NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 1)

The 29th season of the XFL kicked off and 16 teams rejoiced as they won in week 1 and fans have dreams of going undefeated while 16 teams faltered after a week 1 lose and fans inundate local radio with prophecies of doom & gloom.

In the end, it's just 1 game but it does set the tone for the season so let's take a look at the week 1 results.

MAJOR UPSET
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Buffalo Skull Crushers 12
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New York Empire 34
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New York was identified by pre-season prognosticators as a possible dark horse in the AXC based on new ownership who spent money in free agency plus had a solid draft to improve the roster. Week 1 saw them host Buffalo in the Big Apple, a team that has owned the AXC East for a quarter of a century. Buffalo ALLPRO QB Matthew Whitney entered the game with a gimpy leg which he sustained in the last pre-season game. He put up his typical big numbers throwing for 464 yards but his injury clearly impacted his mobility as he was sacked 9 times while also throwing 4 interceptions due to constant pressure. New York QB William Jennings matched Whitney's 4 interceptions but also threw 4 TD passes to Whitney's 1 TD pass.

The key to this game was Buffalo played their unique full-throttle offense all game, going for it on 4th down regardless of down, distance or location on field as Buffalo never punted or attempted a fieldgoal. New York's defense held Buffalo to 2/13 on 4th down which helped set their offense up with great field position multiple times. Buffalo was really hurt by their inability to convert inside the redzone as they scored just 2 touchdowns on 6 redzone visits.

New York rookie WR Michael Montgomery rushed for 95 yards on 15 carries while WR Timothy Nunez rushed for 89 yards on 13 carries giving New York a nice 1-2 punch. QB William Jennings only threw for 202 yards but had 4 TD passes including 3 to WR Lester Griffin who had 137 yards on 6 receptions. 2× ALLPRO WLB Jose Dildy had 3 tackles & 2 interceptions in his 9th season with the Empire. RDE George Carroll & LDE Thomas Gooch had 4 sacks each as both players entered their 2nd season in the league.

Buffalo QB Matthew threw for 464 yards on 81 pass attempts with 1 TD pass & 4 interceptions while being sacked 9 times. WR Harold Moore had 16 receptions (6th Alltime), 222 yards receiving & 1 TD reception while WR David Morley had 8 receptions & 108 yards receiving in a losing effort. Former ALLPRO SS David Stover had 1 tackle & 2 interceptions while CB Steven Holloman had 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble while also rushing for 50 yards on 7 carries including 1 rushing TD.

MINOR UPSET
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Vegas Black Aces 34
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Brooklyn Hitmen 10
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Vegas had finished 8-8 for 3 straight seasons before going 7-9 last season while Brooklyn has won double digit games (13/11) the past 2 seasons so Vegas traveling to Brooklyn in week 1 seemed like a tough ask for the Black Aces. That couldn't have been further from the truth as Vegas jumped out to a 17-0 lead before Brooklyn finally kicked a fieldgoal at the end of the 1st half. Brooklyn took the 2nd half kickoff and drove 75 yards to make it a 17-10 game before Vegas scored 17 more unanswered points to win going away.

Vegas traded a 2nd rounder to Cincinnati for WR Anthony Stembridge who quickly paid dividends rushing for 152 yards on 29 carries plus 1 rushing TD. WR Vincent Day added 74 yards rushing on just 11 carries including 2 rushing TDs. 2× former league MVP QB Gary Fielding was acquired last season in a trade with Arizona and Vegas became pass happy last season but in week 1, they returned to the run first oriented offense that helped them win back to back Titles in 2039 & 2040. It may be hard to believe but Vegas is the last team not Atlanta to win an XFL Title. Fielding was effienct throwing for 191 yards & 1 TD pass without an interception or a sack. WR Tommy Williams led all recievers with 11 receptions for 93 yards.

Brooklyn really struggled on offense as QB Keith Garcia threw for just 170 yards, 1 TD pass, 1 interception & 1 sack. WR Bruce Johnson had just 1 catch but it was a 62 yard touchdown. Brooklyn had the ball for just 15 minutes as Vegas ran the ball and controlled the clock. 2nd year CB Cyrus Baltimore & CB Sean Baker had 11 & 12 tackles respectively as over & over the RBs of Vegas got past the front 7 and the secondary had to make the tackle.

GAMES OF THE WEEK
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Orlando Guardians 31
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Houston Roughnecks 26
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Orlando struggled last season, finishing just 8-8 amid rumors the team was being sold and the previous owner had lost interest in the francise. The attitude seemed to trickle down through the francise and ultimately effected the teams performance on the field. They had come off back to back Division Titles in the AXC South, surpassing Dakota at the top of the division. The team was finally sold in the off-season and it's a complete 180 in attitude as Orlando is looking to reclaim the South. They traveled to Houston to play a Roughnecks team that has made the postseason in 5 straight seasons and is also a perennial contender.

The two teams exchanged touchdowns on each teams first possession before Orlando scored 10 unanswered points to take a 17-7 lead in the 2nd quarter. Houston would respond with a TD later in the 2nd quarter but Orlando tacked on a TD late in the 1st half to take a 24-14 lead into halftime. Houston got the 2nd half kickoff but moved the wrong way and was forced to punt from inside their own 10 which gave Orlando the ball near midfield and they capitalized scoring another TD making the score 31-14 at the 11 minute mark of the 3rd quarter.

That would be the last time Orlando scored in the game as Houston began to chip away at the lead but Houston had to settle for 2 fieldgoals before finally cracking into the endzone with 10:26 left in the game, making the score 31-26 after a failed 2 point conversion. Houston's defense did their job in the 4th quarter, giving the offense the ball 3 times in the 4th quarter but Orlando's defense was able to stay strong and Houston failed in their comeback attempt.

Orlando QB William Young led the offense throwing for 352 yards, 3 TD passes and 0 interceptions. WR Daryl Goldman was the leading receiver with 113 yards on just 3 receptions while WR Jordon Garcia had 101 yards on 4 receptions including 1 TD reception. Veteran LDE James Holt had 2 sacks to lead the defense.

Houston WR Andre Maker rushed for 159 yards on 15 carries including 1 rushing TD. QB Joseph Eady throw for 184 yards & 2 TD passes but had 2 interceptions. The leading receiver was former ALLPRO WR Joseph McCasland would had 74 yards receiving on 4 receptions including 1 TD reception. The Houston defense was led by WLB Joel Dobson who had 10 tackles in the losing effort.
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Kansas City Chaos 10
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Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 16
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Kansas City traveled to Pittsburgh for a rematch of last seasons AXC Conference Championship game and while Kansas City played a much closer game then last seasons 24-9 lose in the CC game, they still came up short losing 16-10 to the defending AXC Champs. It was a close game that went into halftime with Pittsburgh up 10-7 and Pittsburgh extended the lead to 13-7 in the 2nd half before KC pulled to within 13-10 with 12:11 left in the 4th quarter. Pittsburgh would add another fieldgoal on their very next drive to take a 16-10 lead with 9:20 left on the clock. KC had the ball with just 1:45 on the clock and drove the ball down to the Pittsburgh 18 yard line before on 4th & 2 with 0:54 left QB Bart Rowland was sacked which sealed the victory for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh QB John Turner threw for 184 yards, 1 TD & 1 interception. WR Leroy Perrotta had 9 receptions for 55 yards & 1 TD reception while WR Roger Flowers rushed for 86 yards on 16 carries. CB Tommy Olsen led the defense with 10 tackles.

KC QB Bart Rowland threw for 178 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT & was sacked just the 1 game deciding time. WR Terrance Jackson led all recievers with 7 receptions for just 46 yards. 2× former ALLPRO CB Jason Ramos led the defense with 8 tackles.
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Vancouver Vandals 27
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Gem City Gangsters 31
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Gem City snapped a 7 year run as NXC North Division Champs last season and hosted Vancouver in week 1, a team with their own 4 year streak of making the postseason including an AXC Conference Championship in 2044. Vancouver had some pundits concerned in the preseason as they didn't score a TD in 3 preseason games but they quickly dispelled any doubts about their ability to score as they took a 17-10 into halftime on the road. Gem City got the 2nd half kickoff but it wasn't until their 3rd drive of tge 2nd half where they finally knotted the game up at 17 at the 3:52 mark of the 3rd quarter. Vancouver needed 3 drives before reclaiming the lead 24-17 with 6:46 left in the 4th quarter then Gem City took all of 5 seconds off the clock to answer at 24-24. After another Vancouver punt, Gem City struck again quick making the score 31-24 Gem City with 4:46 left.

Vancouver had a long drive at the end of the game where they drove to the Gem City 7 yard line but on 4th & goal.from the 7 with 1:06 left and down 31-24, they went for it and were called for a false start making it 4th & goal from the 12. They elected to kick a fieldgoal which they made cutting the lead to 31-27 and went for the outside kick which amazingly they recovered. They had a 3rd & 6 from the Gem City 36 yard line with 0:52 left before they fumbled the ball away which ended the game.

Gem City QB Robbie Heath was solid throwing for 227 yards, 2 TDs & 0 picks while being sacked just once. WR Christopher Kesterson rushed for 82 yards on 2 just carries including a 75 TD run plus led the team in receiving with 3 receptions for 75 yards and a TD reception. CB Mike Flaherty led the team with 12 tackles & an interception while RDE P.C. Principle had 3 sacks.

Vancouver QB John Bennett threw for 404 yards, 3 TDs, 1 interception while being sacked 4 times. WR David Talty led the team in receiving with 4 receptions, 126 yards & 1 TD pass. SLB Alvin Jackson led the team with 7 tackles.

EXPECTED RESULTS

These 5 games went pretty much as expected as the heavy favorite won by at least 20 points.

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Dakota Blizzard 23
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Texas Hold'em 3
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Memphis Maniaca 34
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Carolina Cobras 7
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Seattle Barbarians 7
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Philadelphia Slayers 51
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Arizona Wranglers 27
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Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 3
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Atlanta Dominators 41
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Tampa Bay Fireballs 19
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GREAT START/BAD START

These games featured 2 teams with varying aspirations where 1 team completely outperformed the other.

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Toronto Titans 7
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Cincinnati Defenders 37
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Miami Nemesis 3
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New England Crusaders 24
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Indiana Fog 6
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Oakland Outlaws 20
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Zehlendorf Zecken 24
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Saint Paul Punishers 9
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Washington Warriors 0
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Los Angeles Challengers 20
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Providence Islanders 26
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Montana Grizzlies 0
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NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 2)

It's only week 2 and already 22 of the 32 teams have a lose. There are 8 teams with a 2-0 record and there are some surprise teams on that short list including New York, New England & Zehlendorf.

Only 9 teams are winless through 2 weeks and we already have a tie as it looks like a fantastic season is just starting in the XFL.

2-0 Teams
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New York Empire
New England Crusaders
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg
Cincinnati Defenders
Orlando Guardians
Philadelphia Slayers
Arizona Wranglers
Zehlendorf Zecken
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Among the 8 teams in this group only 4 made the postseason last season and only 2 actually won their division. In fact, New England & New York both had just 3 wins all of last season while Zehlendorf had just 4 wins last season.


1-1 Teams
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Oakland Outlaws
Indiana Fog
Vancouver Vandals
Buffalo Skull Crushers
Dakota Blizzard
Providence Islanders
Brooklyn Hitmen
Montana Grizzlies
Gem City Gangsters
Memphis Maniacs
Atlanta Dominators
Carolina Cobras
Tampa Bay Fireballs
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8 of the 13 teams in this group made the postseason last season including 5 Division winners. Incredibly all 4 teams in the NXC South are 1-1 including the 5× defending Champ Atlanta Dominators who have already matched their lose total for the last 3 seasons combined.

0-2 Teams
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Kansas City Chaos
Miami Nemesis
Houston Roughnecks
Toronto Titans
Texas Hold'em
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks
Washington Warriors
Seattle Barbarians
Saint Paul Punishers
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Of the 9 winless teams, 2 were in the postseason last year including 1 Division winner (KC).

1-0-1 Teams

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Vegas Black Aces
Los Angeles Challengers
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These 2 teams both won in week 1 then played each other to an exciting 31-31 overtime tie. Neither team made the postseason last year but both teams were just on the outside looking in.

INTERESTING STATS

QB Matthew Whitney (BUF)
He leads the league in passing yards (932), interceptions (7) & times sacked (14).

QB Remy Beaucamp (CIN)
QB Steven Stiner (PHI)
They are both tied for the league lead in TD passes (7).

WR Andre Maker (HOU)
He leads the league in rushing yards (221)

WR Joseph Moore (CIN)
He leads the league in receiving yards (382) & is tied for the league lead in TD receptions (5).

WR Lester Griffin (NYE)
He is tied for the league lead in TD receptions (5) & leads the league in Total yards (461) & Total TDs (6).

WR Harold Moore (BUF)
He leads the league in receptions (33).

K Angel Weinstein (DAK)
He leads the league in FGs (8/9) & 50+ yard FGs (3/3).

CB Steven Holloman (BUF)
He leads the league in tackles (25).

RDE Chadwick Turner (PRI)
He leads the league in sacks (6).

CB Carl Bowman (NYE)
He leads the league in knockdowns (10).

