSE: 30th TURNOVER MARGIN: -3
ADDITIONS: QB John Bennett (VAN) 4,362 yds/29 TD/22 int
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Earnest Rollins (KCY) 19 yds rush/585 yds rec/3 TD WR Elijah Diller (BUF) 359 yds rush/213 yds rec/2 TD WR Eli Bouldin (HOU) 17 yds rec LG Evan Yang (RET) 16 games/16 starts LG Franklin Slaughter (RET) 15 games/0 starts LDE Max Arnold (RET) 19 tack RDE Darryl Kim (RET) 3 tack SLB Elmer Severs (CAR) 62 tack/6 sack/4 kd/1 int CB Dale Wilson (ATL) 36 tack/12 kd CB Jack McLeod (RET) 93 tack/2 sack/9 kd/2 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.2 WR John Enriquez 1.24 WLB William Mabry 1.29 WR Jaime Vernon 2.24 WR Ronald Cooper 2.30 WR William Smith 2.32 RB Brian Schulze 3.8 WR George Ferris 3.24 FS Carlos Dawson 4.10 P Andrew Smith 4.24 CB Brian Mendez 5.9 TE John Eubanks 7.2 TE Larry Crook 7.27 P Christopher Pruitt
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 3 WR & 2 OL from last seasons 20th ranked offense including a starter at WR & OL. They traded for a proven veteran QB in the off-season while adding 8 offensive playmakers (1 RB/2 TE/5 WR) in the draft. They had 13 draft picks this year including 6 in the first 64 picks and they used 5 of their first 6 picks on offense including two 1st round & two 2nd round WRs.
Defensively, they lost 2 DL, 1 LB & 2 DBs from last seasons 30th ranked defense including a starter at LB & DB. They were quiet in free agency but used 3 draft picks on 1 LB & 2 DBs including a 1st rounder where they selected a LB.
PREDICTION: 7-9 Zehlendorf has missed the postseason the last 11 seasons and had a losing record in the last 10 seasons. They really upgraded their offense in the off-season by bringing in a veteran QB plus using high draft picks on 5 WRs with very good to elite speed. The offense improves but the defense still cost them as they show overall team improvement.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES OWNER: Trslick (29th season) UNDER CAP: 37,146,114 LAST SEASON: 5-11 (2nd place) RUN OFFENSE: 19th PASS OFFENSE: 15th TOTAL OFFENSE: 17th RUN DEFENSE: 14th PASS DEFENSE: 23rd TOTAL DEFENSE: 21st TURNOVER MARGIN: -2
ADDITIONS: TE William Thompson (SPP) 292 yds rec SLB Daniel Allen (LAC) 2 tackles
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Thomas Obrien (LAC) 142 yds rush/51 yds rec TE Brian Guess (FA) 3 yds rec TE Walter Norman (FA) 13 yds rec DT Gary Cross (FA) 2 sacks SLB Martin Dalrymple (FA) 7/2 CB Turkey Leg Summerall (PNX) 10/1
DRAFT PICKS: 1.8 CB Michael Hudock 3.9 RB Timothy Hernandez 4.8 TE James Monaco 5.10 DT Ross Taylor 6.9 DT Nathaniel Campbell 7.8 DT Justin Cheng
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost depth at RB and TE from last seasons 17th ranked offense. They signed a TE in free agency plus drafted a RB in the 3rd round and a TE in the 4th round.
Defensively, they lost depth at DL, LB & DB from last seasons 21st ranked defense. They signed a LB in free agency to replace the lost depth plus drafted a DB in the 1st round before using their 5th, 6th & 7th rounder on DL to replace the lost depth.
PREDICTION: 6-10 In 2045, Montana won 10 games and their 1st division Title before taking steps back in 2046 (7 wins) & 2047 (5 wins). They return the bulk of their starters this season with the big addition being a CB drafted in the 1st round. They stop the downward slide and show some improvement this season.
