July 18, 2024
By Adam Ruffner
1. Atlanta Hustle (-)
Record: 9-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 19-18 vs Dallas (W)
Next game: July 20 vs Carolina
Player heating up: Brett Hulsmeyer - Second straight regular season with at least 50 scores, 3,000 receiving yards, and 270 completions
Hulsmeyer and his walk-off goal at the end of regulation against Dallas kept Atlanta’s league high eight-game win streak intact, and more importantly preserved the team’s chances at hosting a second straight divisional title game; a loss to the Legion in Week 12 would’ve all but forfeited the South Division one seed to Carolina. The Hustle offense has been white hot over the last eight games, and is converting over 68 percent of their possessions during that stretch. Notably, the huck happy Hustle have moved away from the deep ball in their last three outings, and have bulked up on red zone attempts; Hulsmeyer and Jeremy Langdon have been especially effective near the goal line.
2. DC Breeze (-)
Record: 9-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 25-13 vs Carolina (W)
Next game: July 20 at New York
Player heating up: Cole Jurek - On pace for career highs in in virtually every category; leads the Breeze in scoring while playing over 36 percent of his points on defense
With Saturday’s “Game Of The Week” mega matchup looming, it’s a helpful reminder that the Breeze have not beaten the Empire twice in one season since 2018, and even then New York got the last laugh in the playoffs and eliminated DC in the first round. The DC franchise sits at 98 total wins, and is on the verge of becoming just the fourth team in league history to hit triple digits in the W column. Offensive efficiency has been the hallmark of this team’s successes for many seasons, and with the Breeze defense converting at a top three rate in 2024, DC has title DNA. Now the question becomes: Can the on-field results match the stats?
3. New York Empire (+1)
Record: 8-3 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 25-16 at Minnesota (W)
Next game: July 20 vs DC
Player heating up: Ben Jagt - Has two or more goals in eight of his nine starts; completing a career best 95.5 percent of his throws; zero throwaways in last four games
On June 15 the Empire were 4-3 and trailed the Phoenix in Philadelphia by a score of 11-8 at half. Since then and over the last 14 quarters of play, New York has outscored their opponents 92-57 and pummeled their way to four consecutive wins. And with back-to-back blowout wins over Championship Weekend contenders, this is quickly becoming the one team nobody wants to face in the postseason. Again. The Empire defense has been dealing with injuries and absences of late, and yet has totaled 37 break scores over their last three games.
4. Boston Glory (-1)
Record: 8-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 21-20 at Montreal (W)
Next game: July 20 at Toronto
Player heating up: Jeff Babbitt - No turnovers since May 10 (7 games); fifth regular season with 17 or more blocks in his career; two blocks away from moving into fifth all-time in blocks in UFA history
Boston’s path to the one seed in the East is the easiest of any of the playoff titans: Win both games against Toronto and Montreal in Week 13, two teams that have a combined three victories in 2024. Even still, the Canadian contenders will be playing with nothing to lose. The Royal have battled the Glory closely in two contests already this season, and will be a tough out for a Boston team playing their second game in as many days on the road this coming Sunday. The Glory are one of just four teams this season averaging under 13 turnovers per game, which has allowed Boston to hold the line even in close contests; Glory are 4-2 in games decided by two goals or fewer this season.
5. Carolina Flyers (-)
Record: 9-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 25-12 vs Dallas (W)
Next game: July 20 at Atlanta
Player heating up: Tobias Brooks - 18 scores and 1,616 total yards combined over last three starts; already has twice as many multi-goal games this year (4) than in his rookie season, and in four fewer games played
The Flyers have won three straight by an average margin of nine goals since their 12-goal humiliation in DC on June 28. And last Friday’s win over Dallas marked the seventh time in nine years that Carolina registered a minimum of nine wins in a regular season, making the Flyers the franchise with the highest team winning percentage since the start of the 2015 season. The math for Carolina’s success this season has been fairly simple: when the team completes their hucks at a 60 percent clip or better, the Flyers are 6-0. Allan Laviolette has the fourth most completed hucks this season (25), and the highest deep ball completion rate (75 percent) of anyone in the top 15 most completed hucks.
