Game of the Week: Virginia Skyhawks at Orlando Thunder

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Orlando Thunder
Last game was a fluke. They will win again this week. They might even win with three touchdowns.

Mary Moore : Orlando Thunder
I just have this gut feeling. It may come down to the wire though.

Jim Nox : Orlando Thunder
The Thunder have really strong team play. You look at a player like Brandon Casey - T and what he does for a team. He makes everyone around him better.

Darren Francis : Virginia Skyhawks
One of the most underestimated offenses. They are 3rd in the league pass completion percentage. They are 2nd in the league passing touchdowns with 11. They are 4th in the league passing yards per game. They average 241.7! They are 1st in the league in sacks allowed. They are maulers, 4th in the league in pancakes. They are 5th in the league rushing touchdowns with 6. They are 4th in the league rushing yards per game. They average 110.5! They are 1st in the league points scored per game. They average 30.3!

Coach Showdown with Simon Sly (Season 2026 Week 7)

You know what time it is. It is time for your weekly coach comparison with Simon Sly. I will spare you the meandering and cut to the chase.

THOMAS TAYLOR, HEAD COACH, BIRMINGHAM FIRE
The Fire currently sit at 2-3-1.

Thomas Taylor preaches flexibility on both offense and defense, focusing on what the situation demands. He is serious and unrelenting, asserts his authority and has little tolerance for distractions.

Taylor is slightly more detail oriented than Lawson.
Taylor exhibits way more flexibility than Lawson.
Taylor seems a little bit smarter than Lawson.


FELTON LAWSON, HEAD COACH, VIRGINIA SKYHAWKS
The Skyhawks currently sit at 4-2-0.

Felton Lawson preaches flexibility on both offense and defense, focusing on what the situation demands. Professionalism is the key for him. He demands accountability from everyone around him.

Lawson has a slightly better grasp of coaching defense than Taylor.
Lawson is better suited to lead a team than Taylor.
Lawson motivates his team a little better than Taylor.

Week 6: QB Parker McKinney (VIR) wins Offensive Player of the Week

The league announced Virginia Skyhawks quarterback Parker McKinney has been named Offensive Player of the Week.

The Skyhawks defeated the Ohio Glory, 30 to 10. McKinney did his part, throwing 3 touchdowns, completing 33 of 41 passes for 370 yards. His outstanding performance now brings his season Touchdown to Interception Ratio to 11 to 4, and a passer rating of 106.9.

Week 6: LB Tarique Barnes (UTA) wins Defensive Player of the Week

LB Barnes absolutely dominated in the Dragons 31-16 game with the Orlando Thunder. He finished with 8 Tck, 1 FF, 1 FR.

Game Recaps for Week 6

Knights - 34, Riders - 23
Dragons - 31, Thunder - 16
Fire - 20, Surge - 17
Skyhawks - 30, Glory - 10

Game of the Week: Ohio Glory at Virginia Skyhawks

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Ohio Glory
The Glory are for real! This is going to be a very viewer friendly game.

Mary Moore : Virginia Skyhawks
I think having a leader like Holden Willis - WR is the kind of thing that will help the Skyhawks win this game. There are so many factors to consider when making predictions. This one was easy though.

Jim Nox : Ohio Glory
In this game, everyone knows that The Glory rely on Ramon Jefferson - RB on their offense. This is no reason to worry, he is great.

Darren Francis : Ohio Glory
They will rack up a lot of points.

Week 5: RB Zach Evans (BIR) wins Offensive Player of the Week

The honor comes after Evans's 19 att, 126 yds, 3 TD performance against the Birmingham Fire. Evans from Ole Miss was selected in round 0, 0 years ago.

Evans now has 424 Rushing Yards and 5 Touchdowns for the season.

Week 5: SS Marcus Barnes (VIR) wins Defensive Player of the Week

SS Barnes's ball hawking ability was on display in the Skyhawks 40-34 game with the Birmingham Fire. He finished with 5 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD.

"Marcus has the unique ability to make plays and generate turnovers." -Skyhawks Defensive Coordinator

Game Recaps for Week 5

Glory - 28, Dragons - 27
Skyhawks - 40, Fire - 34

Game of the Week: Utah Dragons at Ohio Glory

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Utah Dragons
Head coach Wayne Bull has this team running like a well oiled machine. He is innovative with his defense. This may be one for the ages.

