NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 1)


The 28th season kicked off and surprisingly 16 teams won while 16 teams lost. Go figure!

PASSING

QB Matthew Whitney (BUF) had one **** of a debut on the road in Miami. His 755 yards passing & 10 TD passes rank him 2nd & tied for 1st Alltime in a game. He fell 30 yards short of legendary HOF QB Randal Cunningham's greatest game by a QB in XFL history.

The comparison of both QBs games:

Randal Cunningham (DAK)
2031 versus Toronto
Won 82-6

25/32 (78.1%)
785 yards
10/1 TD/INT
0 sacks
145.31 QBR

Matthew Whitney (BUF)
2045 @ Miami
Won 74-22

31/53 (58.5%)
755 yards
10/3 TD/INT
7 sacks
118.91 QBR

QB Gary Fielding (VBA) looked focused on showing that Arizona made a huge mistake trading him away as he threw for 513 yards & 3 TDs but he also threw 3 interceptions. The first 2 interceptions led to 10 points for Zehlendorf who won the game 41-31.

QB Taylor Rojas (ARZ) will be forever linked to former MVP Fielding as Rojas got the big payday and Fielding was unceremoniously traded to division rival Vegas. Rojas threw for 388 yards, 3 TDs and 2 interceptions is his debut for Arizona but more importantly he got the win, 27-18 over Cincinnati. Arizona went 14-2 last season and every win was by double digits so the press and the fans are saying yes Rojas won but Fielding would have won by a larger margin. Unfortunately for Rojas, this is just the beginning of the criticism and it will be a long season.

QB Walter Clark (TOR) started just the final 4 games last season and went undefeated so he enters 2045 the starter in week 1 and he preformed brilliantly, throwing for 371 yards, 6 TDs & just 1 interception.

QB Robbie Heath (PHI) & QB John Turner round out the passers with big opening weeks. Heath threw for 369 yards, 5 TDs & 1 interception. Turner threw for 350 yards, 4 TDs & 1 interception.

10 QBs threw for at least 300 yards plus 8 QBs had 3 TD passes as the passing game has started to return in the XFL.

RUSHING

Earnest Underwood (KCY) leads the league in rushing after being named the starting back for the 1st time in his career. Underwood entered the season without a rushing attempt his first 2 seasons but new ownership means new opportunities and Underwood has taken his and ran with it.

Scott Turner (PRI) rushed for 130 yards in week 1 after finishing with over 1,000 yards the past 2 seasons but he injured his knee and may miss a game or 2 which is something to look for heading into week 2.

Toronto had 3 different backs rush for 90+ yards in their week 1 win over Seattle, 63-6. Daniel Bailey (96 yards), Richard Avery (95 yards) & Frank Skinner (94 yards). Toronto rushed for a league best 340 yards against Seattle.

Only 2 backs broke the century mark in week 1.

RECEIVING

WR Harold Moore (BUF) also had a great debut with Buffalo with 10 receptions for 308 yards & 6 TD receptions.

It's the most receiving yards in a game since 2036 but doesn't Crack the top 10 Alltime in a game. His 6 TD receptions does tie him for 3rd Alltime, just 1 shy of the Alltime record.

11 receivers broke the century mark in week which is further evidence the passing game is returning as a primary weapon.

KICKING

K Cory Pate (PRI) had a near record setting day going 7 for 8 on fieldgoals. If he hadn't missed the 1 fieldgoal, he would have tied for 2nd Alltime in a game. The record is 9 for 10 fieldgoals in a game which was set in 2043 by K Earl Koyce (GCG) against Buffalo.

K Eduardo Flanagan (IND) & Justin Plummer (CAR) each hit 58 yards in week 1 and Flanagan went 2 for 2 on 50+ yard attempts.

Frank Payne led the league going 9 for 9 on XPs.

DEFENSE

CB Erin Serrano (BUF) led the league with 17 tackles followed by MLB Andrew Fritz (TBY) had 16 tackles.

LDE Tyler Hickman (VAN) led the league with 4 sacks with LDE Nicholas Andujar (TOR) & RDE Samuel Brummett (MIA) having 3 each.

CB Billy Flanagan (MIA) led the league with 6 knockdowns & Ben Mara (ZEZ) paced the league with 2 interceptions

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 2)

We are 2 weeks into the season and we are down to 10 undefeated teams. Four in the AXC & six in the NXC.

Let's take a quick look at those 10 teams!


AXC

The AXC has 4 undefeated teams, one in each division.


VANCOUVER VANDALS
OFFENSE: 12th
DEFENSE: 7th
TO MARGIN: +0

They won the AXC Conference last season so them starting 2-0 isn't a surprise but the team is under new ownership and you can never tell how that transition may go. The transition seems to be going smoothly as the team has outscored their opponents 54-6 in the first 2 games. They host Oakland (1-1) in week 3 and are 14 point favorites.

