NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 1)





And we are off!!!! The Marathon/Sprint that is the XFL has begun on the road to crowning the 36th Champion in league history.




New York 16
@
Indiana 27

Indiana got off to a solid start in defense of their division Title after hosting a fellow division champ and winning fairly convincingly. The game did go into halftime tied 10-10 and the score was 17-13 Indiana with 2:42 left in the 3rd quarter before Indiana pulled away at the end of the 3rd quarter and went on to win by 11 points.

Statistically the game was fairly even as Indiana outgained New York just 358 yards to 313 yards. New York actually won the Turnover battle (2/1), time of possession (33:48/26:13) and QB pressure (2-0). Indiana won 1st downs (14-12) and red zone efficency with Indiana scoring 1 TD on 2 trips while New York scored 1 FG on 1 trip.

The difference in the game was explosive plays where Indiana had 3 plays of 45, 58 & 64 yards while New York had just 1 play of 49 yards.

Houston 17
@
Vancouver 3

Houston started strong by traveling to Vancouver and winning by 14 points. The game went into halftime tied 3-3 before Houston finally got the offense on track and scored 14 unanswered points to win 17-3.

Statistically, Houston outgained Vancouver 254 to 194 yards and they won on 1st down (14/12), QB pressure (6 sacks/1 sack) and red zone efficency (Houston 2 TD/2 trips) (Vancouver 1 FG/1 trip). Vancouver did win the Turnover battle (2/1) and TOP (30:35/29:27).

The game featured zero explosive plays which are plays of 30+ yards. Houston LDE Glenn Lindley had 3 sacks & 6 tackles as he led the defense in holding Vancouver to just 3 points.

Texas 7
@
Montana 24

Montana did what they suppose to do as they handed Texas their 35th straight lose dating back to 2050. Texas actually led this game 7-3 early in the 2nd quarter before Montana went into halftime leading 10-7. Montana would score 14 unanswered points in the 2nd half to win going away.

Statistically, Montana outgained Texas 348 yards to 103 yards. Montana won on 1st down (20/11), TOP (33:55/26:06) and in red zone efficency where Montana scored 2 TD & 1 FG on trip trips while Texas did score 1 TD on 1 trip. Texas did win on QB pressure (5/1) while the Turnover margin was even (2/2).

Montana had the only explosive plays in the game of 30 yards. Texas RDE Oscar Fischer had 3 sacks & 3 tackles in the losing effort.

Gem City 19
@
Washington 10

Gem City kept pace with Montana in the NXC North with a 9 point win at Washington. The game went into halftime with Gem City leading 13-0. Washington played better in the 2nd half outscoring Gem City 10-6 but it was too little, too late.

Statistically, Gem City outgained Washington 318 yards to 255 yards. Gem City won on 1st down (17/16), the Turnover margin (2/0), TOP (31:27/28:31) and red zone efficency where Gem City scored 1 TD & 3 FG on 4 trips while Washington scored 1 TD & 1 FG on 2 trips. Washington did win on QB pressure (5/1).

Washington actual won on explosive plays with 2 (36 & 41 yards) to Gem City's 1 (42 yards). Washington RB Leland Mills had 113 yards rushing in the lose.

Daytona 10
@
Miami 6

Amazingly, Daytona barely escaped Miami with a 10-6 win thanks in part to Miami K Robert Sauceda missing 2 long fieldgoals (61 & 55 yards). The game went into halftime with Daytona up 7-3 before the two teams exchanged fieldgoals in the 2nd half so Daytona held on to win 10-6.

Statistically, Daytona outgained Miami 271 yards to 187 yards. Daytona won on 1st down (17/11) and red zone efficency where Daytona scored 1 TD & 1 FG on 2 trips while Miami scored 1 FG on 1 trip. Miami won on QB pressure (3/1), TOP (32:20/27:42) and Turnover margin (3/0).

Miami had the only explosive plays of the game of 31 yards. Daytona WR Phillip Mandell rushed for 133 yards in the win.

Pittsburgh 33
@
New England 14

The resurgence of Pittsburgh continued in week 1 with a convincing 33-14 win over New England. The game was close in the 1st half as Pittsburgh took a 20-11 lead into halftime. New England couldn't keep up in the 2nd half as they were outscored 13-3 as Pittsburgh won by 19 points.

Statistically, Pittsburgh won on 1st down (15/12), QB pressure (9/1) and TOP (32:52/26:55). New England won on red zone efficency where New England scored 2 FG on 2 trips while Pittsburgh scored 1 FG on 1 trip. The game had zero turnovers.

The game was won with explosive plays where Pittsburgh had 5 (34/34/51/64/75) to New England's 1 of 38 yards. Pittsburgh WLB James Muirhead had 5 sacks & 5 tackles in the win while Pittsburgh QB John Turner was nearly perfect going 31 of 36 passing for 393 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs.

Orlando 14
@
Dakota 45

Dakota began their defense of the AXC Conference Championship by blowing out Orlando by 31 points. The game went into halftime with Dakota leading 19-7 before Dakota pressed the gas and outscored Orlando 26-7 in the 2nd half.

Dakota outgained Orlando 565 yards to 45 yards with Dakota winning on 1st downs (25/5), QB pressure (5-3), TOP (36:19/23:41) and red zone efficency where Dakota scored 5 TD & 1 FG on 6 trips while Orlando scored 2 TD on 2 trips. Orlando won the Turnover margin 4 to 0.

Dakota had the only 2 explosive plays in the game of 30 & 40 yards. Dakota WR Gabriel Hill rushed for 112 yards in the win.

