With the semifinals taking place this weekend, it is time for a set of new Hot Takes:

Vikings advance to the Championship Game in an overtime thriller

The Vienna Vikings vs. Stuttgart Surge game has just too many good storylines. It’s more than a matchup of two conference champions. A perennial contender faces a turnaround team. Jordan Neuman faces one of his best friends and mentor, Chris Calaycay. It’s back-to-back vs. fairy tale story and much more. The record-breaking crowd in Vienna will see a game that’ll come down to the wire between two of the best football teams in all of Europe. With that much on the line and two high-quality teams that do not have obvious weaknesses, I believe that we’ll see the first ever playoff overtime game. In the end, the Vikings’ experience will make the difference and Chris Calaycay will prevail against his former apprentice, taking Vienna to back-to-back championship games.

Rhein Fire’s rushing attack will carry the offense with 250+ yards

The Rhein Fire offense is arguably the best Europe has ever seen. No matter whether it’s screens, run-, or passing game, Jim Tomsula’s team can do it all at an unmatched level. And even though Jadrian Clark is coming off a historic regular season with over, 3500 passing yards and 53 touchdowns, he won’t be the one in the spotlight on Sunday. Since the Galaxy does a really good job defending the pass, I believe that Andrew Weidinger will have his offense focus on the run, similarly to their Week 14 matchup. Behind the best offensive line in European football, 2022 MVP nominee Glen Toonga and the rest of the Rhein Fire backfield will rush for more than 250 yards, carrying their team to a Championship Game at home.