BUFFALO SKULL CRUSHERS
OFFENSE: 1st
DEFENSE: 1st
TO MARGIN: -2

They establish a gunslinger offense the past few seasons but QB Ricardo Dodds retired and went straight into the Hall of Fame. They signed QB Matthew Whitney in free agency to a 6 year/277 million dollar contract, one year after being traded from Orlando to Los Angeles to be a backup who didnt play a down last season. He got off to a great start with Buffalo, adapting to the pass happy style offense. He has already thrown for 1,139 yards where his previous career high was just 2,614 plus he has already set a career high in TD passes with 14 where his previous best was just 12. It's all systems go for the team but top receiver Harold Moore hurt his knee in week 2 and may miss some games. Buffalo has outscored thier opponents 113-38. They host Providence (2-0) in week 3 in the game of the week as it's a pick 'em

PITTSBURGH BLITZKRIEG
OFFENSE: 14th
DEFENSE: 5th
TO MARGIN: -1

They made an early statement in week 1 beating division rival Houston 35-9 and backed it up by defeating LA 13-8 in week 2. They are looking to make it 3 straight division Titles in the highly competitive AXC North and hope to return to the XFL Title game for the 2nd time in 3 seasons. They travel to Orlando (1-1) in week 3 and are favorite by 3 points.

DAKOTA BLIZZARD
OFFENSE: 9th
DEFENSE: 4th
TO MARGIN: +0

With Orlando winning the division the past 2 seasons they used the off-season to get younger and let older veterans walk via free agency in an attempt to retool. They got out of the gate 2-0 behind a solid defense as they won by a combined score of 43-17. The schedule gets harder as they play Houston & Vancouver the next 3 games and we will see how they hold up. They travel to Houston (1-1) in week 3 and are 5 point dogs.


NXC

The NXC has 6 undefeated teams with at least 1 in each division and 2 in the East & North.


PROVIDENCE ISLANDERS
OFFENSE: 11th
DEFENSE: 16th
TO MARGIN: +1

They fell just short last season in winning thier division despite going 13-3. They started fast winning back to back home games versus New England (28-0) & division rival Philadelphia (29-26). Things Amp up in week 3 when they travel to Buffalo for the game of the week.

BROOKLYN HITMEN
OFFENSE: 6th
DEFENSE: 8th
TO MARGIN: +0

They snapped a 6 year playoff drought last season in style, going 13-3 and edging out Providence to win the NXC East. A quirk in the schedule had them play back to back road games versus AXC East teams where they won by a combined score of 57-16. In week 3 they travel to Tampa Bay (0-2) for a 3rd straight road game to open the season.

ARIZONA WRANGLERS
OFFENSE: 3rd
DEFENSE: 13th
TO MARGIN: -2

They had a controversial off-season when they signed QB Taylor Rojas to a 6 year/277 million dollar contract and traded former league MVP Gary Fielding to their division rival. Fans and media alike have openly criticized the front office and Rojas is under the microscope as everyone is looking to say, "See we knew it, you made a bad decision". They have won their first 2 games by a combined score of 65-28 but even then, fans aren't sold. The intensity rises in week 3 when Vegas & Fielding come to Arizona to screw off.

ZEHLENDORF ZECKEN
OFFENSE: 7th
DEFENSE: 30th
TO MARGIN: +0

After missing the postseason for 8 straight seasons, the team looks poised to end that narrative this season behind their explosive offense. They have won the first 2 games by a combined score of 69-41 but they won their 1st two games last season before they collapsed down the stretch. They haven't started 3-0 since 2032 and they host Montana (2-0) in week 3 who are also undefeated.

MONTANA GRIZZLIES
OFFENSE: 16th
DEFENSE: 9th
TO MARGIN: +2

You have to go back to 2024, 21 seasons ago for the last time Montana started 2-0 in a season and they have never started a season 3-0 which is what's on the line in week 3 when they travel to Zehlendorf (2-0). Barring a tie, one of these teams will start 3-0 and if it's Montana, it will mean a clean sweep of their division in the first 3 weeks.

ATLANTA DOMINATORS
OFFENSE: 10th
DEFENSE: 2nd
TO MARGIN: +3

The 4× defending Champs came out swinging in week 1, handling division rival Memphis at home 26-9 on the night another banner was raised. They have won by a combined score of 73-12 and will look to make it 3 in a row when they travel to Pittsburgh (1-1) in week 3 as 8 point favorites.

The intensity rises in week 3 when Vegas & Fielding come to Arizona to screw off.

Did your autocorrect change square to screw?

I guess so. LOL

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 3)

We lost 3 undefeated teams this week and are down to just 7 total. The AXC has just 2 while the NXC has 5!!!