CB Rufus Lehman (PHI)
He leads the league in interceptions (3).

MLB Edward Douglas (ZEZ)
He leads the league in forced fumbles (2).

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 3)

We are 3 games into the season so let's take a first look at the 8 divisions and pinpoint who is in & who is out of the division races.

AXC

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WEST
Oakland Outlaws 2-1 (1-0)
Vancouver Vandals 2-1 (1-0)
Indiana Fog 1-2 (0-1)
Kansas City Chaos 1-2 (0-1)
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The AXC West has all 4 teams separated by just 1 game as the division is wide open for any of the teams to win.

Oakland has played well to start the season and could easily be 3-0 but the schedule gets more difficult beginning with a week 4 matchup with Orlando (2-1).

Vancouver also has played well after a close lose in week 1, they have run off 2 straight wins. They have 2 straight road games upcoming but both are winnable games which could put them in the driver's seat in the division.

Indiana has struggled on the road going 0-2 but they travel to Miami (0-3) in week 4 before hosting Vancouver (2-1) in week 5. They could make things very interesting in the West with 2 straight wins.

Kansas City decided to rebuild after reaching the AXC Conference Championship game last season and they have started slow. They host Dakota (2-1) in week 4 before playing 4 straight on the road beginning with Buffalo (2-1). We will learn alot about KC over the next 2 weeks.

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EAST
New York Empire 3-0 (2-0)
New England Crusaders 2-1 (1-0)
Buffalo Skull Crushers 2-1 (0-1)
Miami Nemesis 0-3 (0-2)
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The AXC East looks like it could be a 3 team race with the emergence of New York & New England as possible contenders.

New York has started the season red hot with back to back wins over Buffalo & Memphis which is no easy feat. They host Carolina (2-1) in week 4 before traveling to Atlanta (2-1) in week 5. If New York does well the next 2 weeks then they move from suspect to contender very quickly.

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing a defensive battle in week 3 to a rebuilding KC team. They host Buffalo (2-1) in week 4 which will show how much this team has improved since they have lost 25 straight to the Skull Crushers.

Buffalo was upset by New York in week 1 before bouncing back with wins over Dakota & Tampa Bay. It's been 13 seasons since anyone but Buffalo won the East and Buffalo's next 6 games are versus teams they should beat.

Miami has lost their first 3 games, all by double digits and they host Indiana (1-2) in week 4. If Miami loses in week 4, it might be a long season since the next 4 games with be against teams who will be heavy favorites.

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[bNORTH[/b]
Cincinnati Defenders 3-0 (1-0)
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 2-1 (1-0)
Houston Roughnecks 1-2 (1-1)
Toronto Titans 0-3 (0-2)
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The toughest division in the XFL is top heavy for the first time in years as Houston & Toronto have stumbled out of the gates.

Cincinnati has hit the ground running after making the postseason last season going 3-0 and with matchups in Houston in week 4 then hosting Pittsburgh in week 5, they can really take command of the North with 2 more wins.

Pittsburgh started 2-0 before dropping a close game in Dakota in week 3. They host Brooklyn (2-1) in week 4 before traveling to Cincinnati (3-0) in week 5 for an early pivotal division showdown.

Houston started 0-2 after 2 close loses versus good teams before bouncing back in week 3 with a division win over Toronto. They host Cincinnati in week 4 and a win puts them right back into the division race.

Toronto has dropped 3 straight to start the season but travel to Daytona (0-3) in week 4 where one team should get their first win.

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SOUTH
Dakota Blizzard 2-1 (1-0)
Orlando Guardians 2-1 (1-0)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-3 (0-0)
Texas Hold'em 0-3 (0-2)
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The South looks like a 2 team race as we get the race between Dakota & Orlando that was expected last season.

Dakota started 2-1 with close games versus Buffalo & Pittsburgh. They play their next 3 games on the road including Arizona (3-0) in week 6.

Orlando started 2-0 before falling to red hot Cincinnati at home in week 3. They should be favorites the next 4 games before hosting Dakota in week 8 in a key division showdown.

Texas lost 2 division games by double digits before falling just short versus Vancouver at home in week 3. They play their next 3 games on the road starting with Seattle before heading to Orlando & Cincinnati in weeks 5 & 6.

Daytona started 0-3 for the 3rd straight season but have winnable games in weeks 4 & 5 when they host Toronto then travel to Seattle.



NXC

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EAST
Philadelphia Slayers 2-1 (1-0)
Brooklyn Hitmen 2-1 (1-0)
Providence Islanders 2-1 (0-1)
Washington Warriors 0-3 (0-1)
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The NXC East is making a case for the best division in the XFL with 3 teams tied atop the division at 2-1. Only winless Washington is holding them back from firmly staking that claim.

Philadelphia started 2-0 at home before traveling to Arizona and running into the Wranglers buzzsaw. Their next 2 games are on the road including trips to surprising Zehlendorf (2-1) & Washington (0-3) before hosting Brooklyn (2-1) in week 7.

Brooklyn lost big at home to Vegas in week 1 before bouncing back with road wins over Seattle & Washington. The schedule gets harder the next 3 weeks including trips to Pittsburgh (2-1) & Philadelphia (2-1) with a home game versus Houston (1-2) sandwiched between them.

Providence starting 2-1 despite playing their first 3 games on the road. They did lose in Philadelphia in week 2 but have 3 straight home games next against Washington (0-3), Los Angeles (2-0-1) & Seattle (0-3).

Washington started tge season 0-2 on the road where they lost both games by double digits before coming home in week 3 and playing Brooklyn in a much closer game. 3 of their next 4 games are all in division starting with a trip to Providence (2-1) in week 4, hosting Philadelphia (2-1) in week 5 before traveling to Brooklyn (2-1) in week 7. A home game versus Toronto (0-3) is in week 6.

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WEST
Arizona Wranglers 3-0 (0-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-0-1 (0-0-1)
Vegas Black Aces 1-1-1 (0-0-1)
Seattle Barbarians 0-3 (0-0)
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The NXC West has been dominated by Arizona for the last 5 seasons but Los Angeles & Vegas looked poised to give them serious competition this season.

Arizona's problem has never been the regular season as they have lost just 10 games the last 5 seasons. They started 3-0 for the 3rd straight season and have a win on the road against the 5× defending Champs under their belt. They play 3 of the next 4 games at home including matchups versus Montana (1-2), Dakota (2-1) & Vegas (1-1-1) in weeks 4, 6 & 7 with a trip to Vegas in week 5 sandwiched in there.

Los Angeles started 2-0-1 with convincing wins over Washington & Daytona with a 31-31 tie sandwiched between them in week 2. This is their best start in francise history. They play their next 4 games on the road starting with Gem City (2-1) followed by Providence (2-1), Vegas (1-1-1) & finally Dakota (2-1) in week 7.

Vegas started the season with a convincing win on the road in Brooklyn before a 31-31 tie in LA then lost by 4 to Providence at home in week 3. Vegas could easily be 3-0 but they can't dwell on what could have been because their schedule remains tough the next 4 weeks. They travel to Tampa Bay (1-2) in week 4 before hosting Arizona (3-0) in week 5 followed by rematches with LA at home & Arizona on the road in weeks 6 & 7. They host Seattle in week 8 which will give them 5 division games complete in the first half of the season.

Seattle has started 0-3 scoring exactly 7 points in each game and losing by 44, 27 & 16. They play winless Texas, Daytona & Saint Paul in weeks 4, 5 & 7 so they have several chances to get their first win of the season.

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[bNORTH[/b]
Zehlendorf Zecken 2-1 (1-0)
Gem City Gangsters 2-1 (0-0)
Montana Grizzlies 1-2 (1-0)
Saint Paul Punishers 0-3 (0-2)
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Montana is the defending Division Champ and they got off to a slow start giving perennial contender Gem City & surprising Zehlendorf an early leg up in the division.

Zehlendorf has had 8 straight losing seasons but they started this season 2-1 and they played well enough where they could be 3-0. A week 3 lose to Memphis by just 7 points is a good sign for this team. They host Philadelphia (2-1) in week 4 before traveling to Montana (1-2) for an early division showdown.

Gem City started 2-1 at home as they have 4 straight home games to start the season wrapping up versus LA (2-0-1) in week 4. Then 2 of the next 3 are on the road in Oakland & Carolina in weeks 5 & 7 with a game at home versus the 5× defending Champs in week 6.

Montana started 1-2 as they will face 3 playoff teams in the first 4 games. They lost to Providence at home in week 1 then lost in Atlanta in week 3 and finish in Arizona (3-0) in week 4. Montana then hosts Zehlendorf (2-1) before Memphis (2-1) visits as this year's schedule is way harder then last seasons.

Saint Paul has started winless losing by 15, 14 & 9 in the first 3 games. They only won 1 game last season and had a -320 point differential so they are making progress as they lost by an average of 20 points a game last season. They play their next 4 games at home hosting Vancouver (1-2), Tampa (1-2), Indiana (1-2) & Seattle (0-3) so we will get a better read on how much the team has improved after that stretch.

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SOUTH
Memphis Maniacs 2-1 (1-0)
Atlanta Dominators 2-1 (1-0)
Carolina Cobras 2-1 (0-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 1-2 (0-1)
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All 4 teams are separated by just 1 game including 3 teams being tied for 1st place in the division that is home of the 5× defending Champs.

Memphis started 2-1 as they had 3 road games to begin the season but week 4 has been circled since OTAs. Week 4, Atlanta comes to Memphis and the winner of that game takes control of the division until the week 14 rematch in Atlanta.

Atlanta, the 5× defending XFL Champs actually lost a regular season game at home for the first time since week 11 of the 2042. It was Arizona but in 2042 & it was Arizona in week 2 who beat them once again. Atlanta travels to Memphis for the first of 2 games with the Maniacs which often decides which team wins the South in week 4 then comes home to square off with New York (3-0) in week 5.

Carolina started the season with a home lose to division rival Memphis before running off back to back games against Miami & Seattle. They play 6 of the next 8 games on the road including trips to New York, Atlanta & Memphis.

Tampa Bay started the season at home and lost to Atlanta big. They then went to Gem City and won before hosting Buffalo where they lost by just 8. They host Vegas in week 4 before 3 straight road games versus Saint Paul, New England & Miami.

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 4)

We have reached the quarter pole of the season and we have some surprise teams along with great divisional races brewing in all 8 divisions or at least 7 divisions.

AXC

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WEST
Oakland Outlaws 3-1 (1-0)
Vancouver Vandals 3-1 (1-0)
Indiana Fog 2-2 (0-1)
Kansas City Chaos 2-2 (0-1)
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The AXC West has all 4 teams separated by just 1 game as all 4 teams won in week 4.

Oakland has been one of the surprise teams early in the season and could easily have been 4-0 but they lost by 5 in week 2 to Zehlendorf, another surprise team. Oakland host Gem City (3-1) in week 5 in a big cross Conference showdown.

Vancouver has run off 3 straight wins after losing a close game in Gem City in week 1. They travel to Indiana (2-2) in week 5 for a big division game.

Indiana went 2-2 on the road to start the season and finally play a home game in week 5 where they host Vancouver in a pivotal division showdown.

Kansas City lost their first 2 games on the road but bounced back with back to back home wins. They bag their bags and travel to Buffalo in week 5 where they will looking for their first road win of the season.

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EAST
New York Empire 4-0 (2-0)
Buffalo Skull Crushers 3-1 (1-1)
New England Crusaders 2-2 (1-0)
Miami Nemesis 0-4 (0-2)
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The AXC East looks like it could be have a serious division race for the first time in over a decade. Buffalo always wins and New York has finally started to win to create some competition.

New York has started the season perfect and they travel to Atlanta to play the 5× defending Champs. If New York beats Atlanta then they become the possible favorite in the AXC which is a long way from last seasons 3-13 season.

Buffalo was upset by New York in week 1 before winning 3 straight but it hasn't been easy as the wins have been by 2, 8 & 2 points. For the first time in francise history, Buffalo has a negative point differential through the first 4 games of the season. Buffalo host KC (2-2) in a big Conference showdown.

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing their last 2 games. Despite dropping the last 2 games, they only lost by a combined 8 points which is definately a positive step for the francise. Losing to Buffalo is the norm but after trailing 28-6 at the half, New England came all the way back and actually took the lead, 29-28 with 1:25 left on the clock before Buffalo kicked a walk-off fieldgoal to win the game. New England travels to Carolina (2-2) in week 5 in what should be another tight game.

Miami has lost their first 4 games, all by double digits and it doesn't get any easier as they travel to Memphis (3-1) in week 5.

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[bNORTH[/b]
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 3-1 (1-0)
Cincinnati Defenders 3-1 (1-1)
Houston Roughnecks 2-2 (2-1)
Toronto Titans 1-3 (0-2)
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The AXC North has been the toughest division in the XFL for years and despite Toronto's slow start they still have 9 combined wins through 4 weeks which is tied for 2nd most behind only the AXC West with 10 wins. It may be a 3 team race now but Toronto has proven in the past they can go on a run.

