Wild Card Playoffs - 2023

Wild Card weekend:

Saturday, June 17, 2023 - 4:30PM
Memphis @ Albuquerque
Line: - 10.0 MEM
O/U: 49.5
Win Pct: 74.2% MEM

In a highly anticipated playoff matchup, the Albuquerque Atoms, coming off a disappointing regular season but having secured their division title, are set to host the Memphis Demons, who aspired to clinch the number one seed in the Western Conference but fell short due to a crucial loss in the final week. Despite their contrasting journeys, the Demons enter the game as the clear favorites, boasting a strong overall performance throughout the season.
 
The Atoms' path to the playoffs was marked by inconsistency and struggles. Finishing with a negative win-loss record, they benefited from a weak division that allowed them to claim the divisional crown. However, their lackluster regular-season performance shouldn't undermine their potential, as they possess a talented roster capable of causing an upset.
 
On the other side, the Demons had an impressive season, displaying dominance and resilience in the highly competitive Western Conference. They were on track to secure the coveted number one seed, which would have given them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, a heartbreaking loss in the final week dashed their hopes, forcing them to settle for a lower seed. Despite this setback, Memphis remains a force to be reckoned with, possessing a potent offense and a solid defense.
 
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on the Demons, who will be looking to quickly put the disappointment of their final regular-season loss behind them. Their explosive offense, led by a talented quarterback and a formidable receiving corps, will pose a significant challenge to the Atoms defense. The Memphis defense, known for its ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses, will be eager to stifle the Albuquerque offense and take control of the game.

Saturday, June 17, 2023 - 8:15PM
Salt Lake @ Oakland
Line: - 1.5 SL
O/U: 46.0
Win Pct: 54.9% SL

In an anther anticipated playoff clash, the Salt Lake Trappers, defying expectations by making their postseason debut just one year after their inaugural season in the league, they will face off against the Oakland Icons, who are used to hosting playoff games in the GSL after winning their division for the third consecutive year. The game is expected to be a tightly contested battle, with the Trappers being favored by a narrow margin.

Salt Lake have emerged as a formidable force, surpassing all expectations and earning their spot in the playoffs. Despite their relative lack of experience in postseason play, their impressive performances throughout the season have earned them the respect of fans and pundits alike. With a young and talented roster, the Trappers are viewed as the team to beat in this matchup.

Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 1:00PM
Baltimore @ Birmingham
Line: - 1.0 BAL
O/U: 39.0
Win Pct: 54.1% BAL

The Birmingham Owls have been the talk of the season, surpassing all expectations and shocking the league with their outstanding performances. From the beginning, they were deemed underdogs, but their determined and disciplined approach, coupled with effective coaching, has propelled them to great heights.
 
On the other side, the Baltimore Bluebirds enter the playoffs with high expectations and a talented roster. Known for their explosive offense and solid defense, the Bluebirds are viewed as a formidable opponent for any team. However, they must not underestimate the Owls ability to disrupt their plans, as Birmingham has consistently proven its mettle against tough opponents.
 
All eyes will be on the Owls home-field advantage, and the passionate crowd will create an electric atmosphere, energizing the Birmingham players and making life difficult for the Bluebirds. Birmingham´s well-coached team, with its attention to detail and ability to make in-game adjustments, will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Baltimore game plan and seize control of the game.
 
However, the Bluebirds possess a potent offense led by a talented quarterback and a strong supporting cast. They will aim to exploit the Owls' defense and establish dominance on the field. Birmingham´s defense will need to be at its best, relying on their disciplined approach and playmaking abilities to contain the explosive Baltimore playmakers.
 
The outcome may defy the pregame predictions, as the Owls have consistently proven that they can overcome the odds. Whether they can continue their remarkable season or if the Bluebirds will live up to their status as favorites remains to be seen. In the playoffs, surprises are always possible, and this game has all the makings of an exhilarating contest that will captivate football fans worldwide.

Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 4:30PM
Louisville @ Toronto
Line: - 8.5 TOR
O/U: 40.0
Win Pct: 73.3% TOR

The Toronto Terror will face off against the Louisville Lightning. Both teams boast strong rushing offenses but have had inconsistent quarterback play throughout the season. The Terror, despite their quarterback controversies, are regarded as having one of the most well-rounded rosters in the GSL, with their defense being a notable standout. As a result, Toronto enters the game as favorites by a margin of 8.5 points.
 
