Swedish Superserien Rankings: Carlstad remain unthreatened at top, Black Knights advance to #2

The Swedish Superserien has past  the midpoint of the season and the defending champion Carlstad Crusaders continue to dominate with no opponent within even two touchdowns.

Still, the Örebro Black Knights have shown improvement and begun to hit their stride as have the Tyresö Royal Crowns. And despite the disappointing loss to Carlstad, the Mean Machines are always dangerous. The home stretch of the regular season will be exciting.

1. Carlstad Crusaders (5-0)

The Crusaders rolled over Stockholm 54-31 this past weekend for win #5 and look unstoppable. They boast the league’s top offense, averaging 49.5 points per game, while their defense is almost as impressive, allowing 11.6 points per game.

2. Örebro Black Knights (3-1)

The Black Knights manhandled the Kristianstad Predators 42-7 this past weekend, improving their record to 3-1. They move past the Royal Crowns by virtue of their win over Stockholm and strength of schedule so far.

3. Tyresö Royal Crowns (3-1)

The Royal Crowns were idle after  defeating the Göteborg Giants 34-7 two weeks ago. This marks their second win over the Giants, but this one was much more convincing. With Trevor Vasey leading the offense, they’re starting to find their rhythm and could be a force in the second half.

4. Stockholm Mean Machines (3-2)

The Mean Machines stumbled against the Carlstad Crusaders this past weekend, falling 54-31 which dropped them from #2 to #4. They had started to hit their stride after wins over the Royal Crowns and Predators but were brought down to earth by their arch rivals.

5. Göteborg Giants (2-3)

The Giants were idle this past weekend. They started the season strong, winning two of their first three games, one a dominant win over the Griffins, but dropped two in a row, including a rough 34-7 loss to the Tyresö Royal Crowns. Their upcoming schedule doesn’t get any easier, as they face the top two teams in the Superserien.

6. Limhamn Griffins (2-2)

The Griffins did not play this past weekend but blanked AIK 31-0 the week prior. However, they’re about to face the toughest stretch of their schedule with consecutive games against Örebro, Stockholm and Tyresö. Their performance in these games will determine their playoff hopes.

7. AIK (0-4)

AIK, the third team from Stockholm, has suffered through a dismal season. They’ve lost all four games and haven’t scored a point in their last three outings after managing a touchdown in their opening loss to the Giants. Their only saving grace so far is the the Predators have lost five games.

8. Kristianstad Predators (0-5)

Without starting QB Philip Juhlin, the Predators were walloped 42-7 by the Black Knights this past weekend which further buried them in the bottom of the standings. However, they face the equally winless AIK in their next game on May 30 and have the Giants and Griffins after that so there is still a chance to salvage part of the season.