Final full weekend of Finnish Maple League 2025 regular season features key matchups

AFI | American Football | 08/21/2025

Graphic: Dante Bustos

The Finnish Maple League’s final full weekend (August 21–23) features four critical matchups to determine playoff seeding, headlined by the Helsinki Wolverines (1-8) challenging the undefeated Porvoo Butchers (9-0).

Helsinki Wolverines @ Porvoo Butchers (August 21)
The Helsinki Wolverines, averaging a league-worst 35.5 PPG allowed defensively, face the juggernaut Porvoo Butchers at Porvoon Keskuskenttä. Porvoo’s historic offense (45.2 PPG) and league-leading defense (15.8 PPG allowed) aim to complete a perfect season.

Helsinki Roosters @ Tampere Saints (August 22)
The Helsinki Roosters (6-3), boasting the league’s top-ranked defense (13.1 PPG allowed), travel to Pyynikki to face the Tampere Saints (1-8), whose offense ranks second to last (13.1 PPG). The Roosters’ balanced attack (32.2 PPG) seeks to exploit Tampere’s porous defense (35.4 PPG allowed).

Kuopio Steelers @ East City Giants (August 23)
The Kuopio Steelers (5-4), averaging 29.4 PPG offensively, visit the East City Giants (2-7) at Myllypuron Helsinki. Kuopio’s defense (13.8 PPG allowed) faces the Giants’ struggling offense (13.2 PPG), while East City’s league-worst defense (35.2 PPG allowed) battles to contain the Steelers’ ground game.

Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Wasa Royals (August 23)
In a pivotal clash, the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (6-3), anchored by the league’s second-stingiest defense (16.4 PPG allowed), meet the Wasa Royals (5-4) at Kaarlen kenttä. Seinäjoki’s methodical offense (23.7 PPG) clashes with Wasa’s defense (20.4 PPG allowed), while the Royals’ ground-heavy attack (16.1 PPG) tests the Crocodiles’ disciplined front.

Key storylines

Porvoo (45.2 PPG offense) aims to complete the first 9-0 season since 2018.
Helsinki Roosters (32.2 PPG offense) and Seinäjoki (23.7 PPG offense) vie for playoff seeding.
Kuopio (29.4 PPG offense) fights to secure a postseason berth.
Tampere (35.4 PPG allowed) and East City (35.2 PPG allowed) look to salvage pride.

Note: A rescheduled game (Kuopio Steelers @ Helsinki Wolverines) will be played on August 30 at the Helsinki Velodromi.