After a round of competitive matchups and a round of less competitive matchups, the power rankings are starting to shift. While I expect games to start getting cleaner soon, there was a lot to work on this week. Offseason moves continue to weigh heavily on rankings, though their impact will dwindle over the next three weeks as each club passes the four game mark.
1. Los Angeles Giltinis (Last Week: 1)
How much of LA’s dominant start is due to them and how much is due to their opposition? They’ve slaughter New England and Seattle. Naturally, New England went on to slaughter the same Houston team that edged out a win over Seattle the week before. It might be a while before we see them challenged.
2. NOLA Gold (LW: 5)
The Gold put on a mini clinic against a strong RUNY side. The third best looking Eastern team coming into the year hasn’t been perfect, but they’ve jumped right to the top of the table.
3. Rugby United New York (LW: 2)
Yes, RUNY took a beating. They’re still an experienced side with a lot of fantastic pieces. Their week one win over San Diego keeps them floating near the top.
4. San Diego Legion (LW: 3)
Win and drop a spot? Give San Diego credit. They won a gritty fight against Austin. Those are the wins that forge a battle tested team.
5. Utah Warriors (LW: 11)
Is Utah finally making the jump we’ve expected for years? Are they capitalizing on early season struggles of other teams? The fact that I need more to believe that a team with a perfect record is actually good speaks to the history of this franchise.
6. Old Glory DC (LW: 6)
If these rankings were purely based on performances, this team would be third. They stay at six since that isn’t the case. However, the view of this team has shifted. Last week, sixth felt like it was near this team’s ceiling. Now, it feels more like a floor.
7. Austin Gilgronis (LW: 8)
I maintain that Austin is still a year away. They’ve had two tough losses. This team needs more time to find its rhythm. Whether or not they can make a push for the playoffs will rely on how quickly they can find that groove and whether Utah can stay hot.
8. Toronto Arrows (LW: 4)
Before this season kicked off, I expected Toronto to be a top 3 team. On paper, I still believe that. But do they?
9. Rugby ATL (LW: 9)
A narrow win over struggling Toronto and a narrow loss to surprising DC. Keep this up and they’ll shoot all the way to the mediocrity I expect from them.
10. New England Free Jacks (LW: 12)
The gap between 9 and 10 feels pretty substantial. I think they were lucky to have the Pollard red card overturned. (Personally, I see a yellow.) They host Utah this weekend in a match that won’t convince me either team is good but may convince me that at least one is bad.
11. Houston SaberCats (LW: 7)
0 – 32 loss at home and still not last. Let’s spare Houston and just move to the bottom.
12. Seattle Seawolves (LW: 10)
Is the dynasty over? I don’t believe so. Does this team rise from the sea floor and into the playoffs? Ben Cima’s health will be pivotal. It also may not be enough.
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