6. Salt Lake Shred (+2)
Record: 9-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 24-20 at Portland (W)
Next game: July 19 vs Seattle
Player heating up: Chad Yorgason - Perennial All Defense selection got his first start on offense in Week 12 and threw for a career-best 310 passing yards; 37 blocks in 34 career regular season games with the Shred
Salt Lake battled out from a first quarter deficit in Portland to finish the regular season 5-1 in away games, and now prepare for an all-important home matchup against Seattle for the one seed in the West. The season-ending injury to Joe Merrill is a huge blow to a Shred team that has already endured many significant setbacks, and really puts in relief how far away this franchise is from its 6-0 start earlier this year. But even with the offense faltering over the second half of the season, the Shred defense is still formidable, and is one of just four squads this season converting eight or more breaks per game.
7. Seattle Cascades (-)
Record: 8-2 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 20-19 vs Colorado (W)
Next game: July 19 at Salt Lake
Player heating up: Khalif El-Salaam - Minimum of one goal and one block in each of last four starts; Seattle is 2-0 when El-Salaam completes 20 passes or more this season
The true test of a contender in this league for the past several seasons has been its ability to limit mistakes, and over their past six games—all wins—the Cascades are committing just 13.6 turnovers per game. Granted, none of the teams the Scades faced during that stretch will be seeing the light of the playoffs this season, but it speaks to how thoroughly Seattle has separated themselves from the rest of the West. Another key team metric has been red zone efficiency, which Seattle has also excelled at in 2024. The Cascades are 35-of-35 inside the 20 over their past two games, and they rank second in the UFA this season, trailing only the Hustle.
8. Minnesota Wind Chill (-2)
Record: 8-3 (clinched first seed in the division, will host Central Division championship)
Most recent result: 25-16 vs New York (L)
Next game: July 20 vs Detroit
Player heating up: Gordon Larson - Third year striker coming off a career night against New York with nine scores; second in scores (37) and third in total yards (2,958) for Minnesota this season
The Wind Chill trailed the Empire by just two at half in Week 12 following a phenomenal sequence from Josh Klane and Larson. But Minnesota’s playmaking couldn’t keep up with the brutish efficiency of the reigning champs, and the Central’s top team dropped their second straight game by five or more goals since clinching the one seed. The pair of losses wouldn’t be as disconcerting were it not for the total lack of defensive resistance from the normally stingy Wind Chill D-line. Over the last two games, the Wind Chill have just six total breaks, and are allowing opposing offenses 71 percent of their possessions.
9. Austin Sol (+1)
Record: 6-5 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 28-18 vs Houston (W)
Next game: July 20 at Dallas
Player heating up: Kyle Henke - Career highs in throwing yards and hucks with one game remaining; currently 37th all-time in total scores (350)
Last season the Sol won the South Division title thanks to their defense leading the league in breaks per game. In 2024, Austin’s defense is still top 10 in break scores, but it’s had trouble finding consistency game-to-game. The Sol converted a season-high 13 breaks in their last outing against Houston, with Elliott Moore contributing eight scores by himself. If Austin can retain their defensive intensity in their final regular season matchup against Dallas, they might be less of an enigma heading into the playoffs.
10. Madison Radicals (+2)
Record: 7-4
Most recent result: 21-13 vs Chicago (W)
Next game: July 19 vs Indianapolis
Player heating up: Max Sample - Multiple assists in four of seven starts for the 6’8” receiver; leads team in receiving yards per game (minimum two games played)
The Radicals got their most decisive win against a playoff-level team in several seasons with their nine-goal win over their rivals from Chicago in Week 12. Madison’s eight total turnovers tied a single game franchise low, and their 85 percent defensive conversion rate against the Union matched the Radicals’ single game high over the last four seasons. Anthony Gutowsky remains the headliner for his goal scoring, but multiple young players are having breakout seasons across both lines. Now in order to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, the Radicals will have to defeat an Indy team that has won three of their last five appearances at Breese Stevens Field.
11. Oakland Spiders (-)
Record: 6-4 (clinched playoff spot)
Most recent result: 26-17 vs Portland (W)
Next game: July 20 at San Diego
Player heating up: Evan Magsig - 16 hockey assists in last three starts alone; fourth most hockey assists in UFA this season; leads team in blocks
The Spiders get a great tune up on the road this coming weekend in San Diego and LA before their likely road matchup in the opening round of the West Division playoffs. Oakland’s opponent will be the loser of Seattle vs Salt Lake in Week 13. And having knocked off the Cascades at Memorial Stadium back on May 11, the Spiders like their chances a little bit more against an unproven Seattle squad than against a Salt Lake team the Spiders have yet to beat in the last three seasons. Oakland doesn’t have a player with double digit blocks this season, and yet has four straight games with 10 or more takeaways.
