LIVESTREAM AFLE: Paris Lights @ Vienna Vikings, July 11, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
The Vienna Vikings (6-0) return home looking to stay perfect when they host the Paris Lights (2-3) in an American Football League Europe Week 8 matchup, while the visitors try to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season.
On paper, the challenge couldn’t be much tougher. The Vikings have won all six of their games, while the Lights are coming off a 38-27 loss to the Panthers Wroclaw. But Paris has already shown it can compete when it plays disciplined football.
Finding the right formula
The Lights earned a one-point road win over the Alpine Rams and followed that with a convincing victory over the Firenze Red Lions, proving they are capable of putting together complete performances.
Quarterback Evan Hillock has thrown for 762 yards and 10 touchdowns in five games, while running back Armand Soulerot has carried the ball 70 times for 308 yards and two touchdowns. JJ Hopp leads the receiving corps with 23 catches for 193 yards.
For Paris, protecting the football and establishing a balanced offense will be critical. Long, sustained drives could help keep the Vikings’ explosive offense on the sideline.
Watch live. Paris Lights @ Vienna Vikings, July 11, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
A balanced attack
The Vikings have been one of the AFLE’s most complete teams all season.
Quarterback Ben Holmes has passed for 1,526 yards while completing 68.7 percent of his throws, recording 15 touchdowns with just one interception. On the ground, Albert Wiesigstrauch has rushed for 404 yards at an impressive 7.2 yards per carry, while Karri Pajarinen has added 380 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Yannick Mayr has also been a reliable target, catching 23 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns.
Upset opportunity
If the Lights are going to shock the league leaders, they will need to control the clock, finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals and avoid giving Vienna extra possessions.
The Vikings, meanwhile, know every unbeaten week makes them a bigger target. With home-field advantage and one of the league’s most balanced offenses, they’ll be looking to remain perfect while Paris tries to deliver the surprise result of the AFLE season.
Watch live. Paris Lights @ Vienna Vikings, July 11, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
