Paris Musketeers host Vienna Vikings in ELF marquee matchup

The Paris Musketeers (5-2) host the Vienna Vikings (6-1) in a pivotal European League of Football showdown, with Paris, second in the Western conference, aiming to disrupt the Eastern Conference leaders’ playoff momentum at Stade Jean-Bouin.

Quarterback duel highlights contrasting styles
Vienna’s Ben Holmes has dominated through the air, throwing for 1,605 yards and 25 TDs this season, anchoring the ELF’s third-ranked passing offense. His precision contrasts with Paris’s dual-threat star Jaylon Henderson, who has delivered 1,110 passing yards, 16 TDs, and 383 rushing yards with 6 ground scores.

Vikings’ ground game seeks spark
While Vienna’s rushing attack has leaned on Johannes Schütz (389 yards, 1 TD), their committee approach complements Holmes’ aerial prowess. The Vikings’ defense, allowing a 15.1points per game (third lowest in the league), faces its toughest test against Henderson. Head coach Chris Calaycay emphasized containment: “We have to control [Henderson] in the run game and force him into passing situations where we can pressure him.”

Musketeers’ defensive upgrades
Paris fortified its defensive line with DeMarco Artis, aiming to disrupt Holmes’ rhythm. The unit ranks first in points allowed (9.8 pts/g) and must counter Vienna’s versatile weapons: WR Florian Bierbaumer (8 TDs) and TE Thomas Schaffer.

Playoff implications intensify
A Vikings win would solidify their bid for a first-round playoff bye, while Paris can tighten the Western Conference race. Henderson’s mobility and Holmes’ arm strength will dictate tempo, but Vienna’s road resilience (4-0 away record) adds intrigue.

Kickoff at Stade Jean-Bouin pits Holmes’ surgical passing against Henderson’s ground dominance, with ELF playoff seeding hanging in the balance.