Mary Moore : Ohio Glory
One of the most underestimated offenses. They are 3rd in the league pass completion percentage. They are 1st in the league passing touchdowns with 10. They are 2nd in the league passing yards per game. They average 262.2! They are 3rd in the league in sacks allowed. They are maulers, 3rd in the league in pancakes. They are 4th in the league average yards per rush. They are 3rd in the league rushing yards per game. They average 119! They are 3rd in the league points scored per game. They average 27!

Jim Nox : Ohio Glory
I do not know why. I just have this hunch.

Darren Francis : Utah Dragons
In the context of this game, you would be a fool not to think that Maxwell Anderson - CB is going to be a difference maker on the Dragons defense.

Coach Showdown with Simon Sly (Season 2026 Week 5)

Welcome to Coach Showdown with me. I'm Simon Sly. I will spare you the meandering and cut to the chase.

THOMAS BOYD, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, VIRGINIA SKYHAWKS
The Skyhawks currently sit at 2-2-0.

Thomas Boyd wants to stay unpredictable on defense, favoring a balanced approach. He adapts his demeanor to the situation, and does whatever he thinks it takes to get through to his players and co-workers.
Thomas Boyd runs a 3-3-5 defense. His system requires top notch cornerbacks. He prefers mixing up coverage. To fit his scheme, linebackers must be sure tacklers, who can help shut down the run.

They are 8th in sacks with 6.
They are 6th in points allowed, averaging 25.5.
They are 7th in pass defense with 266.2 yards given up per game.
They are 6th in run defense. Giving up 125.8 yards per game.
They are 3rd in interceptions with 3.
They are 5th in the league in tackles for loss.
They are 5th in forced fumbles.

Boyd outperforms Evans in assessing player ability.
Boyd is slightly better than Evans at estimating player potential.
Boyd is not as rigid as Evans.
Boyd motivates his team a little better than Evans.


JAMES EVANS, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, BIRMINGHAM FIRE
The Fire currently sit at 1-2-1.

James Evans favors an aggressive defense. His attitude is relaxed, and he is good at making everyone around him feel comfortable and promotes a friendly and unceremonial atmosphere in the organization.
James Evans runs a 3-4 defense. The scheme depends on dominating in the trenches. He prefers mixing up coverage. He targets the rungame, daring the offense to pass. He wants fast linebackers, who can help in coverage.

They are 3rd in sacks with 9.
They are 2nd in points allowed, averaging 17.2.
They are 3rd in pass defense with 217.2 yards given up per game.
They are 8th in run defense. Giving up 139 yards per game.
They are 8th in interceptions with 0.
They are 8th in the league in tackles for loss.
They are 7th in forced fumbles.

Evans has a slightly better grasp of coaching defense than Boyd.
Evans outperforms Boyd in player development.

Week 4: QB K.J. Jefferson (ORL) wins Offensive Player of the Week

The Orlando Thunder' K.J. Jefferson threw 4 touchdowns, completing 30 of 38 passes for 350 yards in the Thunder victory over the Virginia Skyhawks.

After being drafted in Round 0 of the 0 amateur draft, season number 0 for Jefferson, has seen some impressive numbers including 7 touchdown passes this season.

Week 4: FS Trey Jones III (UTA) wins Defensive Player of the Week

FS Jones III's ball hawking ability was on display in the Dragons 20-10 game with the NorCal Surge. He finished with 5 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD.

"Trey has the unique ability to make plays and generate turnovers." -Dragons Defensive Coordinator

Game Recaps for Week 4

Dragons - 20, Surge - 10
Glory - 24, Knights - 17
Fire - 35, Riders - 7
Thunder - 37, Skyhawks - 30

Player Release

The Birmingham Fire have released Graham Nicholson - K.

Game of the Week: Utah Dragons at NorCal Surge

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : NorCal Surge
Looking at how the teams match up, I think that Kameryn Alexander - CB will run circles around the offense. This is going to be great to watch. I expect some incredible plays in this game.

