Week 2 Arena Football Opinions

[Los_Gamblador]

2nd week of AFL action begins tonight. Looking forward to making official plays next week. Last week was interesting, however, no team is as good as they were last week and no team is as bad as they were last week, just something to keep in mind.

Detroit at Toronto
Fury fell just short of upsetting last year's champ Grand Rapids, some early mistakes cost them. I don't see them making those same mistakes in this game. Foggie and Levy give this team more consistency on offense and Foggie admitted he tried to do too much last week.

Phantoms' President has guaranteed a win and while that may fire up the fans and players up, it gives Detroit some bulletin board material. Toronto took apart a mediocre Storm team last week, but will have trouble putting away a feisty Fury team that came back from a 42-19 deficit to lose by just 4.

Opinion: Detroit +7

Back tomorrow with Friday opinions

 

[Los_Gamblador]

Chicago at Orlando
Rush had to hang on for dear life to beat Indiana and really the Firebirds beat themselves more than the Rush did. No doubt Chicago is an improved team, but I don't think they are as good as they seem.

Orlando dominated their game w/ the Force, except on the scoreboard. They held Georgia to 183 total yards, 20 minutes time of possession and 29 total offensive plays. They also allowed 2 kickoff returns for TDs and Gruden threw 3 picks. A lot of new faces are still trying to mesh.

I think Orlando rebounds here and cuts down on their mistakes, Gruden should play well in front of the home crowd.

Opinion: Orlando -3

Carolina at Georgia
Cobras were pretty putrid last week, but this line seems out of whack. Connell Mayor should be getting the start here as Aaron Sparrow has a bruised sternum. Fleming and Bailey are too talented offensively to be silent again.

Force are still adjusting offensively to losing their 3 offensive cogs and Kevin McDougal, who was at the helm of a bad offensive Milwaukee team last year, did not impress against Orlando.

9.5 points seems a bit too much for a game that Carolina could win outright.

Opinion: Carolina +9.5

 

[Los_Gamblador]

Saturday Games:

San Jose at Tampa Bay

This line looks like the classic trap found in the other sports, but why would the books have a trap in Arena Football? Sabercats have never beaten the Storm, 0-5 lifetime, but 4 defeats were in the mid-90s when Jay Gruden was in his prime and the Storm were winning Arena Bowls. Sabercats barely escaped rival Arizona, but Tampa does not possess the offense Arizona does.

Storm lost starting QB John Kaleo last week on the next-to-last play of the game, that leaves Shane Stafford and Scott Milanovich. Stafford saw some time last year and performed reasonably well, but Sabercats aggressive D should be able to rattle him like he was at times last year.

Really tough to see Tampa winning this game even though they are at home, Sabercats are so much better. If you can find a 3, that'd be even better.

Opinion: San Jose +2.5

Indiana at Grand Rapids
Firebirds looked very bad last week and Raymond Philyaw made too many mental errors, just a horrible game overall. Eddie Brown won't be held to just 58 yards receiving either.

Rampage nearly lost their opener after sporting a 42-19 lead. Detroit hindered itself more than the Rampage stopped them last week. In fact, GR was held to just 7 points after the half last week showing that this offense may not be as potent as last year's.

It is a tough challenge to win in GR, but Indiana came within 6 last year in the regular season. GR showed a little chink in the armor and a team like Indy can take advantage.

Opinion: Indiana +6.5

Los Angeles at Arizona
Avengers took apart NY defensively last week, 25 points and 176 total yards. 4 sacks as well. Avengers also upset the Rattlers in Az last year as a 16 point underdog. Graziani showed poise in the pocket last week and benefitted from a healthy Chris Jackson at WR.

Rattlers lost a heartbreaker to rival SJ and that really has to eat away at the team. The Avenger D is at least as aggressive as SJ, if not more and will be pressuring Bonner all day.

This is not your normal Rattler team and is still making adjustments. Spotting 10.5 points is a real steal here as Avengers look much better on offense and continue to have a great defense.

Opinion: Los Angeles +10.5

 

[Flipper13]

The avengers look good plus the points but i dont feel comfortable with my knowledge of this league yet. I enjoy your write ups.

 

[Los_Gamblador]

Flipper

Yes AFL is hard to read, especially early season, which why I only give opinions for the 1st 2 weeks. Next week will be the real thing for me. AFL is fun to watch though, hope your knowledge continues to grow.

All 3 games yesterday were great to watch, I caught SJ/TB on radio and LA/AZ on TV, both went to down to the final minute of play.

Buffalo at New York - Note: Noon ET start
Destroyers new offense took flight immediately last week as Fred McNair was efficient. Buffalo knows they are a long way from being where they want to be, but fortunately the Dragons are next.

Dragons will start rookie Matt Nagy in this game and like Ragsdale last week, expect him to get rattled and have happy feet. He does have some weapons around him like Steve Pappin, but the offensive line was pourous against LA and the defense is average at best.

New York is the classic example of not judging a team by their first game, but they should not be favored over a quality Buffalo squad.

Opinion: Buffalo +1.5

Dallas at New Jersey - Note: 3 pm ET start
Desperadoes took advantage of a confused and undisciplined Carolina team and got their first win, but NJ presents a stiffer challenge. Andy Kelly will keep this team in a lot games, but still the rookie factor and team chemistry will show against quality competition.

Gladiators HC Frank Haege wasted little time in going with dynamic QB Jay McDonagh, this kid can throw. He is still adjusting to the AFL defense and talent, but that won't hinder him as much. NJ defense showed grit last week after falling behind 21-3.

NJ should expose the over aggressiveness of the Dallas defense, which committed some dumb penalties last week and had trouble holding a lead. NJ should get their first win here, but it will be a battle.

Opinion: New Jersey PK

 

[IK]

got Buffalo +2 -107......at Canbet

gl

 

[Flipper13]

I agree with your NJ selection and will use them in my parlay today :toast:

Go NJ!!!

 

[wannabe whale]

Buffalo showed that they can be explosive last week. Their Defense needs to step up-but they should be able to stop NY once or twice.
McNair and Cooper have been great additions.

Buffalo Pick 3 units