AXC

WEST

Vancouver Vandals 3-0 (2-0)
Kansas City Chaos 2-1 (2-0)
Oakland Outlaws 1-2 (0-2)
Indiana Fog 0-3 (0-2)

No surprise that Vancouver leads this division but KC being 2-1 with 2 division wins is somewhat a surprise as they sit just 1 game behind the Vandals. The two teams won't meet until week 8 & 10 which will ultimately help decide which team wins the division.

EAST

Buffalo Skull Crushers 2-1 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 2-1 (2-1)
New England 0-3 (0-1)
New York 0-3 (0-1)

Again, no surprise here as Buffalo leads the Division like usual but Miami bounced back nicely after getting trounced in week 1, 74-22 by Buffalo. The two teams met again in week 9 and Miami will need to find a way to beat Buffalo if they want any chance of dethroning the Skull Crushers.

NORTH

Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 3-0 (1-0)
Toronto Titans 2-1 (0-0)
Houston Roughnecks 2-1 (1-1)
Cincinnati Defenders 1-2 (0-1)

Pittsburgh has become the team to beat in the division and nothing has changed through the first 3 weeks. In this ultra-competitive division, there has only been 2 division games the first 3 weeks. Cincinnati may be in last but they are vastly improved and could easily be 2-1. There are only 3 more division games through week 8 meaning the division will be decided in the 2nd half of the season.

SOUTH

Dakota Blizzard 2-1 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 2-1 (1-1)
Orlando Guardians 1-2 (1-1)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-3 (0-1)

This division is a surprise as Orlando was heavy favorites to win their 3rd straight division crown with Texas & Dakota battling for 2nd. Orlando has lost 2 straight while Dakota nearly beat Houston in week 3 to move to 3-0. Orlando & Dakota meet in week 9 & 16 and Orlando plays Texas again in week 13 so this division will be decided late in the season.


NXC

EAST

Brooklyn Hitmen 3-0 (0-0)
Providence Islanders 3-0 (1-0)
Philadelphia Slayers 1-2 (1-1)
Washington Warriors 0-3 (0-1)

This was looked as a 3 team race for division supremacy and early it looks like it might just be a 2 team race. Brooklyn & Providence are the only teams from the same division to remain undefeated through 3 weeks. The two teams meet in weeks 5 & 8 and the world will be watching to see which team takes the upper hand. Philadelphia is entering game 3 of an 8 game stretch against teams with winning records and plays Providence (week 6) and Brooklyn (week 9) as part of that stretch.

WEST

Arizona Wranglers 3-0 (1-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 1-2 (0-0)
Seattle Barbarians 1-2 (0-0)
Vegas Black Aces 1-2 (0-1)

Arizona surprised the XFL in the off-season trading former MVP Fielding to Vegas and signing Rojas to a mega free agent contract. There are no surprises as Arizona is 3-0 while Vegas while improved has started just 1-2 including a week 3 lose in Arizona 30-21. The QB comparison is as follows:

Gary Fielding (VBA)
1,103 yards (2nd)
6 TD passes (6th)
5 Interceptions (5th)
76.29 QBR (17th)

Taylor Rojas (ARZ)
990 yards (4th)
8 TD passes (2nd)
2 Interceptions (20th)
89.49 QBR (11th)

NORTH

Montana Grizzlies 3-0 (3-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-1 (0-1)
Gem City Gangsters 1-2 (0-1)
Saint Paul Punishers 0-3 (0-1)

The biggest surprise in the league is Montana's 3-0 start which is a first in francise history. More surprisingly, they won their first 3 games against their 3 division rivals. They play the rematches in week 6 (@Saint Paul), week 10 (@Gem City) & week 12 (Zehlendorf). Montana has been led by their 7th ranked defense while Zehlendorf (2-1) has been led by their 14th ranked offense.

SOUTH

Atlanta Dominators 3-0 (2-0)
Memphis Maniacs 2-1 (1-1)
Carolina Cobras 1-2 (1-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 0-3 (0-2)

Absolutely nothing surprising about Atlanta started 3-0 including beating Memphis their toughest division rival in week 1, 26-9. Memphis bounced back and won their next 2 games but it's the week 12 rematch with Atlanta which will decide if Atlanta can be stopped from making 5 straight XFL Titles.

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 4)

We have reached the quarter pole of the season and we still have 6 undefeated teams. Two in the AXC (Vancouver/Pittsburgh) who have won the past two AXC Conference Championships. Four in the NXC (Providence/Brooklyn/Montana/Atlanta) including the defending 4× XFL Champs.

There are also 5 winless teams. Three in the AXC (Indiana/New York/Daytona) which includes Daytona who has lost 22 straight games, dating back to 2043. There are two in the NXC (Washington/Tampa Bay) who combined for 7 wins last season.