Mary Moore : Utah Dragons
This offense is likely to step up this week. They are 3rd in the league pass completion percentage. They are 2nd in the league passing touchdowns with 7. They are 4th in the league passing yards per game. They average 246.3! They are maulers, 2nd in the league in pancakes. They are 4th in the league average yards per rush. They are 5th in the league rushing touchdowns with 2. They are 3rd in the league rushing yards per game. They average 126! They are 2nd in the league points scored per game. They average 27.7!

Jim Nox : Utah Dragons
Leadership. You cannot discount the difference it makes. I am thinking of a guy like Trey Jones III - FS. He will lead the way and help them win. A double digit win.

Darren Francis : NorCal Surge
In the context of this game, you would be a fool not to think that Kameryn Alexander - CB is the guy to watch. His paycheck alone should give that away. He will be great to watch.

Prince Pines optimistic about the future.

Prince Pines pointed no fingers and saw the upside to the Skyhawks loss. Prince Pines - G was upbeat in his assessment after the Ohio lost a close game to the Pines. 'We learned a lot. We showed a lot. There is reason for optimism. We are very close, and we keep building every week.', Pines said smiling confidently.

Week 3: QB Andrew Peasley (UTA) wins Offensive Player of the Week

The Utah Dragons' Andrew Peasley threw 3 touchdowns, completing 20 of 26 passes for 335 yards in the Dragons victory over the Texas Riders.

After being drafted in Round 0 of the 0 amateur draft, season number 0 for Peasley, has seen some impressive numbers including 7 touchdown passes this season.

Week 3: FS Trey Jones III (UTA) wins Defensive Player of the Week

FS Jones III's ball hawking ability was on display in the Dragons 38-10 game with the Texas Riders. He finished with 4 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD.

"Trey has the unique ability to make plays and generate turnovers." -Dragons Defensive Coordinator

Game Recaps for Week 3

Surge - 20, Knights - 14
Thunder - 17, Fire - 17
Glory - 28, Skyhawks - 21
Dragons - 38, Riders - 10

Game of the Week: Virginia Skyhawks at Ohio Glory

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Ohio Glory
I have a lot of respect for head coach John Johnson. He is doing great things in Ohio. He is really good at analyzing and preparing for opponents. This will be a very entertaining game.

Mary Moore : Ohio Glory
A tough choice. I think it will be a close game.

Jim Nox : Virginia Skyhawks
The leadership on this team is great. Having a guy like Holden Willis - WR on the field and in the locker room is exactly what you need to win games like this.

Darren Francis : Virginia Skyhawks
Looking at the teams, it seems obvious that Prince Pines - G needs to show up, but if he does the Skyhawks will be putting up points. There will be some wild plays in this game.

Coach Showdown with Simon Sly (Season 2026 Week 3)

Time for this weeks get to know your coaches. As always, Simon Sly deliver with this weeks coach comparison. Let us jump right in.

LYNDON FITTS, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, UTAH DRAGONS
The Dragons currently sit at 1-1-0.

Lyndon Fitts favors an aggressive defense. He adapts his demeanor to the situation, and does whatever he thinks it takes to get through to his players and co-workers.
Lyndon Fitts runs a 5-2 defense. The onus is on the safeties in his system. It focuses on man coverage. Fitts aims to field versatile linebackers.

They are 8th in sacks with 3.
They are 1st in points allowed, averaging 13.5.
They are 4th in pass defense with 213.5 yards given up per game.
They are 1st in run defense. Giving up 65 yards per game.
They are 1st in interceptions with 3.
They are 5th in the league in tackles for loss.
They are 5th in forced fumbles.

Fitts outperforms Evans in scouting.
Fitts is slightly more detail oriented than Evans.
Fitts is better suited to lead a team than Evans.


JAMES EVANS, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, BIRMINGHAM FIRE
The Fire currently sit at 0-2-0.

James Evans favors an aggressive defense. His attitude is relaxed, and he is good at making everyone around him feel comfortable and promotes a friendly and unceremonial atmosphere in the organization.
James Evans runs a 3-4 defense. The scheme depends on dominating in the trenches. He prefers mixing up coverage. He targets the rungame, daring the offense to pass. He wants fast linebackers, who can help in coverage.

