July 25, 2024
By Sam Weiger
The UFA playoffs kick off this weekend, and the championship picture is wide open. Unlike last year's limited competition, a handful of teams emerge as genuine contenders. Get ready for an unpredictable and thrilling postseason!
East Division
No. 1 DC Breeze - Contender
Best previous result: Divisional Championship Game (2023, 2022, 2017, 2016, 2014)
DC's résumé is unmatched: a season sweep of the Empire, a win over Boston, and a 12-goal thrashing of the Flyers. Their wins are backed by impressive stats – they ranked top-two in completion percentage, turnovers, offensive line conversion rate, and defensive line conversion rate. Yet, their lack of deep playoff runs fuels skepticism.
No. 2 Boston Glory - Contender
Best previous result: First Round (2023)
Boston's accumulation of talent has elevated them to championship-caliber status for the first time in franchise history. The additions of Jeff Babbitt and Ben Katz have supercharged Boston's already stout defense, while Babbitt and Tannor Johnson-Go's playmaking abilities have bolstered the team's hold rate. What sets the Glory apart from every other playoff team is their feat of conquering two playoff teams in a single weekend.
No. 3 New York Empire - Contender
Best previous result: Champions (2023, 2022, 2019)
The Empire quieted any doubts of their contender status with impressive late-season wins over Salt Lake and Minnesota, but with championships running through their veins, there was never any doubt of their contender status. Almost everyone on this roster has won multiple championships. But the upcoming postseason marks a turning point – it's New York's first without either Babbitt and Ryan Osgar since 2015. All eyes will be on Jack "Playoff Jack" Williams to live up to his postseason heroics.
South Division
No. 1 Atlanta Hustle - Contender
Best previous result: Divisional Championship Game (2023, 2016)
The Hustle boast a clear MVP candidate in Brett Hulsmeyer, dominant wins against New York and Carolina, and statistics that solidify their status as a title contender. They led the league in hold rate and red zone conversion percentage, while minimizing turnovers (tied for fewest). But the big question remains: Will they crumble under pressure, or rise to the occasion?
No. 2 Carolina Flyers - Contender
Best previous result: Champions (2021)
The Flyers' recent struggles against playoff contenders (0-3) raise concerns about their championship aspirations. However, a closer look reveals a similar scenario in their 2021 title run – they finished with a decent record and lost late-season games. With a core from that championship team returning, they could surprise doubters again.
No. 3 Austin Sol - Pretender
Best previous result: Championship Weekend Semifinal (2023)
Austin’s recent postseason history suggests they remain a potential Championship Weekend contender. But last year's humiliating semifinal loss to New York made it clear that the Sol needed significant roster additions or adjustments to become a title contender. Austin’s decision to maintain the status quo has resulted in a lackluster 7-5 record, with all victories coming against Dallas and Houston.
Central Division
No. 1 Minnesota Wind Chill - Pretender
Best previous result: Championship Weekend Semifinal (2023)
Like Austin, Minnesota has the potential to reach the final four, but their O-line's lack of a reliable passer is a significant hurdle. Rising star Will Brandt is Minnesota’s top option, but his inexperience showed in their disappointing performance against the Empire in Week 12. Another concern is Minnesota's past struggles throwing at altitude, which could return if they advance to the main event in the Rockies.
No. 2 Madison Radicals - Pretender
Best previous result: Champions (2018)
No prior UFA experience in the Rockies and only one interdivisional road game in the past seven years raises questions about the Radicals’ title hopes. But before Madison can even worry about the thin mountain air, they will have to figure out a way to overcome the Wind Chill. Minnesota has dominated them lately, winning 10 out of their last 11 meetings.
No. 3 Chicago Union - Pretender
Best previous result: Finalist (2022)
While wins over Minnesota, Madison, and Austin highlight Chicago's dangerous potential, their inconsistency remains a concern. The Union sputtered down the stretch, losing four of their last six games, including lopsided defeats to the T-Birds and Radicals. But these losses shouldn’t overshadow the team’s deep experience, which could propel them to an upset or two.
West Division
No. 1 Salt Lake Shred - Contender
Best previous result: Finalist (2023)
With a dominant 16-2 home record in their last 18 games, including a season-opening victory over DC, the Shred are a nightmare matchup for any opponent at Zions Bank Stadium. With most of last year's team back, the title is within reach – unless they face their kryptonite, the Empire (0-3 vs. New York).
No. 2 Seattle Cascades - Pretender
Best previous result: Finalist (2016)
The Cascades' lack of depth is the biggest hurdle in their quest for a UFA title. While there's been a wealth of standout individual performances, Lukas Ambrose, Zeppelin Raunig, and Garrett Martin have been the gears that powered most of them. The inexperience of this young squad is worrisome, further amplified by the fact that their nine wins haven't come against any real contenders.
No. 3 Oakland Spiders - Pretender
Best previous result: Champions (2015, 2014)
Like the Cascades, playoff experience is a concern for the Spiders. But the biggest concern might be their high turnover rate – a recipe for disaster in the playoffs. On top of that, they conceded the most goals per game among all playoff teams this season.