AXC

WEST

Vancouver Vandals 4-0 (2-0)
Kansas City Chaos 3-1 (2-0)
Oakland Outlaws 1-3 (0-2)
Indiana Fog 0-4 (0-2)

This looks like a 2 team race between Vancouver & KC in a division featuring 3 brand new owners. The only returning owner is in the midst of a rebuild so 2 new owners will battle it out. Vancouver won the AXC Conference Championship last season so they have the pedigree while KC hasn't had a winning season since 2041 as they went 8-8 last season. The two teams won't meet until week 8 & 10 which will ultimately help decide which team wins the division.

EAST

Buffalo Skull Crushers 2-2 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 2-2 (2-1)
New England 1-3 (1-1)
New York 0-4 (0-2)

This has always been Buffalo's division but they went 9-7 last season which left the door open for another team to step up but New York managed just 5 wins to come in 2nd place. Buffalo again has started slow amidst a slew of injuries and Miami has the same record but Buffalo trounced Miami in week 1, 74-22 which leads most experts to believe its fools gold to think Miami can overtake Buffalo. The two teams met again in week 9 and Miami will need to find a way to beat Buffalo if they want any chance of dethroning the Skull Crushers.

NORTH

Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 4-0 (1-0)
Toronto Titans 3-1 (0-0)
Houston Roughnecks 3-1 (1-1)
Cincinnati Defenders 2-2 (0-1)

Top to bottom, the North is the best division in the XFL. Pittsburgh leads the way and has won back to back division crowns but all 4 teams are capable of dethroning them. They are still plenty of division games remaining and whoever does the best within the division will most likely take the crown. However, Houston went 5-1 compared to Pittsburg's 4-2 last season and Pittsburgh won the Division by 1 game. Pittsburgh travels to Cincinnati & Toronto is weeks 6 & 8 while Houston travels to Cincinnati in week 8 to end the first half.

SOUTH

Dakota Blizzard 3-1 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 2-2 (1-1)
Orlando Guardians 1-3 (1-1)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-4 (0-1)

After two decades of dominance in the South, Dakota was finally dethroned the past 2 seasons by Orlando. Orlando formerly Michigan was bought by new ownership, moved, renamed and won back to back division Titles. The buzz was at an alltime high this off-season after Orlando had three 1st round draft picks and all 3 became starters. Unfortunately, after Orlando won in week 1 they have dropped 3 straight games. Dakota on the other hand, made a conscious decision to get younger and let a half a dozen vets walk in free agency as they turned the roster over with an eye on youth. Dakota currently leads the Division by a game over Texas and 2 games over Orlando. Dakota host Orlando in week 8 which will go a long way in deciding who wins the division. Texas sits in 2nd and while they lost to Dakota in week 1, they beat Orlando in week 2. Texas plays Daytona in weeks 6 & 8 and could be the Wildcard in the division this season.


NXC

EAST

Providence Islanders 4-0 (2-0)
Brooklyn Hitmen 4-0 (0-0)
Philadelphia Slayers 2-2 (1-1)
Washington Warriors 0-4 (0-2)

One of the toughest divisions in the NXC has been owned by Philadelphia for half a dozen seasons as they won the Division every season from 2038-2043 before being unseated last season by Brooklyn. Providence has been to 4 straight postseasons but was always the bridesmaid to Philadelphia before finally last season when they finally surpassed Philadelphia only to be the bridesmaid once again but only this time to Brooklyn. Providence & Brooklyn are tied atop the division but Providence holds the edge thanks to a 2-0 division record while Brooklyn has yet to play a division game. The next 4 weeks are important as Providence host Brooklyn in week 5 before traveling to Philadelphia & Brooklyn in weeks 6 & 8 to close out the first half.

WEST

Arizona Wranglers 3-1 (1-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 1-3 (0-0)
Seattle Barbarians 1-3 (0-0)
Vegas Black Aces 1-3 (0-1)

Arizona has won 4 straight division Titles and it appears they are well on their way to making it 5 straight as they have a 2 game lead on the other 3 teams. Vegas who owned this division from 2033-2040 has finished 8-8 the past 3 seasons and seems to be stuck in limbo. Los Angeles was one of the biggest surprises last season going from 0-16 to 9-7 under their new owner. LA travels to Seattle in week 5 before hosting Vegas in week 6. Arizona travels to Vegas in week 8 which closes the first half.

NORTH

Montana Grizzlies 4-0 (3-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-2 (0-2)
Gem City Gangsters 2-2 (0-1)
Saint Paul Punishers 1-3 (1-1)

The feel good story of the season has to be Montana who has started the season 4-0 with 3 division wins and it marks the first time in francise history the team has started 4-0. They lead Zehlendorf & Gem City by 2 games each with Saint Paul 3 games back. Montana travels to Saint Paul in week 6 for their 4th division game which is the only division game left in the first half.

