Seven weeks into the American Football League Europe season, the hierarchy at the top is becoming increasingly clear. The Vienna Vikings, Rhein Fire, and the Wroclaw Panthers have separated themselves from the rest of the field, while the battle for the fourth and final playoff berth remains one of the league’s biggest storylines.
Power rankings
1. Vienna Vikings (7-0)
The defending pace-setters remain the league’s only unbeaten team after dismantling the Paris Lights 56-6. With the league’s most explosive offense and another dominant all-around performance, the Vikings continue to look like the team everyone else must beat.
2. Rhein Fire (5-1)
Rhein Fire made perhaps the biggest statement of Week 7, overwhelming the Wroclaw Panthers 48-7. A balanced offense and one of the league’s stingiest defenses have firmly established Rhein Fire as Vienna’s biggest challenger.
3. Wroclaw Panthers (5-2)
Despite suffering their first lopsided defeat of the season, the Panthers remain one of AFLE’s elite teams. Their body of work through seven games keeps them comfortably in third place.
4. Berlin Thunder (3-4)
The Thunder climbed back into playoff position after a convincing 49-3 victory over the Firenze Red Lions. Jakeb Sullivan and the offense continue to improve at the right time.
5. London Warriors (2-4)
The Warriors edged the Alpine Rams 27-26 and remain firmly in the hunt. Their offense has become increasingly dangerous, although defensive consistency remains a concern.
6. Paris Lights (2-4)
The record does not fully reflect their competitiveness, but Sunday’s heavy loss in Vienna drops the Lights a spot as they try to stay alive in the postseason race.
7. Alpine Rams (1-5)
The Rams have been competitive in several games but continue to come up short. Their playoff hopes are now hanging by a thread.
8. Firenze Red Lions (0-6)
Another difficult afternoon in Berlin leaves the Red Lions still searching for their first victory.
Playoff picture
If the postseason started today, the semifinals would feature the Berlin Thunder traveling to the Vienna Vikings, while the Wroclaw Panthers would visit Rhein Fire.
The top three have built a comfortable cushion, but fourth place remains wide open. The Berlin Thunder currently hold the final playoff position, with the London Warriors and the Paris Lights still within striking distance. With several head-to-head games remaining, the race for the final semifinal berth is likely to go down to the closing weeks of the regular season.