San Diego Fleet (2-1) at Memphis Express (0-3)
Where to Watch: B/R Live
Preview
The San Diego Fleet hope to ride their hot streak all the way to Memphis as they take on the Express, who are hoping to put their first notch in the “W” column behind their new starting QB. This game may not be in primetime anymore, but it should still generate a lot of buzz. The Fleet are riding a two-game win streak after getting revenge last week against the San Antonio Commanders for their loss in week 1. Although the Express are coming off their third loss against the AAF powerhouse Orlando Apollos, they played a tough game and kept it close while their team got a surge of excitement, as Memphis fans saw their backup QB come into the game and finally push the ball downfield to complement their stingy defense.
Players to watch
The San Diego Fleet are going to keep riding the tails of their dynamic running back duo of Ja’Quan Gardner and Terrell Watson. Ja’Quan is quick twitch through the holes as well as a competent pass catcher out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Watson crashes into defensive fronts harder than Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball. The Fleet also get to boast the highest graded Defensive End according to Pro Football Focus, Damontre Moore. It will be pivotal that the Express coaches find ways to slow him down.
All the excitement for the Memphis Express this week is surrounding starting QB Zach Mettenberger. After 10 quarters of watching the incumbent Christian Hackenberg manage only 4.7 yards per attempt, Express fans saw Mettenberger come out and push the ball down the field for two quarters, averaging 10 yards per attempt and completing 75% of his passes. Now for a real test: put those numbers up for an entire game against a pretty good defense. The other talk of the Express is RB Sherman Badie, who went from the streets to stardom for the Express last week. After being signed a few days prior, Badie came into the Orlando game looking like the perfect complement back to Zac Stacy.
Keys to the game
San Diego Fleet
Establish their run game
Get pressure on Mettenberger
Get Philip Nelson in a rhythm early
Memphis Express
Win the turnover battle
Do not miss tackles
Keep Damontre Moore contained
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Ja’Quan Gardner, RB (SD)
Zac Stacy, RB (MEM)
Philip Nelson, QB (SD)
Nelson Spruce, WR (SD)
Zach Mettenberger, QB (MEM)
Prediction
The San Diego and Memphis defense play strong late into the third quarter. The fourth quarter, however, the offenses start to move the ball, closing the game out with a couple of touchdowns by both teams. Mettenberger will lead his team down the field for a late game-winning touchdown, finally winning his first game since leaving LSU.
Final Score: Express 26, Fleet 24
Written by: David Connors @connors_david
Orlando Apollos (3-0) at Salt Lake Stallions (1-2)
Where to Watch: NFL Network
Preview
The Salt Lake City Stallions finally got their first win in a revenge game against the Arizona Hotshots. Now they host the consensus top team of the AAF, the undefeated Orlando Apollos. The Stallions look to ride their wave of momentum and upset the Apollos in front of their home crowd at Rice-Eccles Stadium. On the other side, the Apollos have been an unstoppable force in the AAF, moving the ball at will both through the air and on the ground. They show no signs of slowing down and look to assert their dominance over the Stallions.
Players to watch
For the Apollos, QB Garrett Gilbert has been the early MVP front runner, showing incredible poise in the pocket and an ability to take off and break some tackles on the ground. HIs favorite target, WR Charles Johnson, has been a key to Gilbert’s success with over 300 yards on the season already. On the defensive side of the ball, Terence Garvin has been a two-way weapon in pass defense as both a pass rusher and in
coverage.
Stallions QB Josh Woodrum finally got on the field last weak and led his team to their first win this season. He showed instant chemistry with WR De’Mornay Pierson-El, whose talents are only comparable to how much fun it is to say his name. Although, if the Stallions want to send Orlando home with their first L, they are going to need to keep the ball out of Gilbert’s hands. RB’s Brandon Oliver and Joel Bouagnon are a great duo and will be relied upon to grind out long drives and win the battle of possession.
Keys to the game
Orlando Apollos
Have a big play on defense
Contain Pierson-El
A successful 4-min offense, being able to grind out the end of the game
Salt Lake Stallions
Do not turn the ball over
Maintain a balanced offense
Keep Woodrum upright
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Garrett Gilbert, QB (ORL)
Charles Johnson, WR (ORL)
Dustin Woodrum, QB (SLC)
De’Mornay Pierson-El, WR (SLC)
Bradon Oliver, RB (SLC)
Prediction
Salt Lake City take an early lead, and Karter Schult and company hold the Orlando offense off for the first half. However, the second half turns into a shootout. Unfortunately for the Stallions, Orlando’s defense makes a pivotal play that leads to another Apollos win.
Final Score: Apollos 45, Stallions 31
Written by: David Connors @connors_david