SOUTH

Atlanta Dominators 4-0 (2-0)
Memphis Maniacs 3-1 (2-1)
Carolina Cobras 1-3 (1-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 0-4 (0-3)

Atlanta is undefeated and leads Memphis by 1 game thanks to their week 1 head to head win 26-9. Atlanta has won 4 of the past 5 division Titles. Memphis has been chasing Atlanta for the past 4 seasons and actually won the Division in 2042 but Atlanta has won 4 straight XFL Titles while Memphis has been knocked out of the playoffs 3 of the past 4 years by Atlanta. Seemingly the only game that matters in this division is the week 12 rematch when Memphis hosts Atlanta in a must win game for Memphis.

PASSING

Matthew Whitney (BUF)
1,874 yards (1st)
17 TD passes (1st)

Gary Fielding (VBA)
1,316 yards (2nd)
7 TD passes (9th)

Robbie Heath (PHI)
1,266 yards (3rd)
11 TD passes (4th)

Anthony Henderson (MEM)
1,261 yards (4th)
12 TD passes (2nd)

Brandon Williams (PRI)
1,101 yards (9th)
12 TD passes (2nd)

RUSHING

Earnest Underwood (KCY)
485 yards (1st)
0 TD (37th)

Jerome Pond (MEM)
434 yards (2nd)
2 TD (10th)

Son Johnson (ARZ)
390 yards (3rd)
2 TD (10th)

Richard Avery (TOR)
389 yards (4th)
4 TD (2nd)

Dustin Herrington (KCY)
205 yards (24th)
5 TD (1st)

RECEIVING

Harold Moore (BUF)
47 receptions (1st)
660 yards (1st)
8 TD receptions (1st)

James Fain (MEM)
36 receptions (3rd)
610 yards (2nd)
5 TD receptions (3rd)

Woodward Henderson (DAK)
35 receptions (4th)
516 yards (3rd)
0 TD receptions (98th)

David Morley (BUF)
16 receptions (40th)
319 yards (8th)
6 TD receptions (2nd)

John Sellers (ARZ)
27 receptions (8th)
451 yards (4th)
5 TD receptions (3rd)

KICKING

Lawrence Jones (BRO)
15/16 FG (1st)
4/4 50+ FG (2nd)
8/8 XP (14th)

Doyle Allen (ATL)
13/15 FG (2nd)
2/3 50+ FG (9th)
10/10 XP (10th)

Eduardo Flanagan (IND)
7/9 FG (14th)
5/5 50+ FG (1st)
2/2 XP (22nd)

Frank Payne (TOR)
3/3 FG (27th)
1/1 50+ FG (13th)
19/19 XP (1st)

DEFENSE

Erin Serrano (BUF)
41 tackles (1st)

Victor Lee (TBY)
38 tackles (2nd)

Edward Yound (NYE)
38 tackles (2nd)

Peter Grant (HOU)
8 sacks (1st)

Oren Bearce (ATL)
8 sacks (1st)

Ernest Johnson (PHI)
8 sacks (1st)

Chadwick Turner (PRI)
8 sacks (1st)

Ulysses Grant (VBA)
13 knockdowns (1st)

Warren Bailey (MTG)
12 knockdowns (2nd)

Joshua Chavez (ARZ)
12 knockdowns (2nd)

Kevin Tefft (ATL)
4 interceptions (1st)

Allen Crandall (TOR)
4 interceptions (1st)

Philip Evans (VBA)
2 forced fumbles (1st)

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 5)

Week 5 saw 3 of the 6 undefeated teams fall leaving just 3 undefeated teams remaining (Pittsburgh/Providence/Atlanta).

AXC

WEST

Kansas City Chaos 4-1 (3-0)
Vancouver Vandals 4-1 (2-0)
Oakland Outlaws 1-4 (0-3)
Indiana Fog 0-5 (0-2)

Not only did Vancouver lose for the first time this season in week 5 but KC won once again to have an identical record as the defending AXC Conference Champ. KC actually claims first place honors based on a 3-0 division record to Vancouvers 2-0 division record. The two teams won't meet until week 8 & 10 and anticipation for these matches are reaching a fever pitch.

EAST

Buffalo Skull Crushers 2-3 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 2-3 (2-1)
New England 1-4 (1-1)
New York 0-5 (0-2)

Buffalo has lost 3 straight games and surprisingly based on thier incredible success the past quarter century, this is the 5th straight season where the team has lost 3 straight games. The good news is they easily won the Division the previous 4 seasons and unless another team in the East steps up, that streak should continue. Everyone in the division lost this week but New York was bought by former Toronto owner Dang Alanti who owned that francise for 10 seasons (2034-2043) and led them to their first 6 postseasons in francise history. New York fans should be excited as they now have an owner with a history of turning around teams with long playoff droughts.