On the other hand, the Lightning rely on their strong rushing offense to control the tempo of the game. However, their quarterback play has been inconsistent, which has occasionally hampered their offensive production. To overcome this, Louisville will need to find ways to exploit the Toronto defense and effectively move the ball through the air. The outcome of the game may hinge on their ability to find success through their passing game while continuing to rely on their ground attack.
 
As the game unfolds, the Terror's complete roster and their standout defense will play a pivotal role. Their ability to contain the Lightning's rushing offense and create pressure on the quarterback will be key to their success. Additionally, their own ground game will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Louisville defense and control the flow of the game.

Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 8:15PM
Las Vegas @ Kansas City
Line: - 3.0 LV
O/U: 43.5
Win Pct: 57.5% LV

The Kansas City Buffaloes will go head-to-head against the Las Vegas Outlaws. The Buffaloes have exceeded expectations, securing the Heartland Division crown. However, the Outlaws enter the game as favorites by a margin of 3 points, largely due to their dynamic young duo consisting of a promising young quarterback and a talented young running back.
 
The Buffaloes have been one of the surprise teams of the season, surpassing all expectations to claim their divisional title. Their success can be attributed to their disciplined and well-coordinated defense, which has consistently thwarted opposing offenses. On the offensive side, while not the most explosive unit in the league, the Buffaloes have managed to put up respectable numbers and execute when it matters most.
 
On the other side, the Las Vegas Outlaws come into the playoffs with high expectations, thanks in part to their young and talented offensive duo. The promising young quarterback, paired with a dynamic running back, has electrified the league with their playmaking abilities. Their ability to generate big plays and contribute to the team's overall offensive success has made them a formidable threat.
 
As the game unfolds, the Buffaloes' well-organized defense will look to contain the explosive playmakers of the Outlaws. Their disciplined approach and ability to create turnovers could be crucial in disrupting the rhythm of the young Las Vegas offense. On the offensive side, the Buffaloes will rely on their balanced offense to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
 
While the Outlaws may enter the game as favorites, the Buffaloes' surprising season and their well-rounded team make them formidable opponents. With a strong defense and an offense that can control the tempo of the game, the Buffaloes have the potential to upset the odds.

Monday, June 19, 2023 - 8:15PM
Wisconsin @ Jacksonville
Line: - 3.5 JAX
O/U: 34.5
Win Pct: 60.5% JAX

Closing the Wildcard weekend, the Jacksonville Captains will host the Wisconsin Stags in what is expected to be a closely contested game. The Captains enter the matchup as favorites by 3.5 points, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the season. This game is projected to be a defensive battle, with expectations of a low-scoring affair.
 
Jacksonville has earned their favored status through their strong play and consistent performances throughout the season. Led by a well-rounded defense and a capable offense, the Captains have shown the ability to control the game and limit their opponents' scoring opportunities. Their disciplined approach and attention to detail make them formidable opponents for any team.
 
On the other side, the Wisconsin Stags will aim to defy the odds and come out victorious on the road. With a physical defense and a balanced offense, the Stags possess the tools to challenge the captain's dominance. Their ability to control the clock through a strong running game and create turnovers on defense will be key factors in their success.
 
As the game unfolds, both teams will rely heavily on their defensive units to dictate the pace and limit scoring opportunities. The well-coordinated Jacksonville defense will look to disrupt the Wisconsin offensive rhythm and force turnovers, while the Stags will aim to stifle the Captains offensive weapons and capitalize on any mistakes.

Given the projected low-scoring nature of the game, field position, turnovers, and special teams play may play crucial roles in determining the outcome. The margin of victory is expected to be narrow, and every point will be hard-earned.

Rafael Menoncin wrote:Wild Card weekend:
Monday, June 19, 2023 - 8:15PM
Wisconsin @ Jacksonville
Line: - 3.5 JAX
O/U: 34.5
Win Pct: 60.5% JAX

Closing the Wildcard weekend, the Jacksonville Captains will host the Wisconsin Stags in what is expected to be a closely contested game. The Captains enter the matchup as favorites by 3.5 points, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the season. This game is projected to be a defensive battle, with expectations of a low-scoring affair.
 
Jacksonville has earned their favored status through their strong play and consistent performances throughout the season. Led by a well-rounded defense and a capable offense, the Captains have shown the ability to control the game and limit their opponents' scoring opportunities. Their disciplined approach and attention to detail make them formidable opponents for any team.
 