SAINT PAUL PUNISHERS OWNER: Pc2246 (5th season) UNDER CAP: 103,670,921 LAST SEASON: 4-12 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 27th PASS OFFENSE: 24th TOTAL OFFENSE: 28th RUN DEFENSE: 26th PASS DEFENSE: 26th TOTAL DEFENSE: 27th TURNOVER MARGIN: -4
ADDITIONS: None
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Floyd Waters (FA) 400 yds rush/93 yds rec TE William Thompson (MTG) 292 yds rec WR Charles Breckenridge (FA) 78 yds rec C Timothy Nichols (PRI) 6 games/0 starts LT Daniel Sotelo (BRO) 13 games/13 starts LDE Nicolas Cook (FA) 6 sacks RDE Joshua Whitlock (KCY) 6 sacks RDE Frank Mooney (KCY) 2 sacks DT David Smith (FA) 1 sack MLB Frank Johnston (DAK) 105 tack/8 kd/2 int CB Lemuel Hedgepeth (KCY) 59 tack/21 kd/2 int CB Eric Gilbert (FA) 17 tack/3 kd FS Robert Gonzalez (SEA) 72 tack/1 sack/14 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 2.1 LDE Bo Johnson 2.22 RT James Letcher 2.27 FS Joseph Coleman 3.6 CB Christopher Brooks 4.5 RT Pablo Swanson 5.7 WR Thomas Jewell 6.25 TE Chase Norman 7.4 RB Bruce Baker
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their 2nd leading rusher, their starting TE, depth at WR and 2 OL including 1 starter from last seasons 28th ranked offense. They didn't sign anyone in early free agency and drafted a RB in the 7th round, a TE in the 6th round, a WR in the 5th round plus OL in the 2nd & 4th round.
Defensively, they lost 4 DL, 1 LB & 3 DB from last seasons 27th ranked defense. They didn't sign anyone in early free agency and drafted a DL in the 2nd round and 2 DBs in the 2nd & 3rd round.
PREDICTION: 3-13 Saint Paul has missed the postseason the last 9 seasons and they will make it 10 in a row this season as they didn't improve in the off-season in free agency. They didn't have a 1st round pick this draft so they are banking on their three 2nd rounders to make a positive impact on the team.
Memphis 13-3 Atlanta 12-4 Tampa Bay 8-8 Carolina 3-13
ATLANTA DOMINATORS OWNER: Hammond (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 1,630,238 LAST SEASON: 15-1 (Division Champ/7× XFL Champ) RUN OFFENSE: 1st PASS OFFENSE: 3rd TOTAL OFFENSE: 2nd RUN DEFENSE: 8th PASS DEFENSE: 2nd TOTAL DEFENSE: 2nd TURNOVER MARGIN: +5
ADDITIONS: QB Brandon Williams (PRI) - QB Alan Wyatt (PIT) - WR Daniel Stukes (TBY) 373 yds rec/2 TD SLB Guy Brown (SEA) 50 tack/1 sack/2 kd/1 int CB Dale Wilson (ZEZ) 36 tack/12 kd
SUBTRACTIONS: QB Alvin Johnson (RET) 5,036 yards/48 TD/20 int WR Peter Chappell (LAC) 1,260 yds rush/188 yds rec/15 TD WR Terrance McConkey (BRO) 984 yds rec/5 TD WR Moises Emmanuel (TBY) 15 yds rec WR Bert Leslie (FA) 46 yds rush C Robert Epps (LAC) 16 games/0 starts LDE Richard Kelleher (FA) 27 tack/16 sacks/4 kd/2 int RDE John Cooke (RET) - CB Scott Zane (RET) 4 tack/2 kd/1 int
DRAFT PICKS: 1.10 WR Tyler Cruz 1.23 WR Craig May
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost their starting QB to retirement, traded away ALLPRO WR Chappell plus allowed their 2nd leading receiver to walk via free agency. In addition, they lost 2 depth WR & their backup Center from last seasons 2nd ranked offense. They brought in 2 QBs who didn't play a snap last season despite both QBs having at least 91 starts in the XFL. They also added 3 WRs, 1 via free agency and 2 were drafted in the 1st round of the draft.
