We’re Talking About Playoffs: PLL Quarterfinal Predictions

The bracket is set and the teams are ready, it is officially time for the Premier Lacrosse League playoffs to begin. The Waterdogs have the one seed so they have the week off and a spot in the semi finals secured. It all gets under way Friday night at 8:30 PM so let’s get this thing going.

** All playoff games will be live on NBCSN**

Fri 8/20 8:30 PM ET Archers (-180) (-1.5) vs Chaos (+155) (+1.5) (O/U 23.5)

In a rematch of a game that happened just last week, the Archers and the Chaos meet once again. In last week's contests the chaos came away with the 11-9 victory. The Chaos were led by Chase Fraser and Josh Byrne who each had three points apiece. It seems that chaos head coach Andy Towers knows exactly how to get the boys going right as playoffs come around. For those who don’t know, last year the Chaos had the worst record in the PLL bubble and then won every playoff game to land them a spot in the championship. This crazy turn around caused people to theorize that maybe Coach Towers is all about saving the juice for playoffs. However many would say that it is hard to beat a time two times in a season. I would definitely agree with those people but in a league like this, cliches are not always true. This game is more of a toss up than I would like to be because the Archers have proved how good they are but the Chaos have had moments this season that make it hard to doubt