Pittsburgh started 2-0 before dropping a close game in Dakota in week 3 and they bounced back in week 4 with a win at home versus Brooklyn. The win coupled with Cincinnati's lose moved them into 1st place in the division and they travel to Cincinnati (3-1) in week 5 for an early division showdown with the winner taking full control of the division.

Cincinnati has hit the ground running after making the postseason last season going 3-0 before losing in Houston in week 4. The lose cost them 1st place but they host Pittsburgh in week 5 and can reclaim 1st with a win.

Houston started 0-2 after 2 close loses versus good teams before bouncing back with 2 division wins to even their record. They travel to Brooklyn (2-2) in week 5 and need to win to keep pace since barring a tie, Pittsburgh or Cincinnati will move to 4-1.

Toronto had dropped 3 straight to start the season but a trip to Daytona Beach in week 4 was exactly what the doctor ordered as they got their first win of the season. They host Dakota (2-2) in week 5 and the task becomes more difficult since they can't afford to lose too many more games to remain relevant.

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SOUTH
Dakota Blizzard 2-2 (1-0)
Orlando Guardians 2-2 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 1-3 (0-2)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-4 (0-0)
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The AXC South is the worst division in the XFL this season as the 4 teams have combined for just 5 wins in 4 weeks. Dakota & Orlando lead the division at 2-2 while Texas is still very much in contention despite being just 1-3.

Dakota has started the season alternating wins & loses and if the pattern stays true, they should win in week 5 when they travel to Toronto (1-3).

Orlando started 2-0 before losing back to back games. They have missed an opportunity to claim control in the South with Dakota's slow start and they host Texas (1-3) in week 5 in an early must win division matchup.

Texas lost 2 division games by double digits before falling just short versus Vancouver at home in week 3. A trip to Seattle was just what the doctor ordered as Texas got their first win of the season. They travel to Orlando in week 5 and a win puts them right back in contention for the division crown.

Daytona has started 0-4 for the 4th straight season but travel to Seattle (0-4) in week 5 where one team should get their first win barring a tie.



NXC

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EAST
Providence Islanders 3-1 (1-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 2-2 (1-0)
Brooklyn Hitmen 2-2 (1-0)
Washington Warriors 0-4 (0-2)
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The NXC East is a 3 team race to the finish with Providence leading Brooklyn & Philadelphia by 1 game. Washington remains winless as the rebuild continues.

Providence starting 2-1 despite playing their first 3 games on the road before coming home and beating Washington in game 1 of a 4 game homestand. LA (2-1-1) comes to town next as Providence looks to stay 1 game ahead of both Philadelphia & Brooklyn.

Philadelphia started 2-0 at home before losing the first 2 games of a 3 game road trip. They travel to Washington (0-4) in week 5 and should salvage a win barring a major upset.

Brooklyn lost big at home to Vegas in week 1 before bouncing back with road wins over Seattle & Washington but they failed to sweep on their 3 game road trip as Pittsburgh handed them their 2nd lose. They return home in week 5 to face Houston (2-2) and need a win to keep pace with Providence & Philadelphia who are both heavy favorites in week 5.

Washington started the season 0-4 with 3 games on the road. They come home to face Philadelphia (2-2) and are looking to avoid another 0-5 start to the season. They started 0-8 last season before finally winning a game.

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WEST
Arizona Wranglers 4-0 (0-0)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-1-1 (0-0-1)
Vegas Black Aces 1-2-1 (0-0-1)
Seattle Barbarians 0-4 (0-0)
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The NXC West has been dominated by Arizona for the last 5 seasons and through 4 weeks it looks like nothing has changed. Arizona remains perfect and was the only team in the division to win in week 4.

Arizona has started the season 4-0 for just the 4th time in francise history & 3rd time in the past 5 seasons. They travel to Vegas (1-2-1) in week 5 where they will look to start 5-0 for the 3rd time in the last 5 seasons.

Los Angeles started 2-0-1 with convincing wins over Washington & Daytona with a 31-31 tie sandwiched between them in week 2 before traveling to Gem City in week 4 where the Gangsters handed them their first lose of the season, 22-18. LA has played great football and are 5 points short of being 4-0. They continue their 4 game road trip in Providence (3-1) for game 2 of 4 on the road.

Vegas started the season with a convincing win on the road in Brooklyn before a 31-31 tie in LA then lost by 4 to Providence at home in week 3 before traveling to Tampa and losing by 7. Vegas has been in all 4 games but has just 1 win to show for it and week 5 finds them hosting undefeated Arizona (4-0) in a division game which could put them in a serious hole if they lose.

Seattle has started 0-3 scoring exactly 7 points in each game and losing by 44, 27 & 16. They hosted Texas in week 4 and managed just 3 points as they lost by 17 points. They host Daytona (0-4) in week 5 where one team has to win, right? Don't expect a high scoring game as Seattle has 24 points while Daytona has just 26 points through 4 games. Although, Seattle has allowed 128 points & Daytona has allowed 133 points through 4 games so something has to give.

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[bNORTH[/b]
Zehlendorf Zecken 3-1 (1-0)
Gem City Gangsters 3-1 (0-0)
Montana Grizzlies 1-3 (1-0)
Saint Paul Punishers 0-4 (0-2)
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With Montana off to a slow start, it looks like Gem City & Zehlendorf will battle for the division Title. Plenty of division games remain as there has oly been 2 division games in the first 4 weeks.

Zehlendorf has started 3-1 which is their best start since 2033 when they began that season 13-1. They travel to Montana (1-3) where they can widen their lead over last seasons division Champ.

Gem City had struggled out of the gate the past 2 seasons and their 3-1 start is their best since 2043 when they started 4-0. They travel to Oakland (3-1) in week 5 where the bookies have the Gangsters 4 point favorites on the road.

Montana started last season 4-0 then 6-1 thanks to a friendly early season schedule and rode that success to their 1st Division Championship. This season they have a 1st place schedule and the early part of it has been brutal with games against Providence, Arizona & Atlanta. Montana is 1-3 and host Zehlendorf (3-1) in week 5 in a must win division game especially since Memphis comes to town in week 6.

Saint Paul has started winless losing by 15, 14, 9 & 6 in the first 4 games. They only won 1 game last season and had a -320 point differential so they are making progress as they lost by an average of 20 points a game last season. They play Tampa Bay (2-2) in week 5 in their 2nd of 4 straight home games.

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SOUTH
Memphis Maniacs 3-1 (2-0)
Atlanta Dominators 2-2 (1-1)
Carolina Cobras 2-2 (0-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 2-2 (0-1)
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All 4 teams are separated by just 1 game as Memphis holds a 1 game lead over the other 3 teams in the division.

Memphis snapped a 9 game losing streak to Atlanta including the postseason with their 27-12 win at home in week 4. The win puts them in the driver's seat for the division crown at least until week 14 when they play the rematch in Atlanta. Memphis host Miami (0-4).

Atlanta, the 5× defending XFL Champs lost again to fall to 2-2. They haven't lost 2 games in a season since 2042 when they finished 13-3 and its their worst start since 2039 where they finished 4-12. They were held under 100 yards rushing for the 2nd time this season (both loses) and currently rank 12th in rushing. Atlanta has been top 4 in rushing since 2040 and is one of the main reasons why they are the 5× defending XFL Champs. Has the league finally figured them out? Atlanta hosts undefeated New York (4-0) in week 5 and bookies still have Atlanta 14 point favorites.

Carolina started the season with a home lose to division rival Memphis before running off back to back games against Miami & Seattle. They traveled to New York in week 4 and became their latest victim to fall to 2-2. They host New England (2-2) in week 5 who is also a tough out this season.

Tampa Bay started the season at home and lost to Atlanta big. They then went to Gem City and won before hosting Buffalo where they lost by just 8. They hosted Vegas in week 4 and won by 7 to even their record. New ownership in Tampa Bay has brought a new energy to the team and they have been in most games. They travel to Saint Paul (0-4) and should win to keep pace in the surprisingly competitive NXC South.

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 5)

Don't look now but New York is the last unbeaten team in the XFL while Atlanta, the 5× defending Champs have a losing record while residing in last place in the NXC South!!!!


AXC

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WEST
Vancouver Vandals 4-1 (2-0)
Oakland Outlaws 3-2 (1-0)
Kansas City Chaos 2-3 (0-1)
Indiana Fog 2-3 (0-2)
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The AXC West has all 4 teams separated by just 2 games but Vancouver sits alone at the top thanks to a 2-0 division record.

Vancouver has run off 4 straight wins after losing a close game in Gem City in week 1. They host Buffalo (4-1) in week 6 in an early pivotal Conference showdown.
TEAM MVP: QB John Bennett
He is 6th in the league in passing yards (1,514), 3rd in TD passes (12) & 5th in QBR (92.91).

Oakland has been one of the surprise teams early in the season and could easily be 5-0 but they lost by 5 in week 2 to Zehlendorf, another surprise team before falling at home to Gem City in overtime 20-17. They host KC (2-3) in week 6 in a key division matchup.
TEAM MVP: QB Robert Collins
He only has ranks 18th in passing yards (1,044) & 15th in TD passes (8) but he ranks 2nd in the league in QBR (98.41).

Kansas City has won both home games while losing all 3 games on the road. Unfortunately, KC plays the next 3 games on the road starting with a trip to Oakland (3-2) in week 6 in an early "must win" division matchup if KC has any designs to repeat as Division Champs.
TEAM MVP: WR Barry Walker
He is 5th in the league rushing yards (373) while adding another 144 yards receiving making him 17th in Total yards (518).

Indiana has alternated wins & loses through the first 5 games beginning with a division lose at Oakland in week 1 and ending with a division lose at home to Vancouver. They travel to Saint Paul (0-5) in week 6 where the Fog are 5 point favorites to continue they streak of alternating wins & loses.
TEAM MVP: SS Aaron Lucero
He leads the league in tackles (54) while adding 1 sack & 1 knockdown for the leagues 12th ranked defense.
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EAST
New York Empire 5-0 (2-0)
Buffalo Skull Crushers 4-1 (1-1)
New England Crusaders 2-3 (1-1)
Miami Nemesis 0-5 (0-2)
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The AXC East looks like it could be have a serious division race for the first time in over a decade. Buffalo has won the division for a dozen straight seasons but New York not only leads the division by a game but also has a win versus Buffalo under their belt.

New York has started the season perfect and they opened alot of eyes when they traveled to Atlanta to play the 5× defending Champs in week 5 and won 19-16. They travel to Orlando (3-2) in week 6 where the bookies still have their doubts as New York is a 5 point dog on the road.
TEAM MVP: WR Michael Montgomery (R)
This rookie is 2nd in the league in rushing yards (452) while his 7.1 ypc is 3rd in the league among qualified starters. He is also 10th in the league in Total yards (630).

Buffalo has won 4 straight games after being upset by New York in week 1. They hosted KC in week 5 and won a shootout 35-30 and travel to Vancouver (4-1) in week 6.
TEAM MVP: WR Harold Moore
He leads the league in receptions (58) & receiving yards (770) while being tied for 6th with 4 TD receptions.

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing their last 3 games by a combined 14 points. They host Tampa Bay (3-2) in week 6 and are 3 point dogs at home for the game.
TEAM MVP: Team Defense
They have been competitive this season because their defense ranks 7th in Total yards & 6th in points allowed (75).

Miami has lost their first 5 games, all by double digits as their offense ranks dead last in total yards. They travel to Houston (3-2) in week 6 where they are 14 point dogs on the road.
TEAM MVP: FS Thomas Haney
The former ALLPRO is 4th on the team in tackles (28) & leads the team in passes defended (33), knockdowns (7) & catch allowed percentage (33.3) while being 2nd on the team in interceptions (1).
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[bNORTH[/b]
Cincinnati Defenders 4-1 (2-1)
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 3-2 (1-1)
Houston Roughnecks 3-2 (2-1)
Toronto Titans 1-4 (0-2)
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Pittsburgh has won the AXC North for 3 straight seasons but they have their hands full this season in Cincinnati who currently sits 1 game ahead of both Pittsburgh & Houston.

Cincinnati started the season going 3-0 before losing in Houston in week 4. They bounced back in week 5 with a big win at home versus Pittsburgh to reclaim 1st place in the division. They host Texas (1-4) in week 6 where they are 14 point favorites.
TEAM MVP: QB Remy Beaucamp
They are many options to chose from but Beaucamp drives the ship and is 12th in the league in passing yards (1,348), 7th in TD passes (10), 8th in yards/attempt (7.17) & 11th in QBR (88.25).

Pittsburgh started 3-0 at home but lost both road games versus playoff teams from last season. They lost a key division showdown at Cincinnati in week 5 but return home to play Daytona (0-5) in week 6.
TEAM MVP: CB Henry Mattice
He has led the 10th ranked defense posting 34 tackles, 2 sacks & 2 knockdowns.

Houston started 0-2 before bouncing back with 3 straight including a week 5 victory in Brooklyn. They host Miami (0-5) in week 6.
TEAM MVP: WR Andre Maker
He leads the league in rushing yards (549) & is 7th in the league in Total yards (683).

