Who’s hot? ELF Power Ranking after Week 8
Felix Pahl
We’ve reached the home stretch of the European League of Football regular season, and the playoff race is heating up more than ever. Week 8 delivered some big wins, tough losses, and thrilling comebacks. Let’s dive into how the teams stack up in the latest ELF Power Rankings.
Get your tickets for all ELF games here!
1. Vienna Vikings
Previous Rank: 2
The Vienna Vikings made a huge statement in Week 8, crushing the Prague Lions 34-0. With this win, they not only ended the Lions’ winning streak but also showed why they’re considered one of the top favorites for the championship.
2. Nordic Storm
Previous Rank: 1
Nordic Storm got the win against the Hamburg Sea Devils, but it wasn’t as smooth as many expected. Despite the shaky performance, they remain high in the rankings, especially since the team addressed some weaknesses with two new signings.
3. Paris Musketeers
Previous Rank: 3
The Musketeers looked strong in their win over the Helvetic Mercenaries. Quarterback Jaylon Henderson, who struggled early in the season, was outstanding again, scoring five total touchdowns. In Week 9, they face the Vikings in what will be a crucial test.
4. Munich Ravens
Previous Rank: 5
The Munich Ravens pulled off another win in a wild 43-40 game against the Madrid Bravos. After trailing by 20 points, the Ravens staged a big comeback and now sit at six wins this season.
5. Stuttgart Surge
Previous Rank: 6
Homegrown quarterback Lars Heidrich stepped up for the Surge, leading his team to a dominant victory over the Fehérvár Enthroners. From start to finish, the Surge left no doubt about their strength.
Watch the Top 10 Plays of Week 8 here!
6. Raiders Tirol
Previous Rank: 9
The Raiders made a strong statement by defeating Rhein Fire in Week 8. It was the perfect answer after their loss in the “Battle of Austria.” With this win, they jump three spots up in the rankings.
7. Rhein Fire
Previous Rank: 4
Rhein Fire drops in the rankings after their loss to the Raiders. While the passing game produced some yards, both the run game and defense fell short of their usual standards. The defense, in particular, seemed weakened by multiple injuries.
8. Madrid Bravos
Previous Rank: 7
The Bravos lost a close one to the Munich Ravens despite holding a 20-point lead at one stage. Once again, their offense was solid, but the defense struggled to stop a playoff-caliber team.
9. Prague Lions
Previous Rank: 8
The Prague Lions were brought back down to earth by the Vienna Vikings, losing 0-34. It’s their third loss this season after previously winning four straight games. They’ll look to bounce back in Week 9 against the Wroclaw Panthers.
10. Frankfurt Galaxy
Previous Rank: 10
The Galaxy remain steady at No. 10 after their bye week. Unfortunately, they’ve suffered setbacks with injuries to quarterback Matthew McKay and defensive back Channing Stribling. A tough matchup against Stuttgart Surge awaits them next.
11. Wroclaw Panthers
Previous Rank: 11
The Panthers enjoyed a solid win over the Cologne Centurions. Quarterback DJ Irons impressed, while homegrown star Dawid Brzozowski scored four rushing touchdowns. In Week 9, they’ll seek revenge in a rematch with the Prague Lions.
12. Hamburg Sea Devils
Previous Rank: 12
Despite losing to Nordic Storm, the Sea Devils delivered a competitive performance, keeping the game close until the fourth quarter. Both offense and defense showed some positive signs.
Watch the GAZI Hero Plays of Week 8 here!
13. Berlin Thunder
Previous Rank: 13
Berlin Thunder had a bye in Week 8 and are preparing to face the Cologne Centurions. They’ll aim to replicate the strong performance they delivered in the season opener against them.
14. Fehérvár Enthroners
Previous Rank: 14
Week 8 was a setback for the Enthroners, who lost decisively to Stuttgart Surge and their backup QB Lars Heidrich. While the team took a step back, wide receiver Jon Cole continued to post impressive stats.
15. Helvetic Mercenaries
Previous Rank: 15
The Mercenaries stay at No. 15 following another loss, this time to the Paris Musketeers. The significant roster changes haven’t paid off yet, and with wide receiver Keelan Cole now gone, the Mercenaries’ offense could become even more one-dimensional.
16. Cologne Centurions
Previous Rank: 16
The Centurions remain at the bottom after another defeat. While they showed flashes of potential in their game against the Panthers, it wasn’t enough to seriously challenge for a win.
Final thoughts
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game becomes critical for teams fighting for playoff spots. Will the Vikings continue to dominate? Can Rhein Fire bounce back? And which underdogs might surprise us next? Week 9 promises more drama in the ELF!