ELF playoff landscape solidifies after Week 10
The European League of Football playoff picture gained clarity after Week 10, with the Nordic Storm (9-0) and Vienna Vikings (8-1) securing postseason berths, while six teams remain locked in tight battles for the final four spots ahead of the Championship Game at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena on September 7.
Locked contenders claim divisional crowns
The unbeaten Nordic Storm clinched the North Division title following a Week 10 victory over the Berlin Thunder and a retroactive win from a canceled matchup against the Helvetic Mercenaries. Their dominance, anchored by a league-best defense, positions them as the current top seed. The Vienna Vikings, despite dropping to the #2 seed after the Storm’s adjusted record, secured an East Division playoff spot and need one win to clinch the division outright.
Projected wildcard clashes emerge
Two potential first-round pairings gained traction:
- #6 Rhein Fire (5-4) at #3 Munich Ravens (6-3): The Fire reignited their campaign with a comeback win over the Hamburg Sea Devils, while the Ravens edged the Raiders Tirol to maintain third-place footing.
- #5 Madrid Bravos (6-3) at #4 Stuttgart Surge (6-3): The Bravos surged into contention with a Week 10 statement win, while the Surge bolstered West Division control by defeating the Paris Musketeers. A Stuttgart victory in Week 11, paired with a Paris loss, would secure the division.
Fringe hopefuls face must-win stretch
Three teams linger on the playoff bubble:
- Paris Musketeers (5-4): Their West Division hopes hinge on overtaking Stuttgart, requiring wins and Surge stumbles.
- Prague Lions (5-4): A gritty Week 10 win over the Fehervar Enthroners kept them tied with Wroclaw Panthers in the East, but a brutal remaining schedule threatens their bid.
- Raiders Tirol (4-5): A narrow loss to Munich left them needing near-perfect execution and external help to contend.
Collision course for championship seeding
The Nordic Storm and Vienna Vikings are projected to bypass the wildcard round, setting up a potential semifinal clash if they maintain their standings. However, the Vikings face a critical Week 11 test against the Prague Lions, whose playoff desperation could disrupt their divisional clinching plans.
Key Week 11 stakes
- Stuttgart Surge vs. Hamburg Sea Devils: A Surge win clinches the West, while Hamburg aims to play spoiler.
- Rhein Fire vs. Berlin Thunder: The Fire must win to stay ahead of Raiders Tirol in the wildcard chase.
With four playoff spots undecided, the final three weeks promise high-stakes drama.
