ELF Week 9 Power Rankings:
- Arnaud Dignocourt
- Jul 18
- 6 min read
From jaw-dropping plays to unexpected upsets, the weekend delivered all the drama and excitement fans could hope for. Now, it’s time to dive into the highs and lows, the standout performances and the surprising slip-ups. Are you ready to take a closer look at all the ups and downs from this past weekend on the gridiron?
1. Vienna Vikings
They came with a mission, locked in, prepared as if heading into battle. From the first snap, the intensity was undeniable. The offense threw everything they had at the Musketeers’ defense, fighting for every yard and every point. But it was the defense that rose to the occasion late in the game, stepping up when it mattered most to shut things down and seal the win. This hard-fought victory is one to savor, but there’s no time to rest. With the Panthers looming next week, they’ll need to carry this momentum forward and stay sharp to avoid any surprises.
2. Nordic Storm
Still the only undefeated team in the league, they once again proved why they’re at the top. Facing a tough and determined Fire squad, they delivered a well-rounded performance, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Down by twelve points at the start of the fourth quarter, they had to dig deep and rally back in dramatic fashion. Brendan Beaulieu continues to shine as Jadrian Clark’s go-to target, making clutch plays when the game was on the line. With confidence riding high, they’ll look to keep their perfect record intact in what should be a more manageable matchup next week against the Berlin Thunder.
3. Paris Musketeers
Despite a tough loss, sealed, we said it before, by a late interception, all eyes weren’t just on the field. The presence of Demario Davis and Madame Gayle Benson in the stands brought a special energy to the occasion. Davis, starting linebacker for the New Orleans Saints and a passionate supporter of the game, appreciated the intensity on display as both teams battled fiercely until the final whistle. While the defeat stings, nothing could dampen the unique atmosphere that made the day memorable for fans and players alike. Now, with heads held high and pride on the line, the team will aim to bounce back stronger in next week’s clash against the Surge.
4. Stuttgart Surge
Welcome to Europe, Peyton Manning! Oh wait, sorry for that mistake. That was just Reilly Hennessey putting on an absolute clinic, slinging the ball like a true pocket-passing legend. Everything looked effortless when he had the rock in his hands: 80% completion rate, six passing touchdowns, and one more on the ground. Simply unstoppable. And let’s not forget the key contributions of Sir Louis Geyer, who continues to be a difference-maker on the field. With momentum on their side, next week’s showdown against Paris is the perfect opportunity to silence the doubters and prove that their narrow loss was nothing more than a blip on the radar.
5. Munich Ravens
They didn’t have to push too hard to secure the win, but allowing the Mercenaries to put up that many points does raise some concerns. While those late-game scores didn’t change the outcome, they highlighted some defensive lapses that can’t be ignored. Next week’s matchup against the Raiders will be a different story, a team that won’t offer the same margin for error. If they want to stay in the win column, they’ll need to tighten things up and bring a more disciplined performance on both sides of the ball.
6. Rhein Fire
They put up a solid fight, but things unraveled after taking a 12-point lead. A costly lapse allowed Beaulieu to ignite the Storm’s comeback, and from there, the momentum shifted. Struggling to move the ball effectively in the final stretch, they couldn’t find the end zone when it mattered most, though they did manage to slow down their opponent’s surge just enough to avoid a blowout. With lessons learned, they’ll now turn their focus to next week’s challenge as they look to bounce back with a win against the Sea Devils.
7. Raiders Tirol
Let’s hope the bye week provided the rest they needed, because their next challenge is no easy one. They’ll be facing the Munich Ravens, a team hungry to return to the playoffs after last year’s electrifying run. With postseason ambitions on the line, the intensity is only going to rise from here.
8. Madrid Bravos
The Madrilenian offense took full control from start to finish, leaving no room for the Enthroners to breathe. With Reid Sinnett and Edu Molina each finding the end zone three times, the unit was firing on all cylinders in a dominant display. But the focus now shifts to Switzerland, where the Mercenaries await, and they’ll be looking to slow down this red-hot attack.
9. Wrocław Panthers
In a direct battle for position on the ladder, the Panthers came out swinging and never looked back after they achieved a pretty decent comeback. QB D.J. Irons delivered a standout performance, racking up nearly 350 total yards and accounting for four touchdowns through the air and on the ground. But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier, next week, they’ll have to rise to the occasion against a gritty Vikings team known for their intensity and physicality.
10. Prague Lions
The game was fairly balanced, and at one point, they even held a 9-point lead. But despite that promising position, things unraveled late as they failed to slow down their rival’s momentum when it mattered most. Costly defensive lapses down the stretch sealed their fate. Now riding a two-game losing streak, next week’s matchup against the Enthroners presents a golden opportunity to bounce back and get back in the win column.
11. Frankfurt Galaxy
The secondary looked completely unprepared at times. On one play, a safety collided with a cornerback near the end zone, gifting the opposing team an easy touchdown. On another, a simple slip left the backfield wide open. While the offense showed effort and drive, it’s tough to stay competitive when you’re constantly battling your own defense’s errors. The most alarming moment came late in the third quarter on a 2nd-and-5 near the red zone, the defense wasn’t even set at the snap, with one player still scrambling to get into position. Next week’s matchup against the Centurions shouldn’t be as challenging on paper, but with performances like this, nothing can be taken for granted.
12. Hamburg Sea Devils
The bye week had to be put to good use, because next week, they face a true test as they attempt to take down the Rhein Fire. With preparation and precision, they'll need to bring their A-game to challenge one of the league’s top contenders.
13. Berlin Thunder
Yes, they got the win, but let’s be honest, it had more to do with the Centurions’ poor performance than a true sign of redemption. While a victory is a step forward, it’s hard to draw real conclusions from a game where the opponent barely showed up. The real test comes next week, when they face a much tougher challenge in the form of the Nordic Storm. That matchup will reveal whether they’re truly turning a corner or just benefiting from weaker competition.
14. Fehérvár Enthroners
It was a tough battle from start to finish, but they showed heart every step of the way, and that effort deserves real credit. Despite the loss, there were promising signs on both sides of the ball, giving them something solid to build on. Considering their recent progress, and the struggles their next opponent has faced, they have every reason to believe they can aim for more than just a respectable showing against the Lions. A breakthrough might be closer than it seems.
15. Helvetic Mercenaries
For once, they put up a real fight, and it showed. Now the challenge is to carry that same energy and determination into next week’s trip to Madrid. If they do, they just might come back with something to show for it.
16. Cologne Centurions
Out there on the field, the guys looked resigned, lacking that fire, that hunger to win. It felt less like a team and more like a group of individuals left to fend for themselves. With that mindset, next week’s clash against the Galaxy doesn’t look very promising.
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