Oakland 35
@
Buffalo 92

The wildest game of the week happened in Buffalo won by 57 points despite Oakland attempting to out-Buffalo Buffalo. Buffalo destroyed Oakland in the 1st half and took a 36-7 lead into halftime before Oakland woke up a bit but were still outscored 54-28.

Statistically, Buffalo outgained Oakland 814 to 505 yards and they won in red zone efficency where Buffalo scored 6 TD on 9 trips while Oakland scored 1 TD on 2 trips. Oakland actually won on 1st downs (15/14), QB pressure (4/2) and TOP (41:19/18:39).

The game was easily won on 4th down where Buffalo went 1/4 while Oakland was a Buffalo like 5/18 and explosive plays where Buffalo had 11 (30/30/30/35/35/42/47/56/73/75/75) and Oakland had 5 (39/49/52/55/75). Buffalo QB Daniel Stroud put himself in the record book by throwing for 818 yards which is 5th Alltime in a game plus 13 TD passes which is 2nd Alltime in a game. HOF QB who?

Tampa Bay 23
@
Saint Paul 20

Tampa Bay went on the road in week 1 and took a 17-3 lead into halftime before they had to hold off a frantic Saint Paul comeback as Saint Paul outscored Tampa Bay 17-6 in the 2nd half.

Statistically, Tampa Bay outgained Saint Paul 343 yards to 217 yards. Tampa won on 1st downs (20/11), QB pressure (2/1) and TOP (32:20/27:38). Saint Paul won the Turnover battle (4/0) and red zone efficency where Saint Paul scored 2 TD & 2 FG on 4 trips while Tampa Bay scored 1 TD & 1 FG on 2 trips.

Each team had 1 explosive plays where Tampa Bay had a 46 yard run & Saint Paul had a 42 yard pass. Tampa Bay RB Armando Cox rushed for 102 yards plus had 51 yards receiving as he led his team in both stats.

Brooklyn 13
@
Atlanta 31

In a battle of Division winners from last year, Atlanta made an early statement after hosting and beating Brooklyn by 18 points. Brooklyn kicked a fieldgoal with 0:35 left in the half to make the score 14-13 Atlanta entering the half but Atlanta WR Eric Serman took the ensuing KO 101 yards to give an Atlanta a 21-13 led at halftime. The defenses locked it down in the 3rd quarter before Atlanta scored 10 unanswered in the 4th quarter to win 31-13.

Statistically, Atlanta outgained Brooklyn 367 yards to 275 yards in the game. Atlanta won on 1st downs (17-13), QB pressure (9-1), TOP (31:58/27:49) and had a slight edge in red zone efficency where Atlanta scored 1 TD on 1 trip while Brooklyn scored 2 FG on 2 trips.

Brooklyn has 3 explosive plays of 30, 38 & 55 yards while Atlanta has just 1 of 55 yards but they also had the 101 yard KO return TD to make up for it. Atlanta RDE Oren Bearce had 5 sacks & 5 tackles in the win.

Vegas 0
@
Phoenix 52

Phoenix made a strong statement in week 1 when they hosted division rival Vegas and that statement was:



*That's owner Armoredgiraffe pictured above

The game was one-sided as Phoenix scored 21 unanswered in the 1st quarter and took a 42-0 lead into halftime before Phoenix took their foot off the gas and coasted to a 52-0 win.

Statistically, Phoenix outgained Vegas 706 yards to 259 yards and they won on 1st down (22/12), TOP (34:48/25:15) and red zone efficency where Phoenix scored 4 TD & 1 FG on t trips while Vegas never reached the red zone. Vegas did win on QB pressure (5-3).

Phoenix dominated with 8 explosive plays of 33, 35, 38, 43, 45, 49, 75, 80 yards. Phoenix QB Brandon Rodriquez had a perfect QBR after throwing for 645 yards, 6 TD & 0 INT. Phoenix had 2 WRs eclipse 200 yards receiving at 202 & 201 yards.

Cincinnati 15
@
Toronto 16

In the game if the week, Cincinnati traveled to the great white north to play division rival Toronto. It was a defensive battle which Cincinnati led 9-7 at halftime before Toronto kicked 2 fieldgoals in the 3rd quarter including a 56 yarder to take a 13-9 lead. Cincinnati would finally find paydirt with 5:57 left on the clock but they failed to convert on a 2 point conversion which gave them a 15-13 lead. Toronto would respond with a 10 play/64 yard drive where K Dave Randal nailed a 41 yarder as time expired for the 16-15 win.

Statistically, Cincinnati outgained Toronto 321 yards to 234 yards and Cincinnati won on 1st down (19/9), TOP (38:28/21:30) and red zone efficency where Cincinnati scored 1 TD & 1 FG on 3 trips while Toronto had zero trips in the red zone. Toronto did edge Cincinnati in QB pressure (5/4) while the Turnover margin was even.

Each team had 1 explosive play where Toronto had a 68 yard pass and Cincinnati had a 39 yard pass. Cincinnati WR Julio Hamilton rushed for 127 yards in the lose.

Kansas City 20
@
Memphis 26

Memphis hosted Kansas City and punched the Chaos in the nose in the 1st quarter scoring 14 unanswered points on their first couple of possessions. Kansas City would dust themselves off and get back into the game as the scored entering halftime was 17-17. Kansas City actually took the lead in the 3rd quarter 20-17 but the 4th quarter was all Memphis who connected on 3 fieldgoals to win 26-20.

