ELF playoff race intensifies as teams jockey for postseason berths

The European League of Football playoff picture remains wide open after Week 9, with several games decided in the final minutes and no team securing a postseason spot yet. As the league approaches its final stretch, six teams lead the race for the Championship Game at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena on September 7, while others cling to fading hopes.

Semi-finalists hold firm in tight standings
The Vienna Vikings (7-1) solidified their top seed with a narrow road win over the Paris Musketeers, positioning themselves for a potential first-round bye. Their strength of victory metric gives them an edge over rivals. Close behind, the Munich Ravens (7-1) stayed unbeaten in their last five games after defeating the Helvetic Mercenaries. A Week 10 showdown with the Raiders Tirol could determine their path to the semifinals.

Wildcard round matchups hinge on critical Week 10
If the season ended today, the Raiders Tirol (5-3) would face the unbeaten Nordic Storm (8-0) in the wildcard round. Despite Storm’s one-point victory over reigning champions Rhein Fire, their lower strength of victory keeps them at the #3 seed. Meanwhile, the Stuttgart Surge (6-2) secured a temporary home wildcard game after routing the Frankfurt Galaxy, but a Week 10 clash with the Paris Musketeers (5-3) threatens their position. The Musketeers, despite slipping to #5, remain dangerous behind quarterback Jaylon Henderson’s dual-threat prowess.

In the hunt: Six teams fight for final spots
Five teams sit within two wins of a playoff berth, headlined by the Madrid Bravos and Wroclaw Panthers, who have surged into contention with recent wins. The Rhein Fire (4-4), Prague Lions (4-4), and Frankfurt Galaxy (3-5) must rally to avoid elimination, while the Berlin Thunder (3-5) face a steep climb after losing three straight. Key matchups in Weeks 10–12 will decide which teams join the current top six.

Eliminated teams face rebuilding offseason
The Fehervar Enthroners (0-8) and Cologne Centurions (0-8) became the first teams mathematically eliminated from contention. Both franchises struggled with inconsistent quarterback play and defensive lapses, with zero wins between them through Week 9.

Final stretch promises historic drama
With three weeks remaining, the ELF’s closest playoff race yet could see seismic shifts. The Vienna Vikings and Munich Ravens aim to lock up byes, while the Nordic Storm seek to prove their unbeaten record isn’t a fluke. For bubble teams like the Madrid Bravos and Rhein Fire, margin for error has vanished. Every snap now carries playoff stakes, setting the stage for a frenetic finish to the regular season.