Toronto had dropped 3 straight to start the season but a trip to Daytona Beach in week 4 was exactly what the doctor ordered as they got their first win of the season. They hosted Dakota in week 5 and lost a close defensive battle by just 2 points. They travel to Washington (0-5) in week 6 as they look to turn their season around.
TEAM MVP: LDE Nicholas Andujar
He leads the league with 12 sacks as he has single handedly improved the team defense.
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SOUTH
Orlando Guardians 3-2 (2-0)
Dakota Blizzard 3-2 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 1-4 (0-3)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-5 (0-0)
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The AXC South is clearly a 2 team race as Orlando & Dakota sit tied for first with Orlando having the edge based on division record. Texas & Daytona are 2 & 3 games back as the two teams have 1 win between them.

Orlando started 2-0 before losing back to back games. They returned home in week 5 and beat Texas by 3 points to sweep the season series. They host New York (5-0) in week 6 as they look to hand the Empire their first lose.
TEAM MVP: WR George Wilson
He is an all-purpose player who leads the team in receiving yards (260), is 2nd in rushing yards (151) while also being the primary Kick returner.

Dakota has started the season alternating wins & loses and if the pattern stays true, they should lose in week 6 when they travel to Arizona (4-1) which seems likely since Dakota is a 12 point dog on the road.
TEAM MVP: CB Vick Dominoe (R)
This rookie leads the team in tackles with 47 which is also 3rd in the league. He also leads the team in passes defended (47), interceptions (2) and catch allowed percentage (38.3).

Texas lost 2 division games by double digits before falling just short versus Vancouver at home in week 3. A trip to Seattle was just what the doctor ordered as Texas got their first win of the season. They traveled to Orlando in week 5 and lost a Heartbreaker to be swept by Orlando in the season series. They travel to Cincinnati (4-1) in week 6 to wrap up a 3 game roadtrip.
TEAM MVP: RB Christopher Hofmeister
He has been their offensive workhorse as he leads the team in rushing (359) while adding 55 yards receiving.

Daytona has started 0-5 for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons after traveling to Seattle in win 5 and handing the Barbarians their first win of the season. It doesn't get any easier as they travel to Pittsburgh (3-2) in week 6.
TEAM MVP: RB Robert Colunga
It's hard to name a MVP for a winless team but Colunga leads the team in rushing (229) & Total yards (501) which is 21st in the league.
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NXC

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EAST
Providence Islanders 4-1 (1-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 3-2 (2-0)
Brooklyn Hitmen 2-3 (1-0)
Washington Warriors 0-5 (0-3)
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The NXC East is a 3 team race to the finish with Providence leading Philadelphia by 1 game & Brooklyn by 2 games. Washington remains winless as the rebuild continues.

Providence starting 2-1 despite playing their first 3 games on the road before coming home and beating Washington & Los Angeles in the first 2 games of a 4 game homestand. Game 3 of the homestand is Seattle (1-4) who is coming off their first win of the season.
TEAM MVP: QB William Powers
The former 8 year starter with Daytona was signed in free agency to compete for the starting job. Powers has been sacked more then any QB in XFL history but he has found a new lease on life with Providence. He is 5th in passing yards (1,518), 1st in TD passes (14), 9th in QBR (91.47) and most importantly has only been sacked 9 timed in 5 games. To put that in prospective, he had 14 games during his 8 year career with Daytona where he was sacked at least 9 times!

Philadelphia started 2-0 at home before losing the first 2 games of a 3 game road trip. They traveled to Washington (0-4) in week 5 and got their first road of the season. They come home in week 6 to face Brooklyn (2-3) in a key division showdown.
TEAM MVP: CB Rufus Lehman
He is tied for tge league lead in interceptions (4) while having 20 tackles, 10 knockdowns and a 41.2 catch allowed percentage.

Brooklyn lost big at home to Vegas in week 1 before bouncing back with road wins over Seattle & Washington but they failed to sweep on their 3 game road trip as Pittsburgh handed them their 2nd lose. They returned home in week 5 to face Houston (2-2) and lost being shutout by the Roughnecks. They travel to Philadelphia (3-2) in week 6 in an early "must" win game.
TEAM MVP: CB Cyrus Baltimore
He has been a defensive standout who is 5th in the league in tackles (44) while adding 1 sack, 3 knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles & 1 interception.

Washington is 0 for 2046 and on pace to match last seasons 0-8 start. They host Toronto (1-4) in week 6 which is another team off to a slow start.
TEAM MVP: WLB Ribert Lipe
It's hard to pinpoint a team MVP when the team is winless through 5 games but Lipe has been a standout defender with his 35 tackles and 6 knockdowns.
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WEST
Arizona Wranglers 4-1 (0-1)
Vegas Black Aces 2-2-1 (1-0-1)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-2-1 (0-0-1)
Seattle Barbarians 1-4 (0-0)
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Arizona is still in control of the division by 1½ games despite losing to Vegas in week 5. Los Angeles & Vegas both sit tied for 2nd place but Vegas has the edge based on the win over the Wranglers.

Arizona started the season 4-0 for just the 4th time in francise history but a trip to Vegas in week 5 left them with a hangover & their first lose. Arizona will look to rebound when they host Dakota (3-2).in week 6.
TEAM MVP: QB Taylor Rojas
After signing a mega free agent deal last season plus Arizona traded 2× MVP QB Gary Fielding to division rival Vegas, it's good to see Rojas perform well in his 2nd season. He is 11th in passing (1,375), 7th in TD passes (10) & 13th in QBR (85.32)

Vegas started the season with a convincing win on the road in Brooklyn before a 31-31 tie in LA then lost by 4 to Providence at home in week 3 before traveling to Tampa and losing by 7. Vegas rebounded with a big home win versus division rival Arizona and has another key division game at home in week 6 versus LA (2-2-1).
TEAM MVP: QB Gary Fielding
Comparisons between Fielding and Arizona QB Rojas have been a weekly thing for the past 2 seasons and Vegas beating Arizona tilts the competition towards Fielding this week. He is 10th on passing (1,413), 10th in TD passes (9) & 19th in QBR (81.06).

Los Angeles started 2-0-1 with convincing wins over Washington & Daytona with a 31-31 tie sandwiched between them in week 2 before back to back road loses to Gem City then Providence. They play their 3rd of 4 straight road games in week 6 when they travel to Vegas for the rematch from their week 2 tie with the Black Aces.
TEAM MVP: QB Tom Crawford
He is having the best season among all the NXC West QBs where he is 7th in passing (1,442), 7th in TD passes (10) & 4th in QBR (95.24) thanks in large part to having just 1 interception.

Seattle started 0-4 including 3 straight loses at home before hosting Daytona in week 5 and winning their 1st game. They travel to Providence (4-1) in week 6 where they are 14 point dogs.
TEAM MVP: FS Christopher Larson
Defensively, Larson has been an early standout with 41 tackles (9th), 2 sacks & 7 knockdowns.
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[bNORTH[/b]
Gem City Gangsters 4-1 (0-0)
Zehlendorf Zecken 3-2 (1-1)
Montana Grizzlies 2-3 (2-0)
Saint Paul Punishers 0-5 (0-2)
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It's a 3 team race with Gem City in 1st by 1 game over Zehlendorf & 2 games over Montana.

Gem City is off to their best start since 2043 at 4-1 after their week 5 win in overtime on the road in Oakland. They come home in week 6 to host the 5× defending Champs Atlanta (2-3) who suddenly look vulnerable. Can Gem City give Atlanta their 3rd straight lose? The bookies say not likely since Atlanta is an 8 point favorite but that's why we play the games.
TEAM MVP: QB Robbie Heath
They traded for this QB before the trade deadline last season and he is paying dividends this season despite being just 15th in passing (1,125) & 10th in TD passes (9), he is 1st in QBR (98.90) thanks largely to having just 2 interceptions while being sacked just 6 times.

Zehlendorf started 3-1 which is their best start since 2033 when they began that season 13-1. They traveled to Montana in week 5 and lost a heartbreaker in overtime 30-24 and return home in week 6 to battle Carolina (3-2).
TEAM MVP: QB Michael Hall
He is 8th in passing (1,439), 7th in TD passes (10) & 8th in QBR (91.84)

Montana started last season 4-0 then 6-1 thanks to a friendly early season schedule and rode that success to their 1st Division Championship. This season they have a 1st place schedule and the early part of it has been brutal with games against Providence, Arizona & Atlanta. Montana bounced back in week 5 when they hosted Zehlendorf and won in overtime to improve to 2-3 including 2-0 in division. They host Memphis (4-1) in week 6 as part of that 1st place schedule.
TEAM MVP: RB Hershel Erdmann
He leads the team in rushing (193) and is 3rd in receiving (209) to lead the team in Total yards (402).

Saint Paul has started winless losing by 15, 14, 9 & 6 in the first 4 games. They only won 1 game last season and had a -320 point differential so they are making progress as they lost by an average of 20 points a game last season. They play Tampa Bay in week 5 and regressed, losing by 23 and they host Indiana (2-3) in week 6 where they will be looking for their 1st win of 2046.
TEAM MVP: RB Steven Super
He leads the team in rushing (176), is 4th in receiving (91) plus is the primary return specialist so he leads the team in Total yards (505).
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SOUTH
Memphis Maniacs 4-1 (2-0)
Carolina Cobras 3-2 (0-1)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 3-2 (0-1)
Atlanta Dominators 2-3 (1-1)
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All 4 teams are separated by just 2 games and Memphis being in 1st isn't a surprise but Atlanta being in last is the story of the season thus far.

Memphis starter 1-1 after a week 2 upset lose to New York which in hindsight isn't as bad a lose as first thought. They have run off 3 straight wins with the week 5 destruction of Miami and they travel to Montana in week 6 for a matchup of 2 playoff teams from last season.
TEAM MVP: WR James Fain
The 3× ALLPRO WR is having another dynamic season where he is 2nd in receptions (48), 3rd in receiving (636) & 2nd in TD passes (5) as he is in search of his 3rd receiver triple crown.

Carolina started the season with a home lose to division rival Memphis before running off back to back wins against Miami & Seattle. They traveled to New York in week 4 and became their latest victim to fall to 2-2. They rebounded at home versus New England in week 5 and travel overseas to Zehlendorf (3-2) in an early Conference showdown.
TEAM MVP: RB Raymond Lecompte (R)
The rookie leads the team in rushing (342) which us 10th in the league plus he has added 83 yards receiving which is 4th on the team and he leads the team in Total yards (425).

Tampa Bay started the season 1-2 versus 3 playoff teams from last season before winning back to back games including a week 5 win in Saint Paul 40-17. They travel to New England (2-3) in week 6 with a chance to keep pace with division leader Memphis.
TEAM MVP: WR Vernon Bolton
He leads the team in rushing (280) & Total yards (661) which is 8th in the league.

Atlanta the 5× defending XFL Champs lost again to fall to 2-3 and fall to last place in the division. They hosted New York in week 5 and lost back to back games for the first time since 2040 where they lost 3 straight games and finished 11-5. 2040 was also the last season where Atlanta didn't win the XFL Championship. They travel to Gem City in week 6 where they will try to avoid a 3 game losing streak.
TEAM MVP: QB Michael Ceron
While the team isn't winning, Ceron is having his best statistical season where he is 2nd in passing (1,603), 4th in TD passes (11) & 6th in QBR (92.31)
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NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 6)

And then there were None/The Empire Strikes Back

While the New York Empire finally lost to leave no unbeaten teams, The Atlanta Empire said enough is enough and went to Gem City and Dominated!!!


AXC

I list every teams Total offense & Total defense then rank all 4 division teams by adding both rankings and dividing by 2. The lower the score the better as a score of 1 is the best possible while 32 is the worst possible score. Any teams with ranking scores under 10 are serious Title contenders!

Based on the current rankings, Cincinnati (6) is the current favorite to win the AXC followed by Houston (9), Pittsburgh (11), Buffalo (11) & New York (12) with Orlando (16) & surprisingly Indiana (13) rounding out the 7 playoff teams. Vancouver (16) & Oakland (16.5) are just on the outside looking in based on Indiana winning the AXC West.