Statistically, Kansas City outgained Memphis 327 to 277 yards, won on 1st down (19/13) and TOP (32:12/27:48). Memphis won on QB pressure (4/0), the Turnover battle (5/1) and redzone efficency where Memphis scored 2 TD & 3 FG on 5 trips while KC scored 1 TD & 1 FG on 2 trips.

KC had the only explosive plays of the game with a 30 yard pass play. Memphis CB Claude Miller picked the ball off 3 times & 2 knockdowns in the game which was a key factor in the win.

Seattle 3
@
Los Angeles 44

Los Angeles hosted division rival Seattle and got the season off with a bang by blowing out the Barbarians 44-3. The game went into halftime with LA up 24-0 & LA outscored Seattle 20-3 in the 2nd half for an impressive win.

Statistically, Los Angeles dominated in total yardage over Seattle with 385 to 13 yards. LA won on 1st down (22/9), QB pressure (12/1), Turnover margin (4/3), TOP (44:31/15:31) and red zone efficency where LA scored 3 TD & 2 FG on 6 trips while Seattle scored 1 FG on 1 trip.

LA had the only explosive plays of the game with a 62 yard pass play. LA RDE Andrew Herring took over the game defensively while recording 8 sacks, 8 tackles & 4 hurries in the win.

Randolph 6
@
Carolina 20

Carolina hosted Randolph in a game between two teams looking to become relevant in the XFL. The game started slow as Carolina took a 7-3 lead into halftime and Randolph kicked a fieldgoal in the 3rd quarter to pull within 7-6 before Carolina scored 13 unanswered points down the stretch to win fairly comfortably.

Statistically, Randolph just edged out Carolina in yards 250 to 247 plus Randoloh won on 1st downs (14/10) and QB Pressure (3/2). Carolina won on TOP (33:05/26:54) and red zone efficency where Carolina scored 2 TD on 3 trips while Randolph scored 1 FG on 1 trip.

Carolina had the only explosive plays of the game with a 41 pass play. Carolina QB Wendell Anderson was nearly perfect going 17 for 18 passing for 202 yards, 2 TD & 0 INT.

Philadelphia 0
@
Providence 16

Providence hosted division rival Philadelphia in a week 1 game which was a defensive battle. In fact, Providence took a slim 3-0 lead into halftime before finally finally paydirt late in the 3rd quarter to eventually win 16-0.

Statistically, Providence outgained Philadelphia 342 yards to 194 yards while winning on 1st downs (19/11), QB pressure (8/3), TOP (30:55/29:08) and red zone efficency where Providence scored 1 TD & 2 FG on 4 trips while Philadelphia didn't score on 1 trip. Philadelphia did win the Turnover battle (3/1).

Providence had the only 2 explosive plays of the game as both were 35 yards. Providence LDE John Woods had 4 tackles, 3 sacks & 2 hurries while LDE Joseph Taylor had 3 tackles, 3 sacks & 2 hurries as the pair of DEs were a key factor in shutting out Philadelphia.

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 2)





The Usual Suspects make up the early top 10 with only Tampa Bay (5) ranked in the top 10 who didn't make the postseason last year!




POWER RANKINGS

1. Phoenix 72
2. Providence 67
3. Dakota 65
4. Atlanta 60
5. Cincinnati 58
5. Tampa Bay 58
7. Gem City 50
8. Buffalo 49
8. Toronto 49
10. Indiana 47
10. Daytona 47
12. Montana 43
13. Kansas City 40
14. Philadelphia 36
14. Saint Paul 36
16. Pittsburgh 35
17. Memphis 32
18. Los Angeles 29
18. Vegas 29
20. Carolina 25
21. Miami 21
21. Houston 21
23. Randolph 19
24. New York 16
25. Vancouver 15
26. Brooklyn 14
26. Orlando 14
28. Oakland 11
29. Washington 8
30. Seattle -2
31. Texas -4
32. New England -5

I think this was a fluke! We'll see how things go once we start facing stronger opponents.

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 3)










Tampa Bay 18
@
Vegas 3

Tampa Bay traveled to Vegas amidst the owners statement earlier in the week that their #5 ranking was a fluke and fans should temper their expectations as the schedule becomes more challenging. Tampa Bay would improve to 3-0 after scoring 15 unanswered points through 3 quarters before Vegas finally kicked a fieldgoal to avoid the shutout. Tampa Bay's defense is ranked 5th in the league while their offense is ranked 8th but like the owner mentioned, the schedule gets rougher as they host Memphis (2-1) in a division game with 1st place consequences. Whatever happens, Tampa Bay went 5-11 last season and they already have 3 wins this season.

Vegas lost their home opener and fall to 1-2 which has to be a disappointing start for a francise looking to get back to Title contention. Vegas has the 9th ranked offense despite being held to 3 points this week but their defense is ranked 29th which is the most pressing concern. It doesn't get easier for Vegas as they travel to Philadelphia (2-1) & Memphis (2-1) the next 2 weeks.

Carolina 20
@
Vancouver 13

The NXC South is easily the best division in the XFL so far this season as Carolina improved to 2-1 with a 7 point win on the road at Vancouver and they still find themselves in last place in the division. They have the 20th ranked offense & 17 ranked defense which is an improvement from last year's 22nd & 28th ranking. Carolina has already eclipsed last seasons win total after they went 1-15 last season so clearly the team is heading in the right direction. They travel to Los Angeles (1-2) before hosting division rival Atlanta (3-0) in week 5.

