LIVESTREAM Sweden: Stockholm Mean Machines @ Kristianstad Predators, May 3, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11am ET)

AFI | American Football | 05/03/2025

The Stockholm Mean Machines (3-0) aim to extend their perfect Swedish Superserien start against the winless Kristianstad Predators (0-2) in a matchup highlighting contrasting trajectories.

Stockholm’s high-powered offense meets defensive woes
Despite averaging 353 yards per game, Stockholm’s 77 points allowed over their last two outings—including a 400-yard collapse against Warsaw Eagles in the CEFL tournament game last weekend—expose vulnerabilities. Turnovers (two vs. Warsaw) and QB Dawson Herl’s absence (knee injury) add uncertainty. Finnish backup Rasmus Laalo steps in, with coach Fredrik Pilbäck emphasizing urgency: “We need stability before our bye weeks.”

Kristianstad’s quest for redemption
The Predators’ season began with heartbreak: a last-second field goal loss to Limhamn Griffins, followed by a 49-7 rout at the hands of the Örebro Black Knights. Yet, their young roster, hungry to prove itself, could exploit Stockholm’s shaky defense. Home-field energy might amplify their underdog resolve.

QB carousel and playoff implications
Laalo’s debut under center tests Stockholm’s adaptability, while Kristianstad’s defense—ranked next to last in points allowed—faces a stern challenge. A Mean Machines win solidifies their title-contender status; a Predators upset could reignite their season.

Will Stockholm’s firepower overcome defensive flaws, or can Kristianstad turn promise into a season-defining shock? The answer shapes both teams’ narratives in the Superserien’s early grind.