On the other side, the Wisconsin Stags will aim to defy the odds and come out victorious on the road. With a physical defense and a balanced offense, the Stags possess the tools to challenge the captain's dominance. Their ability to control the clock through a strong running game and create turnovers on defense will be key factors in their success.
 
As the game unfolds, both teams will rely heavily on their defensive units to dictate the pace and limit scoring opportunities. The well-coordinated Jacksonville defense will look to disrupt the Wisconsin offensive rhythm and force turnovers, while the Stags will aim to stifle the Captains offensive weapons and capitalize on any mistakes.

Given the projected low-scoring nature of the game, field position, turnovers, and special teams play may play crucial roles in determining the outcome. The margin of victory is expected to be narrow, and every point will be hard-earned.

Massive Monday night matchup for us! As said running game is going to be key for us. Need to establish that early on the road and controll the clock. will be a great game. Lets go Stags!

Our offense is going to have to show up this week. Our weakness may be our defense in this game, against a team that put up some crazy points in some games (66, 44, 44, 44, 42) in the regular season.
Since week 8, our offense has put up some big scores as well (37, 37, 37, 38, 47, 48). So this could be a barn burner. Just have to make sure we can keep pace if we get in a high scoring game.

Frank wrote:Our offense is going to have to show up this week. Our weakness may be our defense in this game, against a team that put up some crazy points in some games (66, 44, 44, 44, 42) in the regular season.
Since week 8, our offense has put up some big scores as well (37, 37, 37, 38, 47, 48). So this could be a barn burner. Just have to make sure we can keep pace if we get in a high scoring game.

I think this game does favor us a bit with our offense. If we can get rolling, I think we'll be hard to stop. I think this game may come down to if we can not turn the ball over, and if our defense comes to play.
Going to be a tough game with that crowed at Arrowhead (and yes, home field advantage is a factor in these games).

Two good games so far. Memphis pulls away and moves on, while Salt Lake comes back with a game-winning field goal. Now give me a Birmingham Owls win, and it will be a great weekend.

Two away teams in the Western conference with wins so far. I wouldn't say the Salt Lake win is surprising at all. They were in such a good division this year, with thee playoff teams from the West division. Close game, but they pulled it out.
Memphis was probably expected to win, as they were in line for the #1 seed going into the final week, going against the weakest playoff team this season.
Now, here's where things get interesting. If Vegas can pull off the win in Kansas City, then Memphis, as the 5 seed, would host the Trappers next week, giving Memphis that divisional round home game after all.

Weeeeeeeeee surviveeeeeeeeeeed. Lets goooooooo. I was about to cry because we were going to OT again and I was like not again. But with a 46 run off the right and a 27-yard pass to set us up at the goal line. And that TD on 3rd and goal. Lets gooooo.

All I have to say about that Vegas win

Austin, Do you still have my roster I gave you a year or so ago?

Davis Four Feathers leads a running/passing attack with RBs Alex Hammerly, Sione Tu'ikolovatu, WR Marcelus MacAdoo, and TE Nathan Whanaupunga.

Defense is lead by the bulls up front: DTs Tyre Knaresborough, Obidiah Drake, and LB Joan Weller (the Navajo Nightmare), and FS Augie Pless

The lower seeds dominated the home teams during the Western conference wildcard weekend, Memphis, the number 5 seed, is now set to host a divisional round game, wildcard

And what just happened during the Vegas game?

Wow. We just absolutely imploded in the second quarter. I was checking in on the game through the start of the 2nd when it was still 0-0 before needing to drive home. Got home and saw 31-0 at halftime :/
Oh well. It was a good season. We did much better than anticipated, and even got the division title and a home playoff game.

Yeah, that was kind of crazy. Looks like we will be playing in LA next weekend then.
LA will be a tough matchup for us, although we did beat them this season. In our last 5 against LA, the road team has one each game, including last season's wild card matchup. So maybe we've got that going for us. But this is a tough matchup, and hopefully we get another points explosion.

Frank wrote:Wow. We just absolutely imploded in the second quarter. I was checking in on the game through the start of the 2nd when it was still 0-0 before needing to drive home. Got home and saw 31-0 at halftime :/
Oh well. It was a good season. We did much better than anticipated, and even got the division title and a home playoff game.

Yeah, the simulation was ruthless yesterday, that 34-second field goal was overkill.