Vancouver was just purchased by a brand new owner and the team falls to 0-3 with a 7 point lose to Carolina at home. This season will be a learning process for the new owner as he figures out what he has and what he needs but Vancouver has a chance the next 2 weeks as travel to Oakland (0-3) then Miami (0-3) in weeks 4 & 5. Currently Vancouver has the 25th ranked offense and 19 ranked defense so the cupboard isn't bare of takent.

Saint Paul 0
@
Philadelphia 9

Philadelphia beat Saint Paul 9-0 in a game where they outgained Saint Paul 340 yards to 77 yards. Unfortunately, Philadelphia turned the ball over 5 games in the game and kicked just 2 fieldgoals in 4 red zone trips. Philadelphia improves to 2-1 after finishing 3-13 last seasons and they have the 11th ranked offense & 12th ranked defense. They host Vegas (1-2) in week 4 then travel to Randolph (0-3) in week 5 so they can eclipse last year's win total by week 5.

Saint Paul lost their first road game of the season 9-0 to Philadelphia and managed just 77 yards of offense. They have the 28th ranked offense & 15th ranked defense and that defense will be tested in week 4 when they travel to Dakota (3-0) before coming home to host division rival Gem City (2-1).

Gem City 14
@
Montana 21

This has become one of the best rivalries in the XFL as Gem City is 11-9 versus Montana the last 10 seasons. Montana made it 10-11 versus Gem City with a 7 point win. The game started with Montana taking a 14-0 lead before Gem City battled all the way back to make it 14-14. Montana scored a late TD to win 21-14. Montana has the 16th ranked offense and 4th ranked defense. They host Washington (0-3) in week 4 before traveling to Phoenix (3-0) in week 5 for a pivotal NXC showdown.

Gem City lost their first game this season versus division rival Montana on the road but they can bounce back with back to back road division games versus Randolph (0-3) & Saint Paul (1-2) and then they come home for the rematch with Montana (2-1). Gem City has the 14th ranked offense & 18th ranked defense through 3 weeks which is a drop from last year's 9th & 7th ranking.

Memphis 34
@
Seattle 7

After losing a heartbreaker last week 22-20 to Indiana, Memphis bounced back with a dominate win on the road at Seattle. They improve to 2-1 which puts them in 3rd place in the very strong NXC South. They have the 12th ranked offense & 20th ranked defense after being 5th & 16th last season. They travel to undefeated division rival Tampa Bay (3-0) in week 4 for a pivotal division showdown. They come home in week 5 to host Vegas (1-2) then Atlanta (3-0) in week 6.

Seattle had higher expectations coming into this season with the change of ownership last year and finishing last season 8-8 which was their best record in 17 seasons. They fell to 0-3 to begin the season and they travel to Toronto (2-1) then Houston (1-2) then next 2 weeks. They have the 27th & 26th ranked offense & defense through 3 weeks after finishing 20th & 21st last season.

Oakland 20
@
Atlanta 47

This game was over at halftime as Atlanta took a 34-10 led into the locker room. Atlanta starts the season 3-0 and nobody in the XFL wants to see the Dominators start to dominate after winning 8 straight XFL Titles from 2041-2048. Atlanta does hit the road for a 4 game roadtrip at Indiana (2-1), @ Carolina (2-1), @ Memphis (2-1) and @ Tampa Bay (3-0). They have the 5th ranked offense & 6 ranked defense as they are 1 of 6 teams with a top 10 offense & defense.

Oakland falls to 0-3 to start this season with all 3 loses on the road and they have been outscored by 132 points in the 3 games. They finally come home to host Vancouver (0-3) and Kansas City (2-1) for 2 division games which can quickly get Oakland back into contention with 2 wins. Oakland does have the 10th ranked offense but it's their 32nd ranked defense which has been the reason they haven't won or even come close.

Indiana 3
@
Kansas City 16

Kansas City hosted 1st place Indiana and handed them their first lose to take control of the AXC West. The win makes them 2-0 in division but they have a 4 game road trip coming @ Orlando (1-2), Oakland (0-3), @ Toronto (2-1) & @ Carolina (2-1). KC has the 17th ranked offense & 7th ranked defense which is an improvement from last season's 20th & 23rd rankings.

Indiana lost their first game of the season at KC after impressive wins at New York and home versus Memphis. They have a 3 game homestand versus Atlanta (3-0), Cincinnati (1-2) & Vancouver ((1-2) then next 3 games. They have the 15th ranked offense & 16th ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 14th & 14th last season.

New York 44
@
New England 14

New York won their first game of the season on the road against division opponent New England. Week 4 finds them traveling to Providence (3-0) before returning home for a quick rematch with New England (0-3). New York has the 7th ranked offense and 24th ranked defense after having the 16th ranked offense & 15th defense last season.

New England dropped to 0-3 and ha e been outscored by 95 points over that stretch. They host Buffalo (3-0) before visiting New York (1-2) in weeks 4 & 5 where they are odds on favorites to begin the season 0-5. They have the 29th ranked offense & 30th ranked defense after 3 games after finishing 17th & 29th last season.

Orlando 0
@
Daytona 33

Daytona improves to 3-0 with a dominate 33-0 win at home against division opponent Orlando. They held Orlando to just 20 yards of offense as Daytona's defense has 3 picks, 3 sacks and held Orlando to 0 for 13 on 3rd down. They travel to Texas in week 4 before coming home for a big division showdown with Dakota (3-0). They have the 18th ranked offense but have the #1 overall defense in the XFL after finishing 13th & 3rd last season.

