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The inaugural season of the Alliance of American Football or AAF is halfway done. In week 5, we saw all but one of the four scheduled games go down the wire.
The Salt Lake Stallions gave up a game-winning field goal and suffered yet another frustrating defeat. In the second game last Saturday, the Orlando Apollos survived back-up quarterback Keith Price and the Birmingham Iron.
On Sunday, the Atlanta Legends escaped with a nail-biting victory over the Memphis Express as Legends’ kicker Younghoe Koo delivered a game-winning field goal for the second consecutive week. In the nightcap, John Wolford led a spirited rally by the Arizona Hotshots who trailed 0-26 at the half. In the end, Arizona came up short by four points but they proved that they have the mettle to compete.
So after Week 5, this is what the team standings look like:
Western Conference
| Team Name | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Commanders | 3 | 2 |
| San Diego Fleet | 2 | 3 |
| Arizona Hotshots | 2 | 3 |
| Salt Lake Stallions | 1 | 4 |
Eastern Conference
| Team Name | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Apollos | 5 | 0 |
| Birmingham Iron | 3 | 2 |
| Atlanta Legends | 2 | 3 |
| Memphis Express | 1 | 4 |
Check out week six schedule:
| Week 6 Matchups | Date | Time | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Express at Salt Lake Stallions | Sat, March 16 | 4:00 PM ET | B/R Live |
| Arizona Hotshot at Orlando Apollos | Sat, March 16 | 8:00 PM ET | NFL Network |
| San Antonio Commanders at Atlanta Legends | Sun, March 17 | 4:00 PM ET | CBS Sports Network |
| Birmingham Iron at San Diego Fleet | Sun, March 17 | 8:00 PM ET | NFL Network |
The home teams are 12-8 SU on the season after going 2-2 SU in Week 5. The betting favorites are 15-5 SU after going 3-1 SU in Week 5. It’s interesting to note though that in Week 4, the underdogs were 3-1 SU so that gives you something to think about.
The odds for Week 6 aren’t out yet. Still, that won’t prevent us from previewing the next set of games for your betting convenience. So read on.
Memphis Express vs Salt Lake Stallions
The Stallions are tougher than what their record says. Take note that only five points separate the Stallions from being 3-2 instead of being 1-4. Similarly, Memphis is on the same boat. After being blanked 0-26 in their season opener, the Express’ last three losses have come by an aggregate of 9 points. In two of those games, they blew fourth quarter leads. So which team will execute better?
Mettenberger went 9-17 for 181 yards and it was their ground game which kept the game close with Zach Stacy scoring two touchdowns. On the other hand, the Stallions outgained the Fleet 424-322 so they proved that they could move that ball around well. I think offense decides this game and having said that, I like Salt Lake’s offense better despite the turnovers. And I prefer Woodrum over Mettenberger.
Prediction: Salt Lake Stallions
Arizona Hotshots vs Orlando Apollos
When you take a look at the team standings right now, it’s the Orlando Apollos and everyone else. Orlando is the only unbeaten team in the league right now at 5-0 and they’ve shown they can win both at home and on the road. The Apollos have the best quarterback and receiver in the league in Garrett Gilbert and Charles Johnson.
ICYMI: Highlights from our 31-14 win over the Iron.
Don't forget next week we are back at home vs. the @aafhotshots
Buy your 🎟: https://t.co/Ii9fntDfea🏹#TakeAim pic.twitter.com/X9e5DNsWJh
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 10, 2019
The Hotshots rank second to Orlando in offensive yards per game at 343.6 but the Apollos are 2nd in the AAF in yards allowed per game at 294.8 points allowed. Likewise, Orlando is the top rushing team in the league at 138.2 rushing yards per game. Given that Arizona ranks just 6th in rushing yards allowed at 122.4 per game, Orlando’s got the edge here wherever they want to play this game at.
Prediction: Orlando Apollos
San Antonio Commanders vs Atlanta Legends
The San Antonio Commanders have won two in a row since losing in Weeks 2 & 3. But the Commanders have been outscored 6-25 in the fourth period of both games as San Antonio barely hung on to win against the Birmingham Iron in Week 4 (12-11) and versus the Arizona Hotshots in Week 5 (29-25).
The Legends meanwhile won their last two games with game-winning field goals by Younghoe Koo who is 11-11 on the season and has scored 33 of Atlanta’s total 67 points this season. Their kicker scoring almost half of their total output of the season just shows their offensive struggles. San Antonio’s Logan Woodside and Kenneth Farrow, II should do enough scoring damage for San Antonio to beat the lowest scoring team in the league.
Prediction: San Antonio Commanders
Birmingham Iron vs San Diego Fleet
The Birmingham Iron suffered their second consecutive defeat in Week 5 as they got drubbed 14-31 against the unbeaten Apollos. Former Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price took over from Luis Perez following a pick-six by the latter. Price tried to rally the Iron but came up short. Still, he gave his team something to think twice about for this game.
The San Diego Fleet notched their second win of the season with a game winning 44-yard field goal from Donny Hageman as time expired. Defense was the key to their win over the Stallions as cornerback Kam Kelly had three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. They’ll need their defense to step up against the Iron who own the league’s best defense. Birmingham should break out of their slump and beat the Fleet.
Prediction: Birmingham Iron
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