12. Chicago Union (-3)
Record: 6-5
Most recent result: 21-13 at Madison (L)
Next game: July 21 vs Detroit
Player heating up: Wilson Matthews - 40 goals in 11 games with Chicago after scoring three total in his first 11 starts as a pro; tied for third in the UFA in goals this season
Chicago committed just 17 total turnovers in Madison last Friday, and yet the game was firmly out of reach by halftime thanks to a cascade of Radicals breaks. The Union for the season allow just over five breaks per game, and yet Madison cashed in on 11 defensive scores in Week 12 thanks to slow transition coverage from Chicago’s O-line. But with a “win and in” scenario against Detroit as their sole remaining hurdle, Chicago is looking at their fifth straight playoff appearance.
13. Colorado Summit (-)
Record: 6-6
Most recent result: 26-16 vs Los Angeles (W)
Next game: N/A
Player heating up: Quinn Finer - Despite injury limiting him to just five starts, finished third on the team in total scores; averaged 5.6 scores, 32 completions, 463 total yards, and 2.4 huck completions per game
Much like the 2022 Hustle team that missed the playoffs, the 2024 Summit will own one of the biggest “What If” campaigns in league history, especially following their high-octane performance against LA to close out their schedule. And after three 20-plus turnover performances in their first eight games of the season—all losses—Colorado averaged just over 15 turns per game during their 4-1 finish, all Finer starts. The Summit conclude their third season as a franchise as a top seven team in offensive efficiency, but middle of the pack in break rate thanks to a Spicer-sized hole in the defensive rotations.
14. Indianapolis AlleyCats (+1)
Record: 6-5
Most recent result: 21-20 at Pittsburgh (W)
Next game: July 19 at Madison
Player heating up: Levi Jacobs - Leads team in scores, second in total yardage; career highs in completions, completion percentage, and throwing yards; eight straight starts with multiple assists
The AlleyCats clawed out a huge fourth quarter comeback in Pittsburgh to stave off elimination, and somehow still stay alive for the second seed and a home field playoff game in the Central Division. The ‘Cats offense continues to wear down opposing defenses over the course of four quarters with their speedy pace of play. And barring some kind of freakish result, Indy will shatter the previous single season high for completions per game; the AlleyCats are currently completing 390 passes per game, roughly 79 more than the current record of 311 per game set in 2021 by DC. A win on Friday in Madison would give Indianapolis their third straight playoff appearance, and fifth in the past six seasons.
15. San Diego Growlers (-1)
Record: 4-7
Most recent result: 25-24 at Los Angeles (L)
Next game: July 20 vs Oakland
Player heating up: Peter Lenz - First year Growler is averaging 4.5 scores and 430 yards per game over his last four starts
This Saturday’s rubber match between San Diego and Oakland will only be for the season series and bragging rights after the Growlers were summarily eliminated from the playoffs in Week 11. In their last meeting, San Diego held Oakland to just 16 scores while racking up almost as many blocks (13) in a four-goal win. The Growlers have owned the Spiders the past several seasons, and would like to extend that through 2024.
16. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (-)
Record: 4-7
Most recent result: 21-20 vs Indianapolis (L)
Next game: July 20 at Philadelphia
Player heating up: Anil Driehuys - Rookie leads the team in total scores in just six starts; two 400-plus passing yard performances this season, including a career-best 488 in Week 12
The Thunderbirds coughed up a fourth quarter lead against Indy, and with it their fourth straight game and their chances at returning to the postseason for the first time in five years. Pittsburgh jammed together a carousel of different lineups over the past several weeks to string along their chances, but ultimately the incongruity of elements couldn’t withstand the pressure. Nowhere was it more apparent than on defense, where the T-Birds managed just 14 total takeaways over their last three games.
17. Philadelphia Phoenix (+1)
Record: 4-7
Most recent result: 24-19 at Carolina (L)
Next game: July 20 vs Pittsburgh
Player heating up: Scott Heyman - 22-year-old leads the team in scores per game (4.6) and total yards per game (377); 8-of-8 on hucks in five starts this season
Philadelphia hosts Pittsburgh this Saturday in a battle for the Commonwealth Cup, with the Phoenix playing to retain their trophy from last season’s win. And despite Philly’s struggles, they're sixth in the league this season in fewest turnovers per game, and the offense has rounded into respectable form over the past month after a historically bad start to the year. Of note: James Pollard became just the second player in franchise history to record at least 100 assists and 100 goals in his career with the Phoenix.