NORTH

Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 5-0 (1-0)
Toronto Titans 4-1 (0-0)
Houston Roughnecks 4-1 (1-1)
Cincinnati Defenders 3-2 (0-1)

Unlike the East division, every team in the North won in week 5. The North is the only division where all 4 teams are above .500 and only 1 other division has 3 teams with winning records (NXC East). Their have only been 2 division games up to this point but Pittsburgh travels to Cincinnati in week 6 and if Cincinnati can pull the upset then the division will really tighten up.

SOUTH

Dakota Blizzard 4-1 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 2-3 (1-1)
Orlando Guardians 2-3 (1-1)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 1-4 (0-1)

Dakota has started strong this season behind a top 5 defense and they currently hold a 2 game lead over Texas & pre-season favorite Orlando. Daytona broke their 22 game losing streak behind their 12th ranked pass defense.


NXC

EAST

Providence Islanders 5-0 (3-0)
Brooklyn Hitmen 4-1 (0-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 3-2 (1-1)
Washington Warriors 0-5 (0-2)

Providence dominated Brooklyn in week 5, winning 51-26 and sent a clear message to the division that they are tired of being the bridesmaid! Brooklyn actually jumped out to a 10-0 lead and it was 17-7 Brooklyn after the first quarter before Providence exploded for 44 points the final 3 quarters while holding Brooklyn to just 9 points. Providence QB Brandon Williams started the game slow but ended up with 468 yards passing and 5 TD passes despite throwing 2 interceptions and being sacked 6 times. Philadelphia sits at 3-2 after 5 weeks and is still in the picture for the division Title but they traded starting QB Robbie Heath to Gem City for two 1st round picks. Providence travels to Philadelphia in week 6 in a pivotal division showdown.

WEST

Arizona Wranglers 4-1 (1-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-3 (1-0)
Vegas Black Aces 2-3 (0-1)
Seattle Barbarians 1-4 (0-1)

3 of the 4 teams won in week 5 as LA beat Seattle for the only lose. Arizona holds a comfortable 2 game lead entering week 6 over both LA and Vegas. Vegas travels to LA in week 6 which will decide who takes hold of 2nd place in the division early in the season.

NORTH

Montana Grizzlies 4-1 (3-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-3 (0-2)
Gem City Gangsters 2-3 (0-1)
Saint Paul Punishers 1-4 (1-1)

The feel good story of the season Montana had their first lose in week 5 losing a shootout with Vegas 45-38. Fortunately for Montana, every team in the North lost in week 5 and they still hold a 2 game lead over Zehlendorf & Gem City. Montana travels to Saint Paul in week 6 for their 4th division game which is the only division game left in the first half of the season. Gem City, frustrated with the performance of QB Michael Keeler, traded two 1st round picks to Philadelphia for QB Robbie Heath in an attempt to shake up the team and salvage the season.

SOUTH

Atlanta Dominators 5-0 (3-0)
Memphis Maniacs 4-1 (2-1)
Carolina Cobras 1-4 (1-2)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 1-4 (0-3)

Atlanta remains undefeated through 5 weeks and since the start of the 2041 season, they have gone an incredible 76-6 including the postseason. This dynasty is into its fifth season of dominance and the question remains who will finally stop them. Memphis is 4-1 and over the past 5 seasons they have gone 63-16 including the postseason always a step or 2 just behind Atlanta. In week 12, Memphis host Atlanta and needs to win to have any chance of ousting Atlanta as division Champion.

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 6)

And there were two as Providence lost leaving Pittsburgh in the AXC & Atlanta in the NXC as the only undefeated teams remaining.

AXC

WEST

Vancouver Vandals 5-1 (3-0)
Kansas City Chaos 4-2 (3-0)
Oakland Outlaws 1-5 (0-4)
Indiana Fog 0-6 (0-2)

Vancouver bounced back from their first lose with a 41-3 shellacking of division rival Oakland on the road. KC fell 26-7 on the road to Orlando to fall 1 game back in the division.

EAST

Buffalo Skull Crushers 3-3 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 2-4 (2-1)
New England 1-5 (1-1)
New York 0-6 (0-2)

Buffalo ends their 3 game skid with a 37-3 statement game at home over Toronto. The rest of the division all lost and Buffalo holds a 1 game lead over Miami with the head to head win in their pocket.

NORTH

Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 6-0 (2-0)
Houston Roughnecks 5-1 (1-1)
Toronto Titans 4-2 (0-0)
Cincinnati Defenders 3-3 (0-2)

Pittsburgh continues to roll with a 37-6 decisive road win versus division rival Cincinnati. Houston traveled to New England and pitched a 23-0 shutout to keep pace, remaining 1 game behind. Toronto fell to Orlando and Cincy lost to Pitt to round out the division schedule.

