A couple weeks ago with the PLL in Connecticut, I went 1-2, losing 0.3 units. After the All Star break last week which I didn’t watch a minute of since its an embarrassment to a game that so needs to grow, the league heads to Dallas this week.
Atlas vs. Chrome (6/29 6:00)
I didn’t expect either of these teams to be too bad this year, but they’ve both been horrible, coming into this week’s game both with 1-4 records at the basement of the league. Tonight’s game could easily determine who makes the seventh seed and final playoff spot and which team misses the postseason. The Atlas, coming off a 15-11 loss to the Chaos have actually been pretty good offensively, averaging 13 scores per game, tied for second in the PLL. They also have the most dominant face off guy in the league, with Trevor Baptiste getting them 75% of possessions, but their defense is horrendous, allowing a worst in the PLL average of 15.4 scores per game. On the other side, we have the Chrome, who got dominated 12-6 by the Cannons their last time out. They’ve been decent enough defensively, allowing an average of 11.8 scores per game, but their offense has been pathetic, scoring a league fewest average of 9 goals per game. Last year these teams played one, a close 14-13 victory for the Bulls. This is a shit matchup with the worst defense going against the worst offense. I’d lean the Atlas win it, but I don’t think they’re worth laying the -140 on them, so I’ll stay off this matchup. And I don’t even know where to start with the total, so I’m skipping this game entirely…plus it gives me more time to publish this blog.
Cannons vs. Redwoods (6/29 8:30)
Not the best matchup on paper but this one could be a really fun game. Both of these teams are 3-2 going into today. I’m a bit surprised by the Cannons, who are on a three game win streak after beating the Chrome 12-6. They have the best offense in the PLL, averaging 14.2 scores per game, and although their defense hasn’t been spectacular, they’ve been fine, allowing an average of 12.2 scores per game. The Redwoods are 3-2 as well, but they’re not going in the same trajectory as the Cannons. Coming off a 10-3 trouncing from the Archers, they’ve lost two of their last three games, each by seven goals. Not great. Their defense is marginally better than the Cannons, allowing an average of 11.4 scores per game, but their offense isn’t great, averaging just 10 scores per game. In their one game last year the Woods rolled the Cannons 15-12. I think the script flips this year with a Cannons win tonight. I’ll take them for a unit. I’d lean the over, but not enough to bet it.
Waterdogs vs. Archers (6/30 3:00)
Easily the best game of the season with the top two teams in the league facing off tomorrow, both tied at the top with 4-1 records and stat lines that are very similar. The Waterdogs are having a great year in defense of their championship reign. Coming off a 16-13 win against the Whipsnakes in comeback fashion, they’re on a three game win streak, with their only loss being a 10-9 loss to the Redwoods in Week 2. The Dogs have scored an average of 12.4 scores per game and have allowed an average of 11. The Archers absolutely trounced the Redwoods two weeks ago in Louisville, dominating them 10-3 and are on a three game win streak as well. They’ve averaged 12.6 scores per game and have allowed an average of 10 scores per game. These teams played just once last season, with the Archers winning 16-12. I think this game’s entirely a toss up and I can’t wait to watch it, but I won’t be betting on it. I’d slightly lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Whipsnakes vs. Chaos (6/30 5:30)
The Whipsnakes are having their worst season in franchise history with a 1-4 start to the year and they’re in a three way tie for last place, coming off a 16-13 loss to the Waterdogs a coupe weeks ago, where they blew a lead to lose. Not what you’d expect from the team that made three straight trips to the finals and won the first two of them to start the PLL. Their previous worst record was 6-4 in the inaugural season, and they could be worse than that by the end of week 6 this year. The Whips offense actually hasn’t been bad, averaging 13 scores per game despite plenty of injuries, but their defense has sucked, allowing an average of 13.2 scores per game. The Chaos are 3-2, coming off a solid 15-11 win over the Atlas in Connecticut. They’ve scored an average of 11.8 scores per game and have allowed an average of 11. Last year when these rivals played, the Whipsnakes won 14-12, getting revenge for their 2021 championship loss. I’d expect the Chaos to answer back with a win this year. I’m a bit surprised they’re technically an underdog in this game when you look at the spread, although its a pick em on the moneyline. I think they win outright, but I’ll take a little insurance on that with the +1.5 for a unit. I’d slightly lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Bets
1u Cannons ML (-125)
1u Chaos +1.5 (-160)
Record: 6-11 (-3.26 units)
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