Orlando falls to 1-2 with both loses coming on the road against division opponents. They host Kansas City (2-1) in week 4 before traveling to Texas (1-2) in week 5 to complete all their road division games. They have the 32nd ranked offense and 28th ranked defense after finishing 27th & 27th last season.

Buffalo 47
@
Miami 3

Buffalo improves to 3-0 with a 47-3 blowout of division opponent Miami where they held Miami to 21 net yards. They continue a 4 game road trip @New England (0-3) in week 4, @Brooklyn (1-2) in week 5 before wrapping up @Dakota (0-3) in week 6. They have the #1 offense and #9 defense through 3 games after finishing 1st & 5th last season.

Miami falls to 0-3 after being completely shutdown Offensively against Buffalo. Their defense did forced 6 turnover including 5 picks which is a positive to build upon. The schedule isn't daunting as they travel to Brooklyn (1-2) before hosting Vancouver (0-3), Washington (0-3) & Texas (1-2) through weeks 7. They have the 30th ranked offense & 27th ranked defense after finishing 24th & 21st last season.

Randolph 18
@
Texas 20

The losing streak ends at 36 games!!!!



For the first time since week 14 of the 2050 season, Texas is in the win column! The game had a wild finish where Texas seemingly won after a pick 6 game them 17-6 lead with 1:45 left in the game but Texas tried to give the game away. Randolph put together a TD drive making the score 17-12 after a missed 2 point conversion with 0:37 left on the clock. Randolph would recover an onside kick and 2 plays later they scored another TD giving them a 18-17 lead with 0:23 left after another failed 2 point conversion. Texas would get the ball at their own 20 yard line with 23 seconds left before QB Steven Parent hit WR Renato Harris for 71 yards down to the 3 yard line. K Joey Gaylord kicked a walk off chip shot fieldgoal to give Texas the win!!!

Texas continues a 4 game homestand when they host Dayonta (3-0), Orlando (1-2) then Houston (1-2) to wrap it up. Texas has the 26th ranked offense and 31st ranked defense through 3 games after finishing 31st & 19th last season.

Randolph lost their first 3 games on the road before coming home to host Gem City (2-1) then Philadelphia (2-1) in weeks 4 & 5. They have the 23rd ranked offense and 14th ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 26th & 30th last season. While the record doesn't show it, Randolph has improved on both sides of the ball this season.

Dakota 20
@
Cincinnati 6

Dakota held on to beat Cincinnati for the 4th straight time including 2 games in the last 2 postseasons. They host Saint Paul (1-2) in week 4 before they play 2 of the biggest games of the season. They travel to Daytona (3-0) in week 5 before hosting Buffalo (3-0) in week 6. They have the 3rd ranked offense and 11th ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 2nd & 12th last season.

Cincinnati fell to 1-2 to start the season and they have already eclipsed last seasons lose total where they finished 15-1. The last time they started 1-2 was 2050 and they wound up 12-4 and won the XFL Title. They host Houston (1-2) in week 4, travel to Indiana (2-1) in week 5 before hosting Phoenix (3-0) in week 6. They still have the 4th ranked offense & 8th ranked defense after finishing last season ranked 8th & 1st.

Houston 0
@
Pittsburgh 3

Pittsburgh won a defensive battle 3-0 in a game that featured 29 punts, 2 interceptions, 1 kneel down and 1 fieldgoal to improve to 2-1. Pittsburgh plays 4 of the next 5 games at home. They host the defending Champs Phoenix (3-0) in week 4 before traveling to Toronto (2-1) in week 5 then they host Orlando (1-2), Toronto (2-1) then Cincinnati (1-2) to wrap up the first half of the season. They have the 12th ranked offense and 10th ranked defense after finishing last season ranked 19th & 6th.

Houston lost the game along with their owner and fall to 1-2 in the process. They travel to Cincinnati (1-2) in week 4 before hosting Seattle (0-3) in week 5. They have the 31st ranked offense and 13th ranked defense after having the 32nd & 31st rankings last season.

Toronto 3
@
Phoenix 54

Phoenix improves to 3-0 with another dominate win as concerns about a XFL Championship hangover have been clearly put to bed. Phoenix has outscored their first three opponents 147-12 for an average score of 49-4. They travel to Pittsburgh (2-1) in week 4 before hosting Montana (2-1) in week 5. Montana was the last team to beat Phoenix when they won 16-7 in week 13 last season. They have the 2nd ranked offense and 3rd ranked defense after finishing last season ranked 4th & 6th.

Toronto lost their first game of the season by 51 points. They will look to bouce back at home versus Seattle (0-3) in week 4 before welcoming in Pittsburgh (2-1) in week 5 for a key division showdown. They have the 22nd ranked offense and 23rd ranked defense after finishing 10th & 9th last season.

Providence 24
@
Los Angeles 10

Providence improves to 3-0 with a 2 TD win over Los Angeles. They come home for a 3 game homestand starting in week 4 when they host New York (1-2), Washington (0-3) & Randoloh (0-3) where the odds makers have them being 6-0 after 6 weeks. They have the 6th ranked offense and 2nd ranked defense after finishing 4th & 2nd last season.

Los Angeles fell to 1-2 to start the season after back to back loses to Phoenix & Providence. The schedule gets a bit easier when they host Carolina (2-1) in week 4 then travel to surprising Tampa Bay (3-0) in week 5. They have the 24th ranked offense & 21st ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 15th & 13th last year.

Brooklyn 22
@
Washington 14

Brooklyn got their first win of the season during a battle of winless teams versus Washington. Brooklyn finally has a home game as they begin a 4 game homestand in week 4 when they host Miami (0-3), Buffalo (3-0), Saint Paul (1-2) then Providence (3-0) in a pivotal division showdown. They have the 21st ranked offense and 22nd ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 7th & 10th last season.