Defensively, they lost their 2nd leading pass rusher along with depth at DE & CB from last seasons 2nd ranked defense. They added a LB & CB via free agency so the defense returns mostly intact.
PREDICTION: 12-4 Atlanta has won 7 straight XFL Titles but this feels like the year that streak finally ends as they look to find a QB of the future. Make no mistake, Atlanta will still be a good team and should easily make the postseason but they have taken a small step back towards the pack in the NXC.
MEMPHIS MANIACS OWNER: Legendruthless (9th season) UNDER CAP: 174,523,037 LAST SEASON: 13-3 (2nd place/Wildcard) RUN OFFENSE: 7th PASS OFFENSE: 7th TOTAL OFFENSE: 7th RUN DEFENSE: 10th PASS DEFENSE: 5th TOTAL DEFENSE: 4th TURNOVER MARGIN: +9
ADDITIONS: LG George Sanderson (LAC) - DT Paul Matthews (OAK) -
SUBTRACTIONS: WR Jerome Pond (DAK) 732 tds rush/308 yds rec/5 TD WR Jorge Prevatte (WAS) 507 yds rec/9 TD LG David Duncan (RET) 15 games/1 starts RG Harlan Schuler (WAS) 16 games/16 starts RG Alexander Hartzell (WAS) 16 games/1 starts RT Patrick Michael (RET) 16 games/0 starts LDE William Sapp (FA) 2 hurries LDE Jeffrey Albright (FA) 2 sacks DT Tony Jackson (NYE) 2 sacks CB Edwin Doan (FA) 65/6/24/1 CB Wesley Rolon (DAK) - CB Edgar Spillman (FA) 2 tack
DRAFT PICKS: 2.10 WR Richard Davis 3.21 QB Robert Pereiera 3.27 CB Scott Turner 4.20 CB Clifford Tisdale 4.27 LT Roland Ellis 4.30 C Leroy Jeffrey 5.19 WR Erik Thomas 5.24 WR Robert Jarret 5.27 WR Christopher Bates 5.29 LT William Hillis 6.8 RB Richard Horton 6.20 MLB William Estrella 6.32 WLB Jay West 7.19 TE George Fennell
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 2 WRs that accounted for their 4th & 7th best receivers plus their leafing rusher. They also lost 4 OL which played a combined 63 games including 18 starts from their 7th ranked offense. They only added a depth OL in free agency but used 10 of their 14 draft picks on offense including 6 playmakers (4 WR/1 RB/1 TE), 3 OL & a QB. Despite having 14 draft picks, they had no pick in the 1st round with their first pick being a WR taken 42nd overall.
Defensively, they lost 3 DL & 3 DB including 1 starter in the secondary from last seasons 4th ranked defense. They added a depth DT in free agency plus used 4 draft picks on 2 LBs & 2 DBs.
PREDICTION: 13-3 Memphis has played bridesmaid to Atlanta's bride the past 7 seasons despite winning 2 division Titles in the past 7 seasons. Memphis returns enough of their core compared to Atlanta and wins the South.
