Two games, plenty of points, and the matchups couldn't have been more different. But the first playoff games of the 2024 season have already delivered exciting action, drama, and new homegrown heroes.

The Munich Ravens and Paris Musketeers battled fiercely on the field. Despite both defenses playing at a high level during the regular season, the offenses were too strong, combining for a total of 77 points.

The special teams of both franchises also impressed, with returner Jon Cole from the Ravens and Austin Mitchell from the Musketeers each returning the ball for over 200 yards and a touchdown.

Ravens fumble away the win

Statistically, the Ravens were clearly the better team. They produced 421 yards compared to Paris’s 272 yards and had an average of 7.14 yards per play. But all of this wasn’t enough to defeat Paris. In the end, one key factor made the difference: turnovers. The Munich Ravens fumbled the ball twice and lost it both times, and they also had two failed 4th down attempts, leading to turnovers on downs.

The game had everything, but Paris held the upper hand in a match with ten lead changes.

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Rhein Fire seems unstoppable

The other Wildcard game had a different story, as the Madrid Bravos were clearly outmatched by Rhein Fire, who delivered a dominant performance on the field. In the first quarter alone, Rhein Fire showed their strength and delivered a powerful performance that the Bravos simply couldn’t match. A 20-3 lead for Fire early on showed who remained calm despite the playoff pressure and played their game with confidence. 

Even though every franchise knows the name Glen Toonga, the British running back was once again unstoppable. Toonga ran for a 46-yard and a 62-yard touchdown in the first quarter alone. The efficiency of Rhein Fire’s game was highlighted by the connection between quarterback Jadrian Clark and wide receiver Harlan Kwofie.

Kwofie unstoppable

Kwofie was the only receiver targeted by Rhein Fire in the first half, and throughout the game, he caught 10 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bravos managed only a rushing touchdown by Dwayne Obi and a field goal, as Fire’s defense was simply too strong, allowing only what they wanted to allow.

With the Paris Musketeers, Rhein Fire, Stuttgart Surge, and Vienna Vikings, the four best franchises of the regular season are now set for the playoff semifinals. The games on September 7th and 8th promise to be absolute highlights.

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