Washington remains winless after an 8 point lose to division opponent Brooklyn. They begin a 3 game roadtrip in week 4 when they travel to Montana (2-1), Providence (0-3) then finally Miami (0-3). They have the 19th ranked offense and 25th ranked defense through 3 weeks after finishing 29th & 26th last season. It's good to see the team improving Offensively even if it's not leading to wins yet.

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 4)






XFL
We have completed week 4 so let's take a look at the "way too early" division races. Below, I've listed the teams overall record followed by division record and ending with Conference record.



AXC
Buffalo & Dakota sit atop the Conference as the only undefeated teams remaining.

BREAK UP THE TEXAS HOLD'EM !!!!

Texas upset division rival Daytona 9-6 to win their 2nd straight game via a walk-off fieldgoal after losing 36 straight games!

WEST
Kansas City lost to Memphis 26-20 in week 1 before winning the next 3 games including 2 division games to take control of the AXC West. They sit 1 game ahead of Indiana who started the season 2-0 before dropping the next 2 games including a head to head lose to Kansas City.

Kansas City 3-1/2-0/3-0
Indiana 2-2/0-1/1-1
Oakland 1-3/1-0/1-2
Vancouver 0-4/0-2/0-3

EAST
I'm calling it! Buffalo has clinched the AXC East after 4 weeks!



Obviously, it's not official and I'm kinda joking but I'm also kinda not joking. Buffalo already has a 3 game lead on New York and still has to play them twice plus they have games versus Daytona, Dakota & Providence left which won't be easy. New York has started slow and have put themselves in a position where they can't afford to lose many more games if they have any hope of catching Buffalo.

Buffalo 4-0/2-0/4-0
New York 1-3/1-0/1-2
Miami 0-4/0-1/0-3
New England 0-4/0-2/0-3

NORTH
Toronto started the season 3-1 including a win in week 1 versus Cincinnati to put them in 1st place. Pittsburgh & Cincinnati sit 1 game back and this division should be super competitive all season. Toronto plays 4 of the next 5 games versus division opponents including Pittsburgh twice and the rematch with Cincinnati while Pittsburgh and Cincinnati play each other twice between weeks 8 & 10.

Toronto 3-1/2-0/2-0
Pittsburgh 2-2/1-0/2-0
Cincinnati 2-2/1-1/2-2
Houston 1-3/0-3/1-3

SOUTH
Dakota has gotten off to a hot start at 4-0 which gives them a 1 game lead over Daytona. Dakota travels to Daytona in week 5 before hosting Buffalo in week 6 which will help decide the AXC South and the Bye in the AXC. Texas entered this season of a 34 game losing streak and they lost their first 2 games this season before winning back to back games for the first time since week 11 & 12 of the 2050 season. Texas has their next 7 games versus teams with either a 0-4 record (3) or 1-3 record (4). Can Texas make some noise in the AXC?



Dakota 4-0/1-0/3-0
Daytona 3-1/1-1/2-1
Texas 2-2/1-0/1-1
Orlando 1-3/0-2/1-3

NXC
Providence, Phoenix & Atlanta pace the NXC as the only 3 undefeated teams in the Conference.

The NXC South is the toughest division in the XFL as they have 3 teams 3-1 or better while Carolina sits at 2-2 and in last place.

EAST
Providence was the preseason pick to win it all and they haven't disappointed through the first quarter of the season. They own a 1 game lead over Philadelphia who sits at surprising 3-1 after finishing 3-13 last season. Providence has beaten Philadelphia 16-0 in week 1 at home with the rematch not until week 15. Brooklyn started the season 0-2 before winning their last 2 to even their record but they play undefeated Buffalo in week 5 before hosting undefeated Providence in week 7.

Providence 4-0/1-0/2-0
Philadelphia 3-1/1-1/3-1
Brooklyn 2-2/1-0/1-2
Washington 0-4/0-2/0-4

WEST
Phoenix is the defending XFL Champions and their team looks even better this season through 4 weeks. They have a 2 game lead over Los Angeles and LA lost to Phoenix on the road in week 2. The rematch happens in week 7 and it's a must win for LA if they have any chance to win the division.

Phoenix 4-0/2-0/2-0
Los Angeles 2-2/1-1/2-2
Vegas 1-3/0-1/0-3
Seattle 0-4/0-1/0-3

NORTH
Montana & Gem City are locked into a great division races where both teams are 3-1 but Montana drew first blood with a week 3 win over the Gangsters at home. Montana hits the roughest part of their schedule starting in week 5 with trips to Phoenix then Gem City for the rematch. Gem City plays Saint Paul then the rematch with Montana the next two weeks where they can take control of the North with 2 wins.

Montana 3-1/1-0/2-0
Gem City 3-1/1-1/3-1
Saint Paul 1-3/1-0/1-2
Randolph 0-4/0-2/0-3

SOUTH
Atlanta is the 3rd 4-0 team in the NXC and seems poised to get back into Title contention which is bad news for the other 31 teams in the XFL. Owner Dangalanti will try to become the 4th owner to win a Title with Atlanta which would be a new XFL record. Atlanta plays 3 straight road division games over the next 3 weeks which will determine if Atlanta runs away with the South or if we will have a competitive race. Memphis finds themselves in a familiar place, 1 game behind Atlanta for the NXC South division Title. They beat Tampa Bay in week 4 and play Atlanta twice by week 9. Tampa Bay lost their first game of the season to Memphis but they are still 3-1 but it's only good enough for 3rd place in the South. They play a couple winnable games the next 2 weeks before hosting Atlanta in week 7 for a big division showdown. Carolina went 1-15 last season and they have already eclipsed last year's win total at 2-2. They host undefeated Atlanta in week 5 in a good test for where they are at competitively before traveling to winless Seattle in week 6.

