Playoffs preview

New York at Mexico

Mexico will be worried with HB Ian Smarts injury, Smart should start but the Aztecs hope he wont be slowed. Smart has been a great back for the Aztecs this year who came in very well once Eric McCoo was gone for the year early in Week 1. New York have a lot of firepower, they have a great rushing and passing game and their defense has many stars in it as well. Mexico have the best record in the AFC at 12-2 and have played NY twice this year, winning both games but very close, 15-12 and 22-21. New York have a great chance to win this but the Aztecs defense have to find a way to stop this explosive offense which is the best in the league by over 300 yards. Mexicos offense was ranked 2nd but the Knights are tough to stop.

Mexico by 3

London at Scotland

This great rivalry continues and it should be a great one. London leapfrogged past Austria in the final week to end up with the best result, playing Scotland instead of 14-0 Amsterdam. London are on a roll at the moment with 4 straight wins and have looked very good on offense passing and specially rushing the ball. Their defense has two great pass rushers in Eric Powell and veteran Mark Word who led the league in sacks. LB Mark Brown has really helped the unit since arriving. Scotland are no push overs and because of Amsterdam, most people arent talking about Scotlands impressive 12-2 record. They have played very well in all areas but their concern is HB Sandino Octobre who had to leave the game late last week as did his backup. Both should play but Scotland hope they wont be slowed. In these games it doesnt matter what the record is or where the game is played. Scotland are on a 5 game winning streak, London a 4 game streak. Should be a classic.

Scotland by 3

Ohio at Birmingham

Birmingham had a poor end to the season and just managed to hold onto the AFC East title. Ohio at times can play great football and are explosive but can be eractic. HB Jarrett Payton is a star but might find it tough against Birminghams great run defense. The Fire are superb at home with a 6-1 record this year, Ohio are just 3-4 on the road. The Fire should win this due to homefield, a great defense and QB Joe Hamilton who has bags of playoff experience compared to Ohio's young QB John Navarre who is starting his first ever playoff game.

Birmingham by 7

Austria at Amsterdam

Amsterdam fans still go on about the loss to Austria a few years back in the playoffs, Amsterdam were 13-1 and favourites but Austria upset the odds with a late score. Amsterdam have beaten Austria in the playoffs since but the fans dont forget ! Amsterdam are 14-0 and are playing great football, dont have any major injuries and are heavy favourites to win this. GM Niki van den Berg has been very quiet all year, perhaps not wishing to jinx his team. Austrias GM Jason Compton made some great early trades but has been quiet since, he has an unsettled QB position as Curt Anes and Matt Mauck have played badly. Jermaine Allen Jnr had a great Week 13 game but this week looked poor. Austria have nothing to lose but Amsterdam could lose everything if they lose here. It shouldnt happen as Amsterdam are on a huge momentum roll.

Amsterdam by 10