***Let's earmark this post and see how close it actually becomes at the end of the season.***

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WEST
Vancouver Vandals 4-2 (2-0)
Kansas City Chaos 3-3 (1-1)
Oakland Outlaws 3-3 (1-1)
Indiana Fog 3-3 (0-2)
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The AXC West has quickly become the most competitive division in the AXC and perhaps the XFL as all 4 teams are seperated by just 1 game. The teams are ranked Indiana (13), Vancouver (16), Oakland (16.5) then KC (18) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Vancouver had run off 4 straight wins after losing a close game in Gem City in week 1. They hosted Buffalo in week 6 and blew a 23-17 lead in the 4th quarter and lost by 9. Montana (2-4) comes to Canada in week 7 in a non-Conference matchup.
OFFENSE: 8th
DEFENSE: 24th

Oakland has been one of the surprise teams early in the season and could easily be 6-0 but they lost by 5 in week 2 to Zehlendorf, lost in overtime 20-17 to Gem City in week 5 then hosted division rival KC in week 6 and lost by 4 points to even their record at 3-3. They travel to Buffalo (5-1) in week 7 and are in danger of falling below .500 despite playing good football all season.
OFFENSE: 19th
DEFENSE: 14th

Kansas City had won both home games while losing all 3 games on the road until winning their first road game of the season versus division rival Oakland in a close game. The 3rd of 4 straight road games doesn't get much easier as they travel to New York (5-1) in week 7 who is coming off their first lose of the season.
OFFENSE: 20th
DEFENSE: 16th

Indiana has alternated loses & wins through the first 6 games beginning with a division lose at Oakland in week 1 and ending with a road win at Saint Paul in week 6. They host Zehlendorf (4-2) in week 7 and will try to break their string of lose/win/lose/win.
OFFENSE: 16th
DEFENSE: 10th
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EAST
New York Empire 5-1 (2-0)
Buffalo Skull Crushers 5-1 (1-1)
New England Crusaders 2-4 (1-1)
Miami Nemesis 0-6 (0-2)
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The AXC East is a two team race where New York & Buffalo are tied atop the division but New York won their first head to head matchup which gives them the early tiebreaker. The teams are ranked Buffalo (11), New York (12), New England (20.5) then Miami (29.5) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

New York started the season 5-0 with impressive wins over Buffalo, Memphis & Atlanta under their belt. They traveled to Orlando in week 6 and lost after leading by 10 with 4:55 left in the 4th quarter. Perhaps New York lost focus being close to Disney World. They must quickly bounce back because they return home to play KC (3-3) and need to win to stay ahead of Buffalo.
OFFENSE: 5th
DEFENSE: 19th

Buffalo has won 5 straight games after being upset by New York in week 1. They went to the great white North and had a nice 4th quarter comeback against Vancouver to tie New York at 5-1. They begin a 4 game homestand when Oakland (3-3).comes to Buffalo in week 7.
OFFENSE: 1st
DEFENSE: 21st

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing their last 4 games after they hosted Tampa Bay in week 6 and and lost by 49 points. The previous 3 loses were by a combined 14 points. They travel to Memphis (5-1) in week 7 were they are 14 point underdogs but are looking to play much better then they did in week 6.
OFFENSE: 29th
DEFENSE: 12th

Miami has lost their first 6 games, all by double digits as their offense ranks dead last in total yards. They host Tampa Bay (4-2) in week 7 who blew out New England in week 6, 52-3.
OFFENSE: 32nd
DEFENSE: 27th
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[bNORTH[/b]
Cincinnati Defenders 5-1 (2-1)
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 4-2 (1-1)
Houston Roughnecks 4-2 (2-1)
Toronto Titans 2-4 (0-2)
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All 4 teams won in week 6 but it appears it's a 3 team race unless Toronto can go on a serious winning streak. Cincinnati leads the division by 1 game over Houston & Pittsburgh with Toronto 3 games back. The teams are ranked Cincinnati (6), Houston (9), Pittsburgh (11) then Toronto (18.5) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Cincinnati started the season going 3-0 before losing in Houston in week 4. They bounced back with 2 straight wins at home versus Pittsburgh & Texas in weeks 5 & 6. They travel to Philadelphia (3-3) in week 7 for a non-Conference showdown.
OFFENSE: 10th
DEFENSE: 2nd

Pittsburgh started 4-0 at home but lost both road games versus playoff teams from last season. They travel to Houston (4-2) in week 7 for a very important division game as the two teams are tied for 2nd place.
OFFENSE: 14th
DEFENSE: 8th

Houston started 0-2 before bouncing back with 4 straight wins including a week 6 victory at home versus Miami. They host Pittsburgh (4-2) in week 7 for a very important division game as the two teams are tied for 2nd place.
OFFENSE: 13th
DEFENSE: 5th

Toronto had dropped 3 straight to start the season but a trip to Daytona Beach in week 4 was exactly what the doctor ordered as they got their first win of the season. They hosted Dakota in week 5 and lost a close defensive battle by just 2 points before traveling to Washington in week 6 and won 22-5. They return home in week 7 to play Orlando (4-2).
OFFENSE: 18th
DEFENSE: 19th
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SOUTH
Orlando Guardians 4-2 (2-0)
Dakota Blizzard 3-3 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 1-5 (0-3)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-6 (0-0)
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The AXC South is clearly a 2 team race as Orlando leads Dakota by 1 game and the 2 teams play each other in week 8 & 11 which should determine which team wins the Division crown. The teams are ranked Orlando (16), Texas (18.5), Dakota (21) then Daytona (30.5) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Orlando started 2-0 before losing back to back games. They returned home in week 5 bounced back with 2 straight wins over Texas then unbeaten New York in week 6. They travel North to play Toronto (2-4) in week 7 before returning home in week 8 for an important division showdown with Dakota.
OFFENSE: 17th
DEFENSE: 15th

Dakota has started the season alternating wins & loses through the first 6 games and if the pattern stays true they should win in week 7 when they return home to play LA (2-3-1). Dakota has struggled Offensively the past 3 weeks scoring just a combined 25 points.
OFFENSE: 22nd
DEFENSE: 20th

Texas lost 2 division games by double digits before falling just short versus Vancouver at home in week 3. A trip to Seattle was just what the doctor ordered as Texas got their first win of the season. They lost their next 2 games on the road in Orlando & Cincinnati in weeks 5 & 6 and they return home in week 7 to face winless division opponent Daytona (0-6).
OFFENSE: 28th
DEFENSE: 9th

Daytona has started 0-6 for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons after traveling to Pittsburgh in win 6 and losing by 35 points. They travel to Texas (1-5) in week 7 for a division showdown.
OFFENSE: 31st
DEFENSE: 30th
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NXC

Based on the current rankings, Memphis (4.5) is the current favorite to win the NXC followed by Atlanta (4.5), Providence (6), Arizona (6) & Philadelphia (9) with Los Angeles (10) & Zehlendorf (18.5) rounding out the 7 playoff teams. Tampa Bay (10.5) is just on the outside looking in since a team from the NXC North has to make the postseason.

***Let's earmark this post and see how close it actually becomes at the end of the season.***

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EAST
Providence Islanders 5-1 (1-1)
Brooklyn Hitmen 3-3 (2-0)
Philadelphia Slayers 3-3 (2-1)
Washington Warriors 0-6 (0-3)
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The NXC East is a 3 team race to the finish with Providence leading Philadelphia & Brooklyn by 2 games. Washington remains winless as the rebuild continues. The teams are ranked Providence (6), Philadelphia (9.5), Brooklyn (17) then Washington (26) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Providence starting 2-1 despite playing their first 3 games on the road before coming home and winning the first 3 of a 4 game homestand. They wrap up the 4 game homestand against Atlanta (3-3). It's a rematch of last year's NXC Conference Championship game and Atlanta has eliminated Providence in the past 3 postseasons. The good news is this time the game is in Providence unlike the last 3 postseason loses.
OFFENSE: 9th
DEFENSE: 3rd

Philadelphia started 2-0 at home before losing the first 2 games of a 3 game road trip. They traveled to Washington (0-4) in week 5 and got their first road of the season. They came home in week 6 to face Brooklyn and lost a defensive battle which dropped them to 3rd in the division. They remain home in week 7 to play Cincinnati (5-1) and rumors out of Philadelphia is QB Stiner may be benched.
OFFENSE: 15th
DEFENSE: 4th

Brooklyn lost big at home to Vegas in week 1 before bouncing back with road wins over Seattle & Washington but they failed to sweep on their 3 game road trip as Pittsburgh handed them their 2nd lose. They returned home in week 5 to face Houston (2-2) and lost being shutout by the Roughnecks. They traveled to Philadelphia (3-2) in week 6 and won a key division game to move them into 2nd place in the division. They return home in week 7 for another division game versus winless Washington (0-6).
OFFENSE: 23rd
DEFENSE: 11th

Washington is 0 for 2046 and on pace to match last seasons 0-8 start. They travel to Brooklyn (3-3) in week 7 for a rematch from week 3 where they lost at home to Brooklyn 13-6.
OFFENSE: 30th
DEFENSE: 22nd
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WEST
Arizona Wranglers 5-1 (0-1)
Vegas Black Aces 3-2-1 (2-0-1)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-3-1 (0-1-1)
Seattle Barbarians 1-5 (0-0)
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Arizona is still in control of the division by 1½ games despite losing to Vegas in week 5. Los Angeles is 2½ games behind while Seattle is already 4 games behind. The teams are ranked Arizona (6), Los Angeles (10), Vegas (16) then Seattle (29) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Arizona started the season 4-0 for just the 4th time in francise history but a trip to Vegas in week 5 left them with a hangover & their first lose. They hosted Dakota in week 6 and won easily and welcome in Vegas in week 7 for the rematch from week 5 where Vegas won 19-13. This is really a "must" win games for both teams and neither can afford to lose.
OFFENSE: 11th
DEFENSE: 1st

Vegas started the season with a convincing win on the road in Brooklyn before a 31-31 tie in LA then lost by 4 to Providence at home in week 3 before traveling to Tampa and losing by 7. Vegas rebounded with a big home wins versus division rivals Arizona & Los Angeles in weeks 5 & 6. They travel to Arizona in week 7 for a "must" win rematch and their 4 division game of the season.
OFFENSE: 6th
DEFENSE: 26th

Los Angeles started 2-0-1 with convincing wins over Washington & Daytona with a 31-31 tie sandwiched between them in week 2 before losing the first 3 of 4 straight road games. They wrap up the 4 game road trip with a trip to struggling Dakota (3-3) and are looking to avoid going 0-4 on the roadtrip.
OFFENSE: 7th
DEFENSE: 13th

Seattle started 0-4 including 3 straight loses at home before hosting Daytona in week 5 and winning their 1st game. They traveled to Providence in week 6 and got boat raced 47-3 and travel to Saint Paul (0-6) in week 7 where they are 1 point favorites.
OFFENSE: 27th
DEFENSE: 31st
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[bNORTH[/b]
Zehlendorf Zecken 4-2 (1-1)
Gem City Gangsters 4-2 (0-0)
Montana Grizzlies 2-4 (2-0)
Saint Paul Punishers 0-6 (0-2)
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It's a 3 team race with Gem City & Zehlendorf tied for 1st with Montana 2 games out. The teams are ranked Zehlendorf (18.5), Gem City (24.5), Saint Paul (27.5) then Montana (28.5) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Gem City got off to their best start since 2043 at 4-1 before coming home in week 6 to host the 5× defending Champs Atlanta who had lost 2 straight games. Atlanta clearly had enough as they completely dominated the Gangsters rushing for 331 yards while shutting out Gem City. They travel to Carolina (3-3) in week 7 where they need to burn the Atlanta game tape and reset.
OFFENSE: 21st
DEFENSE: 28th

Zehlendorf started 3-1 which is their best start since 2033 when they began that season 13-1. They traveled to Montana in week 5 and lost a heartbreaker in overtime 30-24 then returned home in week 6 and beat Carolina. They travel to Indiana (3-3) in week 7 for a non-Conference matchup.
OFFENSE: 12th
DEFENSE: 25th

Montana started last season 4-0 then 6-1 thanks to a friendly early season schedule and rode that success to their 1st Division Championship. This season they have a 1st place schedule and the early part of it has been brutal with games against Providence, Arizona, Atlanta & Memphis. Montana has 2 wins both versus division opponents and they fly to Vancouver in week 7 to play their 5th game versus a postseason team from last season.
OFFENSE: 25th
DEFENSE: 32nd

Saint Paul has started winless losing by 15, 14, 9 & 6 in the first 4 games. They only won 1 game last season and had a -320 point differential so they are making progress as they lost by an average of 20 points a game last season. They played Tampa Bay in week 5 and regressed, losing by 23 and then hosted Indiana in week 6 where they lost by just 7 points. Seattle (1-5) comes town in week 7 and Saint Paul has a decent chance to win their first game of the season.
OFFENSE: 26th
DEFENSE: 29th
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SOUTH
Memphis Maniacs 5-1 (2-0)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 4-2 (0-1)
Atlanta Dominators 3-3 (1-1)
Carolina Cobras 3-3 (0-1)
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The NXC South has 15 combined wins which matches the AXC North for the most wins by division. Memphis leads Tampa Bay by 1 game while Atlanta & Carolina are 2 games back. The teams are ranked Memphis (4.5), Atlanta (4.5), Tampa Bay (10.5) then Carolina (23.5) when you combine the teams Total offense & Total defense then divide by 2.

Memphis starter 1-1 after a week 2 upset lose to New York which in hindsight isn't as bad a lose as first thought. They have run off 4 straight wins with the week 6 destruction of Montana the latest victory. They host New England (2-4) in week 7 where they are heavy favorites.
OFFENSE: 2nd
DEFENSE: 7th

Carolina started the season with a home lose to division rival Memphis before running off back to back wins against Miami & Seattle. They traveled to New York in week 4 and became their latest victim to fall to 2-2. They rebounded at home versus New England in week 5 before a trip to Germany in week 6 where they lost to the Zecken. They return home in week 7 to face Gem City (4-2) in an important conference matchup.
OFFENSE: 24th
DEFENSE: 23rd

Tampa Bay started the season 1-2 versus 3 playoff teams from last season before winning 3 straight including road blowouts of Saint Paul & New England in weeks 5 & 6. They continue on the road in week 7 when they travel to Miami (0-6).
OFFENSE: 4th
DEFENSE: 17th

Atlanta started the season with a blowout win in Tampa Bay before losing 3 of their next 4 games. The 1 win was a blowout of Montana in week 3. After 2 straight loses in weeks 4 & 5, they traveled to Gem City in week 6 and had their 3rd blowout win of the season. They travel to Providence (5-1) in week 7 for a rematch of last seasons NXC Conference Championship game.
OFFENSE: 3rd
DEFENSE: 6th
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NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 7)

Not so fast/Its a long season

We are 7 games into the season and 4 of 8 divisions are led but a team that didn't win their respective division last season. It's a long season and some teams that started hot have slowed down while some teams that started slow have the longest active winning streaks.