CAROLINA COBRAS OWNER: DrHayHurst (7th season) UNDER CAP: 60,551,118 LAST SEASON: 1-15 (4th place) RUN OFFENSE: 32nd PASS OFFENSE: 32nd TOTAL OFFENSE: 32nd RUN DEFENSE: 32nd PASS DEFENSE: 30th TOTAL DEFENSE: 31st TURNOVER MARGIN: -1
ADDITIONS: WR Paul Clinton (IND) 21 yds rec WR John Sellers (PNX) 1,137 yds rec/8 TD RG Sam Freeman (HOU) 15 games/9 starts LDE Christopher Howland (HOU) 1 sack RDE Jamaal Dixon (BUF) - SLB Elmer Severs (ZEZ) 62 tack/6 sack/4 kd/1 int CB Mark Goss (DAK) 60 tack/18 kd/2 int CB Joshua Chavez (PNX) 53 tack/35 kd/7 int
SUBTRACTIONS: RB Travis Barlowe (RET) 7 yds rec RB Bob Martin (FA) 44 yds rush/41 yds rec WR David Cartwright (TBY) 39 yds rush/200 yds rec WR Robert Pasillas (PHI) 307 yds rec/2 TD WR Francis Justice (VAN) 53 yds rush/103 yds rec LT Peter Hernandez (FA) 16 games/15 starts LT Ryan Salter (FA) 15 games/8 starts DT Dwanye Martinez (FA) 49 tack/4 sacks DT Scott Johnson (FA) 1 sack MLB Lamar Pratt (FA) 28 tack/3 kd CB Charles Elsass (BUF) 92 tack/28 kd CB Brian Ullman (FA) 8 tack/5 kd/1 int CB Otis Pierson (FA) - SS Richard Hodgson (FA) 121 tack/6 kd FS Joseph Stanford (RET) 42 tack/5 kd P Milton Lewis (FA) 75 punts/3,566 yds/22 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 3.3 DT Walter Hughes 4.2 MLB Clint Moore 6.3 CB Arthur Joseph
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 5 playmakers (2 RB/3 WR) & 2 OL from last seasons 32nd ranked offense including their 2nd leading receiver and a starter on the OL. They added 2 WRs and 1 OL including the 10th leading receiver in the league.
Defensively, they lost 2 DL, 1 LB & 5 DBs from last seasons 32nd ranked defense including a starter on the DL & 2 starters from the secondary. They signed 2 DL, 1 LB & 2 DBs including starters at LB & 2 in the secondary. They also added 1 DL, 1 LB & 1 DB via the draft in the 3rd, 4th & 6th rounds.
PREDICTION: 3-13 Carolina hit rock bottom last season as they had their worst record (1-15) in francise history. The good news is that it can't get any worse as the team begins the long upward climb back to contention. The team should improve on offense this season as they double or triple last years win total.
TAMPA BAY FIREBALLS OWNER: Action-Jackson (3rd season) UNDER CAP: 150,170,132 LAST SEASON: 6-10 (3rd place) RUN OFFENSE: 25th PASS OFFENSE: 11th TOTAL OFFENSE: 15th RUN DEFENSE: 17th PASS DEFENSE: 22nd TOTAL DEFENSE: 22nd TURNOVER MARGIN: -12
ADDITIONS: FB Daniel Hughes (PIT) 36 yds rush/55 yds rec/1 TD WR Claude Crawford (NEC) 151 yds rush/351 yds rec/ WR David Cartwright (CAR) 39 yds rush/200 yds rec WR Moises Emmanuel (ATL) 15 yds rec RT Jack Russell (ORG) 16 games/16 starts P Derek Grimes (BRO) 125 punts/5,823 yds/46 inside 20 CB Billy Powell (PNX) 8 tack CB Michael Shrader (ORG) 29 tack/1 sack/2 kd/1 int SS Elmer Amezcua (ORG) 6 tack/1 sack