They are 3rd in sacks with 6.
They are 4th in points allowed, averaging 22.5.
They are 1st in pass defense with 174.5 yards given up per game.
They are 7th in run defense. Giving up 124 yards per game.
They are 8th in interceptions with 0.
They are 6th in the league in tackles for loss.
They are 6th in forced fumbles.

Evans outperforms Fitts in assessing player ability.
Evans has a slightly better grasp of coaching defense than Fitts.
Evans outperforms Fitts in player development.

Week 2: RB Kobe Lewis (ORL) wins Offensive Player of the Week

The honor comes after Lewis's 9 att, 112 yds, 2 TD performance against the Texas Riders. Lewis from Florida Atlantic was selected in round 0, 0 years ago.

Lewis now has 127 Rushing Yards and 2 Touchdowns for the season.

Week 2: LB Tarique Barnes (UTA) wins Defensive Player of the Week

LB Tarique Barnes of the Utah Dragons has earned the Defensive Player of the Week award. Barnes finished with 10 Tck, 2 Int, 1 Def TD, 1 FF, 1 FR.

Game Recaps for Week 2

Surge - 31, Glory - 26
Thunder - 30, Riders - 28
Skyhawks - 30, Knights - 27
Dragons - 21, Fire - 0

Game of the Week: Orlando Thunder at Texas Riders

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Orlando Thunder
Team play. Playing as a unit. You cannot discount the difference it makes. I am thinking of a guy like Brandon Casey - T. Playing as a team is what gets them the win.

Mary Moore : Orlando Thunder
They will increase their winstreak to two this week.

Jim Nox : Orlando Thunder
It may come down to the wire though.

Darren Francis : Texas Riders
I find it hard to bet against coach James Taylor. He always has them well prepared. He is running a great offense. We will be talking about this game for a long time.

Week 1: G Marcus Wehr (OHI) wins Offensive Player of the Week

In a rare honor for an offensive lineman... G Marcus Wehr wins the leagues Offensive Player of the Week. The award comes after Wehr's 13 Pancakes performance against the New York Knights. Wehr from Montana State was selected in round 0 of the 0 draft.

Wehr "The offensive line doesn't always catch the fans' attention, I'm happiest with our group's effort upfront."

Week 1: DT Tank Booker (ORL) wins Defensive Player of the Week

DT Tank Booker of the Orlando Thunder has earned the Defensive Player of the Week award. Booker finished with 2 Tck, 2 Sck, 1 FF, 1 FR.

Game Recaps for Week 1

Glory - 30, Knights - 20
Riders - 24, Fire - 14
Thunder - 27, Dragons - 24
Skyhawks - 31, Surge - 10

Season Predictions

The sports journalists association has published the results of this year's division prediction polls among their twenty top sports journalists.

NDFL North: Utah Dragons with 11 votes (Runner up: NorCal Surge with 7 votes)

NDFL South: Texas Riders with 10 votes (Runner up: Virginia Skyhawks with 6 votes)

Game of the Week: Birmingham Fire at Texas Riders

Our Expert Predictions:

Jeremy Piper : Texas Riders
They might even win with three touchdowns.

Mary Moore : Birmingham Fire
The leadership on the Fire is great. You look at guys like Ethan Miner - C and what he does for a team. Leadership like that helps you win games.

Jim Nox : Texas Riders
I think their defense will carry them.

Darren Francis : Birmingham Fire
Definitely the losing streak is on their minds. They will get the win and break it in this game. But it will be a close game.

Training Camp News

Training camps have completed. Here is what we learned.

Far exceded expectations:
NorCal Surge: CB Eli Ricks - CB


These players regressed:
Utah Dragons: CB Marquis Wilson - CB
Birmingham Fire: SS Zion Puckett - SS
Texas Riders: T Greg Anderson - T

P Lorenzo Knight (N/A) has retired!

P Lorenzo Knight - P (37 ovr) has retired after failing to get signed in free agency.

TE Bert Justice (N/A) has retired!

TE Bert Justice - TE (47 ovr) has retired after failing to get signed in free agency.

DT Avery Ragan (N/A) has retired!

DT Avery Ragan - DT (47 ovr) has retired after failing to get signed in free agency.

DE Aaron Lewis (N/A) has retired!

DE Aaron Lewis - DE (64 ovr) has retired after failing to get signed in free agency.