AXC

This week I'm looking at each teams turnover margin, Total interceptions, fumbles & sacks allowed & gotten.

Cincinnati (+7) has the best turnover margin in the AXC while Miami (-9) has the worst.

Buffalo (13) leads the AXC in fumbles while Kansas City leads the league in forced fumbles (10).

Buffalo & New York (13) lead the AXC in interceptions thrown while New York (15) leads the AXC in picks.

Buffalo (42) leads the AXC in times their QB has been sacked while Vancouver (27) paces the AXC for team sacks.

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WEST
Vancouver Vandals 5-2 (2-0)
Kansas City Chaos 4-3 (1-1)
Oakland Outlaws 3-4 (1-1)
Indiana Fog 3-4 (0-2)
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The AXC West has quickly become one of the most competitive division in the AXC and perhaps the XFL as all 4 teams are seperated by just 2 games. 3 of the 4 teams have new owners in either their first or second season while Indiana has a 10 year owner.

Vancouver had run off 4 straight wins after losing a close game in Gem City in week 1 before losing at home to Buffalo in week 6. They bounced back in week 7 when they hosted Montana and won a defensive battle 12-7. They finish the 1st half of the season at home versus Zehlendorf (5-2) in a non-Conference battle between division leaders. They have 4 home & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
INTERCEPTIONS: 9
FUMBLES: 6
SACKED: 16
PICKS: 4
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 27

Oakland has been one of the surprise teams early in the season and could easily be 6-0 but they lost by 5 in week 2 to Zehlendorf, lost in overtime 20-17 to Gem City in week 5 then hosted division rival KC in week 6 and lost by 4 points to even their record at 3-3. They traveled to Buffalo in week 7 and got blown out 64-19 for their first non-competitive game of the season. They travel to Cincinnati (5-2) to wrap up the first half of the season. They have just 3 home games & 5 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +4
INTERCEPTIONS: 3
FUMBLES: 7
SACKED: 8
PICKS: 8
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 25

Kansas City had won both home games while losing all 3 games on the road until winning their first road game of the season versus division rival Oakland in week 6. They traveled to the Big Apple in week 7 for their 3rd of 4 straight road games and won 23-19. They wrap up the first half of the season and end their 4 game road trip in Montana (2-5). They will have 6 home games and just 2 road games in the 2nd half.
TURNOVER MARGIN: 0
INTERCEPTIONS: 6
FUMBLES: 4
SACKED: 10
PICKS: 1
FORCED FUMBLES: 10
SACKS: 17

Indiana has alternated loses & wins through the first 7 games beginning with a division lose at Oakland in week 1 and ending with a home lose to Zehlendorf in week 7. They wrap up the first half in Daytona and should win if the pattern stays true. They have 5 home games & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -2
INTERCEPTIONS: 6
FUMBLES: 5
SACKED: 28
PICKS: 4
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 8
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EAST
Buffalo Skull Crushers 6-1 (1-1)
New York Empire 5-2 (2-0)
New England Crusaders 2-5 (1-1)
Miami Nemesis 0-7 (0-2)
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The AXC East is a two team race where Buffalo sits atop the division for the first time this season, 1 game in front of New York who has lost 2 straight games.

New York started the season 5-0 with impressive wins over Buffalo, Memphis & Atlanta under their belt before losing back to back games in weeks 6 & 7. They lost in Orlando in week 6 before returning home in week 7 and losing to KC. They wrap up the first half of the season at home versus division rival New England (2-5). They have just 3 home games & 5 roads games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +1
INTERCEPTIONS: 13
FUMBLES: 7
SACKED: 21
PICKS: 15
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 20

Buffalo has won 6 straight games after being upset by New York in week 1 to finally move ahead of New York in the division. They wrap up the 1st half of the season at home versus Miami (0-7) where they are heavy favorites to win their 7th straight. They have 5 home games & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -6
INTERCEPTIONS: 13
FUMBLES: 13
SACKED: 42
PICKS: 13
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 11

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing their last 5 games with the last lose a 55-0 blowout in Memphis. They wrap up the 1st half on the road in New York (5-2) for their 3rd division game of the season. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +5
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 9
SACKED: 11
PICKS: 8
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 14

Miami has lost their first 7 games, all by double digits as their offense ranks dead last in total yards while their defense ranks 31st. They wrap up the 1st half of the season in Buffalo (6-1) which won't improve their team statistics. They have 5 home game & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -9
INTERCEPTIONS: 10
FUMBLES: 12
SACKED: 11
PICKS: 5
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 5
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[bNORTH[/b]
Houston Roughnecks 5-2 (3-1)
Cincinnati Defenders 5-2 (2-1)
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 4-3 (1-2)
Toronto Titans 3-4 (0-2)
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Houston beat Pittsburgh at home to move into 1st place in the North Division. They are tied with Cincinnati but have a better division record as Pittsburgh sits 1 game behind both teams while Toronto sits 2 games back.

Cincinnati started the season going 3-0 before losing in Houston in week 4. They bounced back with 2 straight wins at home versus Pittsburgh & Texas in weeks 5 & 6 before traveling to Philadelphia in week 7 and losing big, 38-12. They wrap up the first half of the season at home versus Oakland (3-4). They have 3 home games & 5 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +7
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 4
SACKED: 22
PICKS: 9
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 8

Pittsburgh has started 4-0 at home but lost all 3 road games to start the season including 2 division games. They wrap up the first half at home versus division rival Toronto (3-4). They have 3 home games & 5 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -3
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 6
SACKED: 8
PICKS: 4
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 18

Houston started 0-2 before bouncing back with t straight wins including a week 7 victory at home versus Pittsburgh to improve their division record to 3-1. They wrap up the first half at home versus Philadelphia (4-3). They have 3 home games & 5 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +2
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 4
SACKED: 18
PICKS: 3
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 7

Toronto dropped 3 straight games to start the season before winning 3 of their next 4 games including a week 7 game at home versus Orlando. They travel to Pittsburgh (4-3) to wrap up the first half of the season in a key division showdown which can put them right back in the mix in the North with a win. They do have 5 home games & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -4
INTERCEPTIONS: 6
FUMBLES: 6
SACKED: 11
PICKS: 5
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 24
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SOUTH
Orlando Guardians 4-3 (2-0)
Dakota Blizzard 4-3 (1-0)
Texas Hold'em 2-5 (1-3)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 0-7 (0-1)
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The AXC South is clearly a 2 team race as Orlando & Dakota sit tied atop the division. Orlando has the tiebreaker based on division record. Texas is 2 games behind both teams but is 1-3 in division which hurts their chances to catch both teams.

Orlando started 2-0 before losing back to back games and followed that up with 2 straight wins before traveling to Toronto in week 7 and losing by 20. They wrap up the first half by hosting Dakota (4-3) in an ultra important division showdown where the winner takes control of first place. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +1
INTERCEPTIONS: 9
FUMBLES: 5
SACKED: 12
PICKS: 9
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 20

Dakota has started the season alternating wins & loses through the first 7 games going 2-1 at home & 2-2 on the road. They wrap up the first half on the road in Orlando (4-3) in an ultra important division showdown where the winner takes control of first place. They have 5 home games & 3 roads in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +4
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 10
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 5
SACKS: 14

Texas lost 3 straight games to start the season before a week 4 win in Seattle. They dropped 2 more straight road games before coming home and beating Dayona in week 7. They wrap up the first half of the season with a trip to Los Angeles (2-4-1) in a "must" win non-Conference game between 2 teams that can't afford to lose. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +1
INTERCEPTIONS: 5
FUMBLES: 8
SACKED: 13
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 18

Daytona has started 0-7 for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons including 5 road loses in those first 7 games. They wrap up the first half at home versus Indiana (3-4) which may be one of the few chances for them to win a game thus season. They have 5 home games & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
INTERCEPTIONS: 10
FUMBLES: 7
SACKED: 37
PICKS: 8
FORCED FUMBLES: 2
SACKS: 6
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NXC coming tomorrow....

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 7)

NXC

This week I'm looking at each teams turnover margin, Total interceptions, fumbles & sacks allowed & gotten.

Saint Paul (+7) surprisingly leads the NXC in turnover margin while Seattle (-13) has the worst turnover margin in the XFL.

Seattle (13) leads the NXC in fumbles while Seattle & Gem City (8) are tied for the NXC lead in forced fumbles.

Seattle & Philadelphia (13) lead the NXC in interceptions thrown while Providence & Atlanta (11) lead the NXC in picks.

Montana (32) leads the NXC in times their QB(s) have been sacked while Washinton (27) paces the NXC for team sacks while being tied with Vancouver (27) for the XFL lead.

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EAST
Providence Islanders 6-1 (1-1)
Philadelphia Slayers 4-3 (2-1)
Brooklyn Hitmen 3-4 (2-1)
Washington Warriors 1-6 (1-3)
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The NXC East is led by Providence who has a 2 game lead over Philadelphia & 3 game lead over Brooklyn with Washington 5 games back.

Providence starting 2-1 despite playing their first 3 games on the road before coming home and winning 4 straight home games capped off win a week 7 win versus 5× defending Champs, the Atlanta Dominators. They wrap up the first half with a trip to Washington (1-6) for a division matchup. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +6
INTERCEPTIONS: 6
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 10
PICKS: 11
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 26

Philadelphia started 2-0 at home before losing the first 2 games of a 3 game road trip. They traveled to Washington (0-4) in week 5 and got their first road of the season. They came home in week 6 to face Brooklyn and lost a defensive battle which dropped them to 3rd in the division before beating Cincinnati at home in week 7. They wrap up the first half with a trip to Houston (5-2) in a key non-Conference showdown. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -5
INTERCEPTIONS: 13
FUMBLES: 5
SACKED: 22
PICKS: 8
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 19

Brooklyn lost big at home to Vegas in week 1 before bouncing back with road wins over Seattle & Washington but they failed to sweep on their 3 game road trip as Pittsburgh handed them their 2nd lose. They returned home in week 5 to face Houston (2-2) and lost being shutout by the Roughnecks. They traveled to Philadelphia (3-2) in week 6 and won a key division game to move them into 2nd place in the division but returned home in week 7 and got upset by winless division opponent Washington. They wrap up the first half by hosting Arizona (6-1) where they are 13 point dogs at home. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +5
INTERCEPTIONS: 3
FUMBLES: 4
SACKED: 20
PICKS: 8
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 13

Washington was 0 for 2046 and on pace to match last seasons 0-8 start before traveling to Brooklyn in week 7 and upsetting the division opponent. They wrap up the first half at home versus Providence where they will look to make it back to back shockers versus a division opponent. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -1
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 11
PICKS: 3
FORCED FUMBLES: 1
SACKS: 27
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WEST
Arizona Wranglers 6-1 (1-1)
Vegas Black Aces 3-3-1 (2-1-1)
Los Angeles Challengers 2-4-1 (0-1-1)
Seattle Barbarians 1-6 (0-0)
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Arizona reestablished control of the division by earning the split with Vegas which gives them a 2½ game lead over Vegas & 3½ lead over Los Angeles while Seattle is 5 games back.

Arizona started the season 4-0 for just the 4th time in francise history but a trip to Vegas in week 5 left them with a hangover & their first lose. They bounced back with 2 straight home wins including the week 7 rematch with Vegas. They wrap up the first half with a trip to struggling Brooklyn (3-4). They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +4
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 5
SACKED: 15
PICKS: 9
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 20

Vegas started the season with a convincing win on the road in Brooklyn before a 31-31 tie in LA then lost by 4 to Providence at home in week 3 before traveling to Tampa and losing by 7. Vegas rebounded with a big home wins versus division rivals Arizona & Los Angeles in weeks 5 & 6 before losing the rematch with Arizona in week 7. They wrap up the first half at home versus Seattle (1-6) which will be their 5 division game in the first 8 games. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -2
INTERCEPTIONS: 10
FUMBLES: 1
SACKED: 9
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 4
SACKS: 7

Los Angeles started 2-0-1 with convincing wins over Washington & Daytona with a 31-31 tie sandwiched between them in week 2 before losing 4 straight games all on the road. They wrap up the first half at home versus Texas (2-5) in a must win type game for both teams if either has designs on making the postseason. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: 0
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 7
SACKED: 13
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 14

Seattle started 0-4 including 3 straight loses at home before hosting Daytona in week 5 and winning their 1st game. They lost their next 2 games on the road in Providence & Saint Paul in weeks 6 & 7. They wrap up the first half with a visit to Vegas (3-3-1) for their first division game of the season. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -13
INTERCEPTIONS: 13
FUMBLES: 9
SACKED: 19
PICKS: 3
FORCED FUMBLES: 8
SACKS: 17
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[bNORTH[/b]
Zehlendorf Zecken 5-2 (1-1)
Gem City Gangsters 4-2-1 (0-0)
Montana Grizzlies 2-5 (2-0)
Saint Paul Punishers 1-6 (0-2)
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Zehlendorf is the surprise leader in the North as they have just a ½ game lead over Gem City while Montana trails by 3 games & Saint Paul trails by 4 games.