SUBTRACTIONS: FB Edward Connor (HOU) 2 yds rush/25 yds rec WR Daniel Stukes (ATL) 373 yds rec/2 TD WR Jerry Jennings (FA) - WR Cary Brewster (FA) 33 yds rush/9 yds rec/1 TD WR Ralph Kawamura (FA) 13 yds rush/36 yds rec WR Jeffrey Hunter (FA) 94 yds rush/18 yds rec/1 TD LT Charles Linder (DAK) 14 games/7 starts LG Clarence Whitaker (RET) 16 games/7 starts LG John Duncan (MIA) 2 games/0 starts RT Aaron Bryant (RET) 14 games/14 starts RT Willie Bledsoe (DAK) 15 games/2 starts DT Sydney Nair (DAK) 21 tack/8 hurries DT Edward Goldberg (RET) 2 sacks CB Randolph Griffin (FA) 67 tack/22 kd CB Eugene Park (FA) 39 tack/13 kd CB Jason Cox (FA) 71 tack/9 kd CB Rick Basham (PHI) 64 tack/5 kd/2 int CB James Morrison (KCY) 6 tack CB James Atkins (FA) 27 tack/4 kd CB John Kilian (FA) 53 tack/2 sacks/12 kd CB Mike Lush (FA) 41 tack/1 sack/9 kd FS Stephen Smith (RET) 13 tack/5 sacks P Christopher Mendez (DAK) 120 punts/5,605 yds/54 inside 20
DRAFT PICKS: 1.11 CB Garrett Holt 2.13 SS Tommy Martinez 3.12 CB Cedric Penaloza 4.11 FS Clarence Feldt 5.13 CB Jim Cohan 6.12 FB Jerry Jensen 7.11 CB Phillip Stthomas
BREAKDOWN: Offensively, they lost 6 playmakers (1 FB/5 WR) & 5 OL from last seasons 15th ranked offense but only 1 OL was a starter as the rest were all depth players. They added 1 FB, 3 WR & 1 OL in the off-season including a starter on the OL plus they drafted another FB in the 6th round.
Defensively, they lost 2 DL & 9 DBs from last seasons 22nd ranked defense including 4 starters (1 DL/3 DB). They added 3 DBs in free agency plus drafted 6 more DBs including their first 5 picks in the first 5 rounds.
PREDICTION: 8-8 It's season 3 under the current ownership and after a surprising 10 win season in year 1, they took a step back winning just 6 games in year 2. They return the majority of starters from last years 15th ranked offense and really focused on improving last seasons 22nd ranked defense in the draft. If the defense improves then they should win close to half their games and finish somewhere between 6-10 & 10-6.
I'm just making guesses here and it's all in fun! I'm not trying to insult anyone and I'm wrong quite often and I'll be the first one to point out just how wrong I actually was!!!
AXC
Buffalo gets the bye while Dakota, Kansas City & Cincinnati win the other 3 Divisions. Indiana, Houston & Toronto clinch the 3 Wildcard spots with Vancouver, New York & Pittsburgh just missing out on the postseason.
WEST
Kansas City 10-6 (y) Indiana 10-6 (x) Vancouver 9-7 Oakland 4-12
EAST
Buffalo 12-4 (z) New York 9-7 New England 6-10 Miami 4-12
Providence gets the bye with Phoenix, Gem City and Memphis winning the other 3 Divisions. Atlanta, Los Angeles and Philadelphia secure the Wildcards while Washington just misses the postseason.
EAST
Providence 14-2 (z) Philadelphia 10-6 (x) Washington 10-6 Brooklyn 7-9
WEST
Phoenix 14-2 (y) Los Angeles 10-6 (x) Vegas 8-8 Seattle 3-13
NORTH
Gem City 10-6 (y) Zehlendorf 7-9 Montana 6-10 Saint Paul 3-13
SOUTH
Memphis 13-3 (y) Atlanta 12-4 (x) Tampa Bay 8-8 Carolina 3-13
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
AXC
Dakota @ Buffalo
For the 12th time in 31 seasons, these two perennial contenders meet in the AXC Conference Championship game.
NXC
Phoenix @ Providence
Phoenix breaks through to reach their 5th NXC Conference Championship game while Providence makes it 4 straight NXC Conference Championship games.
XFL XXXI
Buffalo vs Providence
Buffalo makes their 10th XFL Title game while Providence makes their 1st and Providence wins a tight defensive battle 9-8!