18. Los Angeles Aviators (-1)
Record: 3-8
Most recent result: 26-16 at Colorado (L)
Next game: July 21 vs Oakland
Player heating up: Sean McDougall - Finished the season with two multi-score, multi-block games in his last three starts; could finish the season 10th all-time in total scores; one of six players all-time in the top 20 in scores and blocks
LA gave up 22 or more goals for the sixth time in their last seven games in Colorado, and now rank 20th in the league in goals allowed per game. The Aviators defense was able to punch in just one break against the Summit, and the D-line is allowing the fourth highest conversion rate to opposing offenses in 2024. But in their last meeting with the Spiders, LA tied a season high in breaks and forced 21 Oakland turnovers on 14 blocks. The Aviators would love to finish a second straight regular season with a win over Oakland.
19. Houston Havoc (-)
Record: 5-7
Most recent result: 28-18 at Austin (L)
Next game: N/A
Player heating up: Ben Lewis - Even while averaging north of two turnovers per game, there are a variety of stat models that indicate Lewis will finish as a top 3-5 most positively productive player this regular season
Houston ranks 10th in most opponent turnovers per game in 2024, and have proven to be disruptive in one-on-one matchups at times. But opponents have the fourth highest hold rate against the Havoc defense, and Houston is allowing the second highest huck completion rate in the league. By conceding so many deep throws, Houston is perpetually on the backpedal, and have a tough time establishing a unified front.
20. Montreal Royal (-)
Record: 2-8
Most recent result: 21-20 vs Boston (L)
Next game: July 19 vs Toronto
Player heating up: Kevin Quinlan - One assist shy of 10 straight regular seasons with at least 20*
Montreal can still salvage a four-win season in their away-home Week 13 doubleheader against Toronto and Boston, respectively. The Royal can battle, but they’re just 1-5 in games decided by two goals or fewer this season, showing a definitive lack in finishing ability. Rookie Tobe Decraene is on pace to become the first player since 2021 MVP Ben Jagt to register 60 scores and 20 blocks in a season.
* Excludes 2021 Canada Cup limited schedule
21. Toronto Rush (+1)
Record: 1-9
Most recent result: 20-16 vs Philadelphia (L)
Next game: July 19 vs Montreal
Player heating up: Luc Comire - Set a career high with seven assists in last start; fifth most throwing yards in UFA since start of 2021
With just seven total break scores over their last four games, it’s no wonder the Rush have set a new franchise record for losses in a season in 2024. The defense has been a revolving door of lineups, even with Zachary Armstrong and Phil Turner showing block potential when they are available. Toronto doesn’t turn the disc over much, but opponents are averaging the second fewest turnovers per game against the Rush this season.
22. Portland Nitro (-1)
Record: 1-10
Most recent result: 24-20 vs Salt Lake (L)
Next game: July 21 vs Seattle
Player heating up: Scott Radlauer - Multiple goals in five straight starts; career high 22 goals in sixth pro season; one of just 15 players so far this season to have 10 assists, 10 goals, and 10 blocks
The Nitro secured their third straight season with 10 or more losses with their four goal defeat at home against the reigning division champs. The Nitro feel like a better team in 2024 compared to last year’s iteration, but with an average of over 24 turnovers in each of their last five losses, Portland is making the same rushed mistakes as years past. Only Detroit turns the frisbee over more on hucks than the Nitro.
23. Detroit Mechanix (-)
Record: 1-9
Most recent result: 20-14 vs Indianapolis (L)
Next game: July 20 at Minnesota
Player heating up: Brendan Gessner - Multiple goals in three straight starts; career high 343 receiving yards in Week 12 along with zero turnovers
After their 13-turnover performance in the game that beat the streak, the Mechanix now have 56 turnovers combined over their last two losses. In fact, Detroit’s 28 turnovers per game this season would be the most since 2018 if it holds through this coming weekend. Jake Felton has a five assist edge as the league leader this year, and also leads the league in throwaways with 28 more than the next closest player.
24. Dallas Legion (-)
Record: 0-11
Most recent result: 19-18 at Atlanta (L)
Next game: July 20 vs Austin
Player heating up: Alec Wilson Holliday - League leader in goals entering final weekend of regular season; tied career high with 467 receiving yards against Atlanta; could become first player since 2019 to score 60 goals in a regular season
I wrote last week that Dallas could become feisty if they limited turnovers, and then they pushed Atlanta to the brink with their lowest turnover output of the season. Wilson Holliday isn’t just the UFA goals leader, but also and inexplicably the plus/minus league leader while playing for a team that hasn’t won a game all season. But now the Legion are just one more loss away from ignominy