Gem City got off to their best start since 2043 at 4-1 before losing at home to Atlanta in week 6. They traveled to Carolina in week 7 and ended up going to overtime where the game ended in a tie. They wrap up the first half at home with a division matchup versus Saint Paul (1-6). They have just 2 home games & 6 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +3
INTERCEPTIONS: 5
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 7
PICKS: 3
FORCED FUMBLES: 8
SACKS: 13

Zehlendorf started 3-1 which is their best start since 2033 when they began that season 13-1. They traveled to Montana in week 5 and lost a heartbreaker in overtime 30-24 then returned home in week 6 and beat Carolina. They traveled to Indiana in week 7 and won by 2 touchdowns to take 1st place in the North. They wrap up the first half with a trip to the Great White North to play Vancouver (5-2) in a battle between division leaders. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +2
INTERCEPTIONS: 5
FUMBLES: 6
SACKED: 13
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 2
SACKS: 24

Montana started last season 4-0 then 6-1 thanks to a friendly early season schedule and rode that success to their 1st Division Championship. This season they have a 1st place schedule and the early part of it has been brutal with games against Providence, Arizona, Atlanta, Memphis & Vancouver. Montana has 2 wins both versus division opponents and they wrap up the first half at home versus KC (4-3). They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: 0
INTERCEPTIONS: 3
FUMBLES: 1
SACKED: 32
PICKS: 3
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 13

Saint Paul has started winless losing by 15, 14, 9 & 6 in the first 4 games. They only won 1 game last season and had a -320 point differential so they are making progress as they lost by an average of 20 points a game last season. They played Tampa Bay in week 5 and regressed, losing by 23 and then hosted Indiana in week 6 where they lost by just 7 points. Seattle came to town in week 7 and they pulled off a 23-20 win in overtime. They wrap up the first half with a trip to Gem City (4-2-1) in a division game. They have just 2 home games & 6 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +7
INTERCEPTIONS: 5
FUMBLES: 2
SACKED: 26
PICKS: 7
FORCED FUMBLES: 7
SACKS: 13
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SOUTH
Memphis Maniacs 6-1 (2-0)
Tampa Bay Fireballs 5-2 (0-1)
Carolina Cobras 3-3-1 (0-1)
Atlanta Dominators 3-4 (1-1)
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The NXC South is led by Memphis who has a 1 game lead over Tampa Bay, 2½ game lead over Carolina & 3 game lead over Atlanta.

Memphis starter 1-1 after a week 2 upset lose to New York before running off 5 straight wins including a 55-0 shutout at home over New England in week 7. They wrap up the first half with a trip to Tampa Bay (5-2) for a pivotal division showdown where the winner claims first place in the South. They have 5 home games & 3 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +2
INTERCEPTIONS: 3
FUMBLES: 2
SACKED: 7
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 2
SACKS: 21

Carolina started the season with a home lose to division rival Memphis before running off back to back wins against Miami & Seattle. They traveled to New York in week 4 and became their latest victim to fall to 2-2. They rebounded at home versus New England in week 5 before a trip to Germany in week 6 where they lost to the Zecken. They returned home in week 7 to face Gem City and managed a tie and they wrap up the first half with a trip to Atlanta (3-4) to face the struggling 5× defending Champs in an important division matchup. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +6
INTERCEPTIONS: 4
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 13
PICKS: 5
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 7

Tampa Bay started the season 1-2 versus 3 playoff teams from last season before winning 4 straight games including road blowouts of Saint Paul, New England & Miami in weeks 5, 6 & 7. They wrap up the first half at home versus Memphis (6-1) in a key division showdown where Tampa can measure just how far they have actually come this season. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: -8
INTERCEPTIONS: 10
FUMBLES: 11
SACKED: 6
PICKS: 6
FORCED FUMBLES: 6
SACKS: 12

Atlanta started the season with a blowout win in Tampa Bay before losing 3 of their next 4 games. The 1 win was a blowout of Montana in week 3. After 2 straight loses in weeks 4 & 5, they traveled to Gem City in week 6 and had their 3rd blowout win of the season. They traveled to Providence in week 7 for a rematch of last seasons NXC Conference Championship game and they lost by 16 points to fall to last place in the South. They wrap up the first half at home versus Carolina (3-3-1) in a must win division game for the Dominators. They have 4 home games & 4 road games in the 2nd half of the season.
TURNOVER MARGIN: +3
INTERCEPTIONS: 7
FUMBLES: 3
SACKED: 14
PICKS: 11
FORCED FUMBLES: 3
SACKS: 22
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NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 8)

We have reached the mid-point of the season so let's take a look at the "way early" playoff picture plus we will also highlight key second half games which will help determine which teams win each division plus which teams make the postseason or just miss out!

AXC

POSTSEASON SEEDING
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1. Buffalo Skull Crushers 7-1 (6-1)
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2. Cincinnati Defenders 6-2 (5-1)
3. Vancouver Vandals 6-2 (3-1)
4. Orlando Guardians 5-3 (5-3)
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5. Houston Roughnecks 5-3 (4-2)
6. Kansas City Chaos 5-3 (4-3)
7. New York Empire 5-3 (2-3)
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8. Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 5-3 (4-3)
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9. Dakota Blizzard 4-4 (3-3)
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10. New England Crusaders 3-5 (3-2)
11. Oakland Outlaws 3-5 (2-3)
12. Toronto Titans 3-5 (2-5)
13. Indiana Fog 3-5 (2-3)
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14. Texas Hold'em 2-6 (1-5)
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15. Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 1-7 (1-4)
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16. Miami Nemesis 0-8 (0-5)
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Buffalo has won 7 straight games and currently holds the bye in the AXC.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 PIT
Wk 11 @ATL
Wk 13 NYE
Wk 16 MEM

Cincinnati currently is the #2 seed and lead the North Division by 1 game over Houston & Pittsburgh.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 BRO
Wk 10 @TOR
Wk 12 @NYE
Wk 13 HOU
Wk 14 @PIT
Wk 15 @DAK
Wk 16 @PRI

Vancouver is currently the #3 seed and leads the West Division by 1 game over KC.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 NYE
Wk 10 @KCY
Wk 11 HOU
Wk 12 IND
Wk 13 @OAK
Wk 15 OAK

Orlando is currently the #4 seed and leads the South Division by 1 game over Dakota.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 11 @DAK
Wk 12 @VBA
Wk 13 LAC
Wk 14 @ARZ
Wk 15 PIT

Houston is currently the #5 seed and just 1 game behind Cincinnati in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 PRI
Wk 11 @VAN
Wk 13 @CIN
Wk 14 TOR
Wk 16 DAK

Kansas City is currently the #6 seed and just 1 game behind Vancouver in the West Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 IND
Wk 10 VAN
Wk 13 @IND
Wk 14 OAK
Wk 15 @ZEZ
Wk 16 GCG

New York is currently the #7 seed and 2 games behind Buffalo in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @VAN
Wk 10 @IND
Wk 12 CIN
Wk 13 @BUF
Wk 14 @TBY
Wk 16 OAK

Pittsburgh is currently the #8 seed, just on the outside of the playoffs but they have the same record as the #5, #6 & #7 seeds while being just 1 game behind Cincinnati in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @PHI
Wk 10 @BUF
Wk 11 @TOR
Wk 12 @PRI
Wk 14 CIN
Wk 15 @ORG

Dakota is the #9 seed and on the outside of the playoffs picture being 1 game behind the 3 Wildcard teams & 1 game behind Orlando in the South Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @VBA
Wk 11 ORG
Wk 15 CIN
Wk 16 @HOU

New England is currently the #10 seed and 2 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 4 games behind Buffalo in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @BUF
Wk 10 @OAK
Wk 11 NYE
Wk 12 ATL
Wk 14 VAN
Wk 15 @TOR
Wk 16 IND

Oakland is currently the #11 seed and 2 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 3 games behind Vancouver in the West Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 NEC
Wk 11 @IND
Wk 12 @MTG
Wk 13 VAN
Wk 14 @KCY
Wk 15 @VAN
Wk 16 @NYE

Toronto is currently the #12 seed and 2 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 3 games behind Cincinnati in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 CIN
Wk 11 PIT
Wk 12 @BRO
Wk 13 PRI
Wk 14 @HOU
Wk 16 PHI

Indiana is currently the #13 seed and 2 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 3 games behind Vancouver in the West Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @KCY
Wk 10 NYE
Wk 11 OAK
Wk 12 @VAN
Wk 13 KCY
Wk 14 MTG
Wk 15 BUF
Wk 16 @NEC

Texas is currently the #14 seed and 3 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 3 games behind Orlando in the South Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 TOR
Wk 10 HOU
Wk 11 VBA
Wk 12 @DAK
Wk 13 ARI
Wk 16 @PIT

Daytona is currently the #15 seed and 4 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 4 games behind Orlando in the South Division.
KEY GAMES
Wk 9 ORG
Wk 10 @DAK
Wk 11 @CIN
Wk 12 HOU
Wk 13 VBA
Wk 14 DAK
Wk 15 TEX
Wk 16 @ORG

Miami is currently the #16 seed and 5 games behind the Wildcard teams while being 7 games behind Buffalo in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @OAK
Wk 10 ATL
Wk 11 @KCY
Wk 12 BUF
Wk 13 NEC
Wk 14 TEX
Wk 15 @NYE
Wk 16 VAN

NXC

POSTSEASON SEEDING
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1. Memphis Maniacs 7-1 (5-0)
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2. Providence Islanders 7-1 (7-1)
3. Arizona Wranglers 7-1 (5-1)
4. Gem City Gangsters 5-2-1 (2-2-1)
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5. Tampa Bay Fireballs 5-3 (3-2)
6. Zehlendorf Zecken 5-3 (3-2)
7. Philadelphia Slayers 5-3 (3-3)
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8. Vegas Black Aces 4-3-1 (4-3-1)
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9. Atlanta Dominators 4-4 (4-3)
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10. Los Angeles Challengers 3-4-1 (1-3-1)
11. Carolina Cobras 3-4-1 (1-3-1)
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12. Brooklyn Hitmen 3-5 (3-3)
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13. Montana Grizzlies 2-6 (2-4)
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14. Saint Paul Punishers 1-7 (1-4)
15. Washington Warriors 1-7 (1-5)
16. Seattle Barbarians 1-7 (0-6)
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Memphis is currently the #1 seed and they lead the South Division by 2 games over Tampa Bay.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 TBY
Wk 12 @LAC
Wk 13 GCG
Wk 14 @ATL
Wk 15 BRO
Wk 16 @BUF

Providence is currently the #2 seed but have the same record as the #1 seed Memphis. They also lead the East Division by 2 games over Philadelphia.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @HOU
Wk 10 @BRO
Wk 11 @ARZ
Wk 12 PIT
Wk 13 @TOR
Wk 14 BRO
Wk 15 PHI
Wk 16 CIN

ARIZONA is currently the #3 seed but have the same record as the #1 seed Memphis. They also lead the West Division by 2½ games over Vegas.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 LAC
Wk 11 PRI
Wk 14 ORG
Wk 15 @LAC

Gem City is currently the #4 seed and are 1½ games behind the #1, #2 & #3 seeds. They lead the North Division by just a ½ game over Zehlendorf.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @MTG
Wk 11 @BRO
Wk 12 ZEZ
Wk 13 @MEM
Wk 14 @ZEZ
Wk 15 MTG
Wk 16 @KCY

Tampa Bay is currently the #5 seed which is the top Wildcard team and they are 2 games behind Memphis in the South Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @ATL
Wk 10 @MEM
Wk 11 CAR
Wk 12 @PHI
Wk 13 ZEZ
Wk 14 NYE
Wk 15 @CAR
Wk 16 MTG

Zehlendorf is currently the #6 seed and are just a ½ game behind Gem City in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 @VBA
Wk 11 MTG
Wk 12 @GCG
Wk 13 @TBY
Wk 14 GCG
Wk 15 @KCY
WK 16 @ATL

Philadelphia is currently the #7 which is the final Wildcard and they are 1½ games behind Providence in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 PIT
Wk 10 LAC
Wk 12 TBY
Wk 13 @BRO
Wk 14 @VBA
Wk 15 @PRI
Wk 16 @TOR

Vegas is currently the #8 seed which is just on the outside of the postseason as they trail in the Wildcard race by just a ½ game. They trail Providence in the East Division by 1½ games which gives them 2 avenues to make the postseason.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 DAK
Wk 10 ZEZ
Wk 12 @ORG
Wk 14 PHI

Atlanta is currently the #9 seed and if the playoffs started today, the 5× defending Champs wouldn't even make the postseason and have a chance to defend their Title run. They are 1 game out of the Wildcard while being 3 games behind Memphis in the South Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 TBY
Wk 11 BUF
Wk 13 @CAR
Wk 14 MEM
Wk 16 ZEZ