SOUTH

Dakota Blizzard 5-1 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 3-3 (2-1)
Orlando Guardians 3-3 (1-1)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 1-5 (0-2)

Dakota survived a close match up with New York at home 19-16 to maintain their 2 game lead. Orlando beat Toronto while Texas went to Daytona and held off Daytona 13-6.


NXC

EAST

Providence Islanders 5-1 (3-1)
Brooklyn Hitmen 5-1 (0-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 4-2 (2-1)
Washington Warriors 0-6 (0-2)

Providence went to Philadelphia and lost 19-6 as Philly sent a message that despite trading their starting QB, they are still in it to win it! Brooklyn hosted Miami and won easily 27-6 to pull even with Providence but Providence has the head to head win in their back pocket. Washington remains winless after a trip to Carolina where they lost 17-6.

WEST

Arizona Wranglers 5-1 (1-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 3-3 (2-0)
Vegas Black Aces 2-4 (0-2)
Seattle Barbarians 1-5 (0-1)

Arizona went overseas to Germany and trounced Zehlendorf 38-7 to dismiss any theories on jet lag. LA hosted Vegas in a battle for 2nd place and won a close one 19-16 to remain undefeated within the division at 2-0. Seattle lost on the road in Tampa to round out the division play.

NORTH

Montana Grizzlies 5-1 (4-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-4 (0-2)
Gem City Gangsters 2-4 (0-1)
Saint Paul Punishers 1-5 (1-2)

Montana bounced back from its first lose of the season by beating division rival Saint Paul 29-16 on the road, improving their division record to a sparkling 4-0. The rest of the division all lost as Zehlendorf lost at home to Arizona while Gem City traveled to play the defending Champs and got shutout 30-0. Montana has a demanding 3 game lead which is even more demanding based on their 4-0 division record.

SOUTH

Atlanta Dominators 6-0 (3-0)
Memphis Maniacs 5-1 (2-1)
Carolina Cobras 2-4 (1-2)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 2-4 (0-3)

Atlanta remains undefeated through 6 weeks win a 30-0 shutout at home versus Gem City. The rest of the division all won as Memphis traveled to Indiana and won 37-13, Carolina & Tampa Bay both won at home as Carolina beat Washington 17-6 & Tampa Bay beat Seattle 25-3.

XFL POWER RANKINGS (Week 6)

A basic power rankings based on team record (+5 win/-5 lose), Total offense & Total defense (66-OFF RANK+DEF RANK) and turnover margin (+/- TO MARGIN).

I had some extra time but this won't be a weekly thing, just periodically during the season.

The ranking below have each team's points from the formula above along with the combined winning percentage of the teams they have faced so far this season.

Indiana has had the hardest strength of schedule so far where their first 6 games were against teams with a .694 winning percentage or 25-11.

14 of 32 teams have had schedules were opponents were above .500 winning percentage combined including 7 of the 10 bottom ranked teams.

#1 Atlanta is undefeated yet their opponents have a .555 winning percentage. The next highest ranked team to meet that standard is #14 Philadelphia.

Montana & Kansas City have had the easiest schedule with opponents having a combined .309 winning percentage. Both teams have taken advantage of the weak schedule especially Montana at 5-1.

1. Atlanta Dominators 92 (.555)
2. Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 85 (.472)
3. Memphis Maniacs 83 (.389)
4. Vancouver Vandals 79 (.333)
5. Arizona Wranglers 75 (.444)
6. Houston Roughnecks 69 (.444)
6. Brooklyn Hitmen 69 (.333)
8. Dakota Blizzard 66 (.389)
9. Montana Grizzlies 65 (.306)
9. Providence Islanders 65 (.472)
11. Buffalo Skull Crushers 50 (.500)
11. Toronto Titans 50 (.333)
13. Kansas City Chaos 42 (.306)
14. Philadelphia Slayers 40 (.583)
15. Orlando Guardians 38 (.500)
15. Los Angeles Challengers 38 (.472)
17. Texas Hold'em 31 (.500)
18. Vegas Black Aces 27 (.556)
19. Cincinnati Defenders 24 (.611)
20. Miami Nemesis 23 (.528)
21. Tampa Bay Fireballs 13 .(528)
22. Gem City Gangsters 12 .(639)
23. Zehlendorf Zecken 6 (.472)
24. Daytona Beach Bull Sharks -3 (.444)
24. Saint Paul Punishers -3 (.639)
26. Carolina Cobras -5 (.639)
27. New England Crusaders -6 (.639)
27. Seattle Barbarians -6 (.444)
29. Indiana Fog -9 (.694)
30. Oakland Outlaws -13 (.667)
31. New York Empire -20 (.611)
32. Washington Warriors -25 (.556)

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 7)

And there is one!!! Pittsburgh fell in overtime at Buffalo leaving just the 4× defending Champion Atlanta Dominators as the last unbeaten team.

