Final week drama shapes ELF playoff landscape

AFI | American Football | 08/14/2025

The European League of Football’s regular season concludes with critical matchups across its divisions, as the Vienna Vikings (10-1), Munich Ravens (10-1), and Nordic Storm (10-1) vie for top seeds while the Rhein Fire (7-2), Paris Musketeers (7-4), and Stuttgart Surge (9-2) battle for postseason positioning.

North division: Storm eye top seed
The Nordic Storm (10-1) host the Rhein Fire (7-2) in a clash with playoff implications, while the Berlin Thunder (3-8) and Hamburg Sea Devils (2-9) close underwhelming campaigns. A Nordic win secures home-field advantage; Rhein aims to solidify wildcard hopes.

East division: Vikings target perfection
The Vienna Vikings (10-1) face the Paris Musketeers (7-4) in Vienna, needing a victory to lock in a first-round bye. The Munich Ravens (10-1), tied with Vienna, host the Wroclaw Panthers (5-6) to protect their dominant record. The Stuttgart Surge (9-2), hosting the Fehérvár Enthroners (1-10), chase a potential divisional upset.

South division: Madrid’s pivotal showdown
The Madrid Bravos (7-4) welcome the Frankfurt Galaxy (6-5) in a win-or-go-home scenario. The Raiders Tirol (5-6) face winless the Cologne Centurions (0-11), seeking momentum for 2025.

West division: Musketeers’ last stand
The Paris Musketeers (7-4) double their stakes on the road with a rematch against the Vienna Vikings, needing a win to fend off Frankfurt and Madrid for the final playoff berth.

Playoff picture hangs in balance
Vienna, Munich, and Nordic aim to avoid upsets threatening their first-round byes. Stuttgart and Rhein could reshuffle seeding, while Paris and Madrid fight for survival. Winless Cologne and Helvetic Mercenaries (0-11) look to play spoilers.