Atlanta 4-0/0-0/2-0
Memphis 3-1/1-0/2-0
Tampa Bay 3-1/1-1/3-1
Carolina 2-2/0-1/1-2

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 4 part 2)






POWER RANKINGS

[(Win +5) + (Lose -5)] + [66 - (Total offense rank) + (Total Defense rank)] +/- (Turnover Margin) = Ranking Score

In parenthesis after the ranking score is the teams combined record of opponents.

1. Phoenix 84 (8-8)
2. Atlanta 78 (5-11)
3. Providence 77 (6-10)
4. Buffalo 74 (3-10)
5. Dakota 72 (5-11)
6. Montana 64 (8-8)
7. Cincinnati 60 (8-8)
8. Philadelphia 59 (6-10)
9. Memphis 58 (8-8)
10. Gem City 55 (5-11)
11. Tampa Bay 53 (7-9)
12. Daytona 53 (6-10)
13. Kansas City 48 (6-10)
14. Toronto 43 (6-10)
15. Brooklyn 42 (7-9)
16. Los Angeles 40 (10-6)
17. Pittsburgh 38 (5-11)
18. Indiana 20 (11-5)
19. Carolina 20 (5-11)
20. Texas 17 (10-6)
21. Saint Paul 14 (10-6)
22. New York 11 (10-6)
23. Vegas 9 (12-4)
24. Oakland 8 (10-6)
25. Vancouver 4 (6-10)
26. Orlando 0 (10-6)
27. Houston -1 (7-9)
28. Randolph -1 (8-8)
29. Washington -7 (11-5)
30. Miami -8 (10-6)
31. New England -13 (11-5)
32. Seattle -17 (12-4)

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 5)






XFL
Texas continues to be the story as they won their 3rd straight game after losing 36 straight games. Texas plays 6 straight games through week 11 where their opponents have a combined record of 5-25.



AXC
Dakota is the only remaining undefeated team in the AXC after Buffalo lost to Brooklyn. Vancouver is the only winless team in the AXC after both New England & Miami won in week 5.

WEST
Oakland hosted Kansas City and beating them soundly 39-15 to move into 2nd place in the West and tighten up the division race. Indiana lost their 3rd straight game to fall to 3rd place in the West.

Kansas City 3-2/2-1/3-1
Oakland 2-3/2-0/2-2
Indiana 2-3/0-1/1-2
Vancouver 0-5/0-2/0-4

EAST
I called the East last week and Buffalo lost in week 5 but New York fell to move to 1-4 so the prediction stands. Buffalo has a big showdown at Dakota in week 5 but win or lose, they would still have a commanding lead in the East.

Buffalo 4-1/2-0/4-0
New York 1-4/1-1/1-3
New England 1-4/1-2/1-3
Miami 1-4/0-1/1-3

NORTH
Toronto & Cincinnati both won in week 5 to keep the race in the North at the same place. Pittsburgh lost to fall a 1 game further behind both teams.

Toronto 4-1/3-0/3-0
Cincinnati 3-2/1-1/3-2
Pittsburgh 2-3/1-1/2-1
Houston 1-4/0-3/1-3

SOUTH
Dakota held on to beat Daytona 11-9 to take a 2 game lead in the South. Texas continued to roll winning their 3rd straight game to move into 2nd place in the South.

Dakota 5-0/2-0/4-0
Texas 3-2/2-0/2-1
Daytona 3-2/1-2/2-2
Orlando 1-4/0-3/1-4

NXC
The Conference has 3 undefeated teams remaining (Providence/Phoenix/Atlanta) and Atlanta plays Phoenix in week 12. Randolph & Washington remains winless in the NXC.

EAST
The preseason favorite to hoist the XFL Title continues to remain undefeated with a win over 2nd place Philadelphia under their bellt. Philadelphia who lost to Providence in week 1 has bounced back to win 4 straight and are 1 game back. Brooklyn won the NXC East last year but they lost their first two games this season before winning their last 3 games including a win over Buffalo in week 5.

Providence 5-0/2-0/3-0
Philadelphia 4-1/1-1/4-1
Brooklyn 3-2/1-0/1-2
Washington 0-5/0-3/0-5

WEST
The defending XFL Champs have started 5-0 by outscoring their opposition 230-41. Los Angeles is 3-2 and 2 games behind Phoenix plus they lost their first matchup with the Predators in week 2.

Phoenix 5-0/2-0/3-0
Los Angeles 3-2/1-1/3-2
Vegas 2-3/0-1/0-3
Seattle 1-4/0-1/0-3

NORTH
Gem City (4-1).sits in 1st place despite losing to Montana in week 3. They play Montana (3-2).again in week 6 which could determine the eventual division winner.

Gem City 4-1/2-1/4-1
Montana 3-2/1-0/2-1
Saint Paul 1-4/1-1/1-3
Randolph 0-5/0-2/0-4

SOUTH
Atlanta is back, back again at 5-0 and they hold a 2 game lead over both Memphis & Tampa Bay. They travel to Memphis then Tampa Bay the next 2 weeks which could lead to Atlanta pulling away from the rest of the division or it could tighten up the race in the NXC South.

