Orlando Apollos (1-0) vs. San Antonio Commanders (1-0)
Preview
This weekend’s matchup in San Antonio features two teams whose seasons started out in the win column. Both games featured strong defensive showings, as both the Apollos and Commanders held their opponents to only 6 points apiece. However, the Commanders offense will have to put a few more points on the board if last week’s Apollos offense which scored 40 points shows up while they didn’t find the endzone until late in the game.
Players to watch
The Apollos lay claim to the reigning AAF defensive player of the week, Terence Garvin. The linebacker not only ended the game with 11 tackles last week but also scored on one of his two picks. If he plays a similar game this week, he will be a nightmare all 60 minutes for Logan Woodside and the Commanders’ offense. Another of Orlando’s many stars is running back Akeem Hunt. Hunt received the most carries in Week One, averaging over 7 yards a carry. While he didn’t make it in the endzone, the former Texan noted he sees a lot of areas for himself to improve.
For the Commanders, one name to note is Logan Woodside. The surprise starter at quarterback for their opening game, Woodside netted 255 yards in the air, showing a lot of potential to be a great starter going forward. That said, he also struggled with decision making, turning the ball over twice. One of his many targets is wide receiver Alonzo Moore. Despite only snagging 3 catches during their debut, he established his presence as a big yards per reception (YPC) threat.
Keys to the game
Orlando Apollos
Start fast and strike early
Spread ‘em and shred em
Figure out the two-point conversion situation
San Antonio Commanders
Win the turnover battle
Win in the trenches
A strong showing from Orion Stewart and Zack Sanchez
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Garrett Gilbert, QB (ORL)
Mekale McKay, WR (SAC)
Alonzo Moore, WR (SAC)
Logan Woodside, QB (SAC)
Defense (ORL)
Prediction
The Apollos face a tougher test this week than last with their first road game of the season. I expect to see the Commanders come out a bit faster than they did previously. They should put more points on the board and limit the Apollos more than Atlanta managed to, but I think Woodside and his receivers will still make too many mistakes to handle the talent that is coming into town this Sunday. They fail to win the turnover battle as previously mentioned, and they fall just a little bit short - potentially on a game-winning drive attempt.
Final Score: Orlando 24, San Antonio 20
Written by: Kristen Mori
Atlanta Legends (0-1) vs. San Diego Fleet (0-1)
Preview
In the final game of week for the AAF, the Atlanta Legends travel to the West Coast to take on the San Diego Fleet, and both teams are trying regroup after losing their season openers. The Fleet played a competitive game against the San Antonio Commanders, holding them to only 15 points. However, the offensive line could not hold up against the Commanders pass rush, allowing their quarterbacks to get hit 16 times. The Legends, meanwhile, got completely blown out by the Apollos 40-6, failing to do anything to slow down Orlando’s offense.
Players to watch
When the Legends have the ball, some key players to watch are Malachi Jones and Denard Robinson. Malachi had six targets, but unfortunately could not manage to come down with any of them. Atlanta is expecting Malachi to be key contributor in their passing game, so expect some regression to the mean in this game. Denard Robinson has been battling a quad injury coming into the season, and with each week he will get healthier, eventually becoming a bigger component of this offense.
Phillip Nelson has gotten the nod to start this Sunday for the Fleet, and It will be fun to see how he steps into that role. The Legends do not seem to have the same force upfront that the Commanders did a week ago, so hopefully his offensive line can give him time to find his targets. Another key player for the Fleet will be DE Damontre Moore, who had a great game against the Commanders with six hits against QB Logan Woodside. Matts Simms crumbled a week ago while under pressure, and the Fleet’s defense will try and duplicate that this week in San Diego.
Keys to the game
Atlanta Legends
Generate a Run game
Contain Damontre Moore
Get pressure on Nelson
San Diego Fleet
Get Ford into space
Generate pressure on Simms
Win in the trenches
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Ja’Quan Gardner RB (SD)
Malachi Jones WR (ATL)
Dontez Ford WR (SD)
Gavin Escobar TE (SD)
San Diego Defense
Prediction
When Atlanta has the ball, the San Diego front will dominate the Legends offensive line and create problems for Matt Simms. The Fleet’s defense will win the turnover battle, thus giving their offense favorable field position. During the Orlando game, Atlanta’s defense only got to Gilbert twice the entire game. San Diego’s offensive line will use this opportunity to bounce back with a good performance, allowing Phillip Nelson to execute HC Mike Martz’s game plan and push the ball downfield. San Diego makes a statement in front of their fans that they will not be the bottom dwellers of the AAF.
Final Score: San Diego 31, Atlanta 13
Written by: David Connors