Los Angeles is currently the #10 seed and are 1½ games out of the Wildcard while trailing Arizona by 3½ games in the West Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @ARZ
Wk 10 @PHI
Wk 12 MEM
Wk 13 @ORG
Wk 15 ARZ
Wk 16 BRO

Carolina is currently the #11 seed and are 1½ games out of the Wildcard while trailing Memphis by 3½ games in the South Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @MEM
Wk 10 @MTG
Wk 11 @TBY
Wk 13 ATL
Wk 14 @BUF
Wk 15 TBY

Brooklyn is currently the #12 seed and are 2 games behind the final Wildcard spot while trailing Providence by 4 games in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @CIN
Wk 10 PRI
Wk 11 GCG
Wk 12 TOR
Wk 13 PHI
Wk 14 @PRI
Wk 15 @MEM
Wk 16 @LAC

Montana is currently the #13 seed and are 3 games behind the final Wildcard spot while trailing Gem City by 2½ games in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 GCG
Wk 10 CAR
Wk 11 @ZEZ
Wk 12 OAK
Wk 14 @IND
Wk 15 @GCG
Wk 16 @TBY

Saint Paul is currently the #13 seed and are 4 games behind the final Wildcard spot while trailing Providence by 3½ games in the North Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 9 @ZEZ
Wk 10 GCG
Wk 11 @MEM
Wk 12 @KCY
Wk 13 @MTG
Wk 15 ATL
Wk 16 @CAR

Washington is currently the #14 seed and are 4 games behind the final Wildcard spot while trailing Providence by 6 games in the East Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 ARZ
Wk 11 @PHI
Wk 12 @CAR
Wk 13 @PIT
Wk 15 HOU
Wk 16 VBA

Seattle is currently the #16 seed and are 4 games behind the final Wildcard spot while trailing Arizona by 6 games in the West Division.
KEY GAMES:
Wk 10 @ORG
Wk 11 LAC
Wk 12 @ARZ
Wk 13 @DAK
Wk 14 @LAC
Wk 15 VBA
Wk 16 ARZ

NEWS & NOTES (WEEK 9)

WINTER IS COMING/BUFFALO IS CRUSHING SKULLS

We are 9 games into the season and both North divisions have great races brewing as winter comes. Buffalo is the hottest team in the league, winners of 8 straight games.


AXC



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WEST
Vancouver Vandals 7-2 (2-0)
Kansas City Chaos 5-4 (1-2)
Oakland Outlaws 4-5 (1-1)
Indiana Fog 4-5 (1-2)
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The AXC West has Vancouver leading by 2 games over last seasons division Champs, Kansas City while Oakland & Indiana are 3 games behind.

Vancouver started the season with a 4 point lose in Gem City but have won 7 of their last 8 games including 3 straight to open up a 2 game lead in the West. They travel to KC (5-4) in week 10 for a key division showdown and a win for Vancouver may essentially win the division as they would have a 3 game lead with 6 games to play plus own a sweep over KC.
TEAM MVP(s):
QB John Bennett
He is 5th in the league in passing yards (2,726), 4th in TD passes (22) & 7th in QBR (95.52).

WR David Talty
He is 3rd in the league in receiving yards (1,018) & 3rd in TD receptions (11).

FS Alexander Black
He is 14th in the league in knockdowns (16) & 9th in the league in interceptions (3) while having a catch allowed percentage of 44.4 on 45 passes defended.

Oakland started the season winning 3 of their first 4 games before losing 4 straight games. They bounced back in week 9 with a home win over Miami and host New England in week 10 where they will look to even their record.
TEAM MVP(s):
RB Ralph Kawamura
He is 11th in the league in rushing yards (570).

K Charles Scruggs
He is 2nd in the league in fieldgaols (22/23) which is a success rate of 95.7%.

LDE Glenn Lindley
He is 5th in the league with 12 sacks & 16th in the league with 9 hurries.

Kansas City went to the AXC Conference Championship game last season under new ownership. McBolt has stated he has longterm plans in the XFL so this off-season they made several trades as they try to retool the francise for the long haul. While they have gone just 5-4 to start the season, the four loses have been by a combined 20 points. They host Vancouver in week 10 and a win here puts KC just 1 game behind Vancouver with 6 games remaining plus earns KC a split with the Vandals.
TEAM MVP(s):
QB Bart Rowland
He is 15th in the league in passing yards (2,008), 11th in TD passes (15) & 5th in QBR (100.50).

WR Barry Walker
He is 9th in rushing yards (600) & 20th in Total yards (934).

Indiana started the season 3-3 before losing 2 straight in weeks 7 & 8. They bounced back in week 9, beating KC on the road to save the season and host New York (5-4) in week 10 to face an Empire team that has lost 4 straight games.
TEAM MVP(s)
RB Antonio Collins
He is 10th in the league in rushing yards (574) while leading his team in Total yards (743).

SS Aaron Lucero
He leads the league in tackles (88) while adding 2 sacks, 2 hurries, 2 knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles & 1 interception.
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EAST
Buffalo Skull Crushers 8-1 (3-1)
New York Empire 5-4 (2-1)
New England Crusaders 3-6 (2-2)
Miami Nemesis 0-9 (0-3)
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The AXC East has Buffalo in 1st place by 3 games over New York after Buffalo has won 8 straight games while New York has lost 4 straight games. New England is 6 games out with 7 games to play while winless Miami has already been eliminated from winning the East.

New York started the season 5-0 with impressive wins over Buffalo, Memphis & Atlanta under their belt before losing 4 straight games including a lose at home to New England in week 7. They travel to Indiana (4-5) in week 10 where they desperately need to stop the bleeding.
TEAM MVP(s)
WR Michael Montgomery (R)
The rookie is 6th in the league in rushing (718) and one of the big reasons New York has had early success.

WR Lester Griffin
He is 5th in the league in receiving yards (925) & 9th in TD receptions.

Buffalo has won 8 straight games after being upset by New York in week 1 to move 3 games ahead of New York in the division. They have scored 220 points in their last 3 games versus 3 teams with a combined record of 7-20. They host the defending AXC Conference Champs, Pittsburgh (5-4) in week 10.
TEAM MVP(s)
QB Matthew Whitney
He leads the league in passing yards (4,794), TD Passes (38) & is 3rd in QBR (102.71).

WR Harold Moore
He leads the league in receiving yards (1,724) & is 2nd in TD receptions (12).

CB Steven Holloman
He is 3rd in the league with 83 tackles while adding 2 sacks, 14 hurries (2nd), 1 forced fumble, 3 knockdowns & 2 interceptions.

New England started the season 2-0 thanks to an easy schedule before losing their next 5 games. They bounced back in week 8 with a win in New York before traveling north to Buffalo in week 9 and losing by 29. They stay on the road and travel to Oakland (4-5) in week 10.
TEAM MVP(s):
CB Jason Robertson
He is 2nd in the league with 6 interceptions while adding 29 tackles & 7 knockdowns.

Miami have lost their first 9 games, the first 8 by double digits before losing by just 5 in week 9 in Oakland. They host 5× defending XFL Champ Atlanta in week 10 and 0-16 is looking like a real possibility. Miami went 0-16 in 2029, 17 seasons & 6 different owners ago.
TEAM MVP(s):
QB Richard New
It's hard to find a MVP on a winless team but New replaced rookie QB Wendell Anderson in week 8 and despite losing both his starts, New threw for 542 yards, 5 TDs & 4 INTs in 2 starts versus Anderson who threw for 781 yards, 2 TDs & 10 INTs in 7 games. In fact, Miami scored 45 points in week 8 versus Buffalo which is 1 point less then the team scored combined in their first 7 games. New clearly gives Miami a better chance to win.
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[bNORTH[/b]
Cincinnati Defenders 7-2 (2-1)
Houston Roughnecks 6-3 (3-1)
Pittsburgh Blitzkrieg 5-4 (2-2)
Toronto Titans 4-5 (0-3)
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The AXC North is led by Cincinnati by 1 game over Houston, 2 games over Pittsburgh & 3 games over Toronto. Its still a 4 team race as their are still 5 more division games left in the 2nd half of the season.

Cincinnati started the season going 3-0 before losing in Houston in week 4. They bounced back with 2 straight wins at home versus Pittsburgh & Texas in weeks 5 & 6 before traveling to Philadelphia in week 7 and losing big, 38-12. They bounced back with 2 straight wins at home versus Oakland & Brooklyn in weeks 8 & 9. They go north of the border in week 10 for a division showdown with Toronto (4-5) who has won 3 of their last 4 games.
TEAM MVP(s):
WR Derek Moss
Cincinnati is 18-7 since drafting Moss in the 1st round last year. He is 3rd in the league in rushing yards (727) & is 2nd on the team in Total yards (986).

WR Joseph Moore
He is 7th in the league in receiving yards (893) & leads the team in Total yards (1,057) & Total TDs (9).

CB Chad Patrick
He is 4th in the league with 4 interceptions while adding 39 tackles & 7 knockdowns.

Pittsburgh has started 5-0 at home but lost all 4 road games to start the season. They travel to Buffalo (8-1) in week 10 to face the red hot Skull Crushers and odds are they fall to 0-5 on the road. The trip to Buffalo is game 2 of a 4 game roadtrip and if Pittsburgh can't figure out how to win on the road, they won't make the postseason where they can defend their AXC Conference Championship crown.
TEAM MVP(s):
QB John Turner
He is 18th in the league in passing yards (1,925), 16th in TD passes (13) & 12th in QBR (89.53).

WR Carlos Scott
The biggest free agent signing of the off-season chose Pittsburgh over 18 other teams and while he leads the team in receiving yards (461), it only ranks 30th in the league. Pittsburgh needs much more production from Turner & Scott if they hope to make a run this season.

Houston started 0-2 before bouncing back with 6 wins over their last 7 games. They hosted Providence in week 9 and handed them just their 2nd lose of the season and travel to Texas (2-7) for the first of 4 straight road games.
TEAM MVP(s):
WR Andre Maker
He leads the league on rushing yards (898) & is 6th in the league in Total yards (1,170).

CB Kyle Locklin
He is 6th in the league with 18 knockdowns while adding 28 tackles, 1 forced fumble & 1 interception.

CB David Swain
He is 8th in the league with 17 knockdowns while adding 41 tackles.

Toronto dropped 3 straight games to start the season and went 1-4 through the first 5 games before winning 3 of their last 4 games including a 31-0 shutout in Texas during week 9. They come home to play Cincinnati & Pittsburgh in weeks 10 & 11 and it's right there in front.of the Titans. Back to back wins puts them right back in the middle of the division race.
TEAM MVP(s):
LDE Nicolas Andujar
He leads the league with 14 sacks while adding 19 tackles, 8 hurries & 1 forced fumbles.

RB Richard Avery
He is 14th in the league in rushing yards (526) & is 6th in the league in rushing TDs (4).
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SOUTH
Orlando Guardians 6-3 (4-0)
Dakota Blizzard 4-5 (1-1)
Texas Hold'em 2-7 (1-3)
Daytona Beach Bull Sharks 1-8 (0-2)
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The AXC South is led by Orlando who has a 2 game lead over Dakota, 4 game lead over Texas & 5 game lead over Daytona.

Orlando started 2-0 before losing back to back games to fall to 2-2. They then won 4 of their last 5 games and are 4-0 in division. They host Seattle (1-8) in week 10 where they are heavy favorites.
TEAM MVP(s):
WR George Wilson
Orlando has the 18th ranked offense & 17th ranked defense so finding a standout team MVP isn't easy for this team. Wilson does lead the team in Total yards (795) while being 3rd in rushing & 2nd in receiving.

CB Robert Bauer
He is 9th in the league with 3 interceptions while adding 31 tackles & 8 knockdowns.

Dakota has made the postseason for 28 straight seasons and won double digits games in all of those 28 seasons. Both of those streaks are in serious jeopardy as Dakota is 4-5 and 2 loses away from both streaks ending. They have to win their next 5 games which includes 4 division games if they want to make a run and it starts in week 10 when they host Daytona (1-8).
TEAM MVP(s)
CB Vick Dominoe (R)
The rookie is 2nd in the league with 87 tackles and he has added 3 knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles & 2 interceptions.

Texas lost 3 straight games to start the season before winning 2 of their last 6 games. The 2 wins were versus team with 1-8 records and they host Houston (6-3) in week 10 where they are considerable underdogs.
TEAM MVP(s):
RB Christopher Hofmeister
He is 12th in the league with 555 yards rushing & leads the team in Total yards (688).

Daytona has started 0-7 for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons before winning at home in Overtime 6-3 versus Indiana in week 8. They hosted Orlando in week 9 and lost another defensive battle 6-0 and travel to struggling Dakota where they are 1-27 Alltime.
TEAM MVP(s):
WLB Ed Dillon
He is 2nd on the league with 20 knockdowns while adding 49 tackles, 1 forced fumble & 1 interception.

CB Michael Whitmore
He is 3rd in the league with 5 interceptions while adding 60 tackles & 9 knockdowns.
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NXC coming tomorrow....