AXC

WEST

Vancouver Vandals 5-2 (3-0)
Kansas City Chaos 4-3 (3-0)
Oakland Outlaws 2-5 (0-4)
Indiana Fog 0-7 (0-2)

Vancouver was upset at home by Tampa Bay 19-18 but Kansas wasn't able to capitalize, losing at home to Atlanta 27-23 in a very close game. Week 8 has KC traveling to Vancouver for the first of 2 matchups between these two teams in the next 3 weeks.

EAST

Buffalo Skull Crushers 4-3 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 3-4 (2-1)
New England 1-5 (1-1)
New York 0-6 (0-2)

Buffalo handed Pittsburgh its first lose 16-13 in overtime at home. Miami hosted Washington and won 25-6 to keep pace in the division and in 2 weeks they play the rematch from week 1 where Buffalo trounced Miami on the road 74-22.

NORTH

Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 6-1 (2-0)
Houston Roughnecks 6-1 (1-1)
Toronto Titans 4-3 (0-0)
Cincinnati Defenders 4-3 (0-2)

Pittsburgh lost their 1st game on the road in Buffalo 16-13 in overtime. Houston hosted Vegas and won 32-10 to pull even in the division despite Pittsburgh holding the head to head win from week 1. Toronto lost back to back road games, this time in Arizona 24-3. Cincinnati traveled to New England and handled business winning 41-10 to pull even with Toronto for 3rd place. Week 8 is a division week for the North as Pittsburgh travels to Toronto while Houston travels to Cincinnati.

SOUTH

Dakota Blizzard 6-1 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 4-3 (2-1)
Orlando Guardians 3-4 (1-2)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 2-5 (1-2)

Dakota traveled to Saint Paul and after falling behind early 9-0 scored 39 unanswered to win going away. Texas won on the road in Indiana, 14-10 to remain 2 games behind despite losing the first matchup with Dakota in week 1. Orlando traveled to Daytona and lost 14-12 as Daytona has won 2 of their last 3 games after breaking their 22 game losing streak. Daytona travels to Texas in week 8 and they have a 24 game road losing streak they would love to also break.


NXC

EAST

Providence Islanders 6-1 (3-1)
Brooklyn Hitmen 6-1 (0-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 4-3 (2-1)
Washington Warriors 0-7 (0-2)

Providence demolished New York 50-3 at home while Brooklyn traveled to Gem City and won 20-6 to keep pace. Philadelphia coming off its big win versus Providence went to Memphis and laid an egg losing 51-15. Providence travels to Brooklyn in week 8 in the rematch from week 5 where Providence won 51-26. Philadelphia travels to Montana and needs a win to keep pace.

WEST

Arizona Wranglers 6-1 (1-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 4-3 (2-0)
Vegas Black Aces 2-5 (0-2)
Seattle Barbarians 1-6 (0-1)

Arizona hosted Toronto and win 24-3 while Los Angeles hosted Zehlendorf and won 40-21 to keep pace. Vegas lost their 2nd straight and 4th in their last 5 games. Things don't get any easier for Vegas as they host Arizona & Pittsburgh the next 2 weeks. Los Angeles travels to Memphis in week 8 which puts their 3 game winning streak in jeopardy.

NORTH

Montana Grizzlies 6-1 (4-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-5 (0-2)
Gem City Gangsters 2-5 (0-1)
Saint Paul Punishers 1-6 (1-2)

Montana continues to extend its lead in the North as they hosted Seattle and won 33-14 while the rest of the division all lost. Montana has a commanding 4 game lead in the division plus have a 4-0 division record which will make catching them nearly impossible unless Montana absolutely collapses in the 2nd half of the season.

SOUTH

Atlanta Dominators 7-0 (3-0)
Memphis Maniacs 6-1 (2-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 3-4 (0-3)
Carolina Cobras 2-5 (1-2)

Atlanta remains undefeated after Kansas gave them a scare in week 7. Kansas City was down 27-23 with 7:26 left in the 4th quarter when they got an interception setting them up on the Atlanta 39 yard line. 6 plays later they had a 4th & 3 from the Atlanta 12 yard line with 4 minutes left. Instead of kicking a fieldgoal to make it a 1 point game, KC went for it and failed which turned the ball over on downs. Memphis hosted Philadelphia and won big 51-15 to keep pace. Tampa upset Vancouver on the road 19-18 to move ahead of Carolina in the division and Carolina travels to Tampa in week 8.