Atlanta 5-0/1-0/3-0
Memphis 3-2/1-0/2-1
Tampa Bay 3-2/1-1/3-2
Carolina 2-3/0-2/1-3

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 6)






XFL
Two more undefeated teams fell this week as Buffalo beat Dakota & Cincinnati beat Phoenix leaving just 2 unbeaten teams remaining (Providence/Atlanta) and both are in the NXC.

BREAK UP TEXAS

They won their 4th straight game and find themselves the 5th seed in the AXC



AXC
With Buffalo beating Dakota, there are no undefeated teams in the AXC leaving Buffalo, Dakota & Toronto atop the AXC at 5-1. Vancouver is the only winless team in the AXC.

WEST
Kansas City lost to Toronto in week 6 while Indiana beat Vancouver to snap a 3 game losing streak to pull the two teams into a tie at 3-3 atop the AXC West. Oakland lost to Tampa Bay in overtime to fall to 2-4 and drop to 3rd place in the division, 1 game back.

Kansas City 3-3/2-1/3-2
Indiana 3-3/1-1/2-2
Oakland 2-4/2-0/2-2
Vancouver 0-6/0-3/0-5

EAST
This division is over as Buffalo has a 4 game lead over the other 3 teams. Nothing to see here!

Buffalo 5-1/2-0/5-0
New York 1-5/1-1/1-3
New England 1-5/1-2/1-4
Miami 1-5/0-1/1-3

NORTH
Toronto, Cincinnati & Pittsburgh all won in week 6 to keep the race in the North at the same place. Toronto has a 1 game lead over Cincinnati and 2 game lead over Pittsburgh.

Toronto 5-1/3-0/4-0
Cincinnati 4-2/1-1/3-2
Pittsburgh 3-3/1-1/3-1
Houston 1-5/0-3/1-4

SOUTH
Dakota lost to Buffalo while Texas & Daytona both won to pull both of them within 1 game of the Blizzard in the AXC South.

Dakota 5-1/2-0/4-1
Texas 4-2/2-0/3-1
Daytona 4-2/1-2/3-2
Orlando 1-5/0-3/1-5

NXC
The Conference has 2 undefeated teams remaining (Providence/Atlanta) after Phoenix lost to Cincinnati in week 6. Randolph remains the only winless in the NXC after Washington beat Miami in week 6.

EAST
The preseason favorite to hoist the XFL Title continues to remain undefeated with a win over 2nd place Philadelphia under their bellt. Philadelphia who lost to Providence in week 1 has bounced back to win 5 straight and are 1 game back. Brooklyn won the NXC East last year but they lost their first two games this season before winning their last 4 games to sit 2 games back.

Providence 6-0/2-0/4-0
Philadelphia 5-1/1-1/4-1
Brooklyn 4-2/1-0/2-2
Washington 1-5/0-3/0-5

WEST
The defending XFL Champs lost for the first time this season to Cincinnati. Los Angeles is 4-2 and 1 game behind Phoenix but they lost their first matchup with the Predators in week 2.

Phoenix 5-1/2-0/3-0
Los Angeles 4-2/2-1/4-2
Vegas 2-4/0-2/1-4
Seattle 1-5/0-1/0-4

NORTH
Montana completed the season sweep of Gem City by a combined score of 45-34. Both teams sit at 4-2 but obviously Montana holds the tiebreaker over Gem City.

Montana 4-2/2-0/3-1
Gem City 4-2/2-2/4-2
Saint Paul 1-5/1-1/1-4
Randolph 0-6/0-2/0-5

SOUTH
Atlanta beat Memphis to open up a 2 game lead in the NXC South over Tampa Bay who Atlanta visits in week 7. If Atlanta beats Tampa Bay in week 7 then I would be close to calling my second division before the halfway point of the season.

Atlanta 6-0/2-0/4-0
Tampa Bay 4-2/1-1/3-2
Memphis 3-3/1-1/2-2
Carolina 3-3/0-2/2-3

NEWS & NOTES (2053 WEEK 7)






XFL

We still have 2 undefeated teams in the XFL (Providence/Atlanta) and they are both in the NXC. That Conference has 1 winless team (Randolph).

The AXC has 2 teams atop the Conference at 6-1 (Toronro/Dakota) and 1 winless team (Vancouver).

The saga of the Texas Hold'em continues as they won for the 5th straight week after snapping a 36 game losing streak. Texas has a schedule that is very favorable the next 4 weeks before it gets real for 4 of the last 5 games.



Texas has a path to at least 10 wins and they haven't made the postseason the last 10 seasons so fans in Texas are very excited.


ALMOST HALFWAY POWER RANKINGS

1. Atlanta 97
2. Phoenix 89
3. Providence 86
4. Philadelphia 75
5. Toronto 73
6. Cincinnati 72
7. Dakota 70
7. Gem City 70
9. Buffalo 65
10. Daytona 61
11. Montana 60
12. Brooklyn 51
13. Los Angeles 50
14. Memphis 46
14. Texas 46
16. Tampa Bay 42
17. Kansas City 30
18. Pittsburgh 28
19...Indiana 26
20. Carolina 17
21. Vegas 12
22. Oakland 7
23. Miami 3
24. Washington 1
25. New England -1
26. Orlando -2
27. New York -11
28. Seattle -14
29. Saint Paul -15
29. Vancouver -15
31. Houston -17
32. Randolph -30

CJ, out of curiosity, what is the single game record for TD passes? My boy Gary Fielding just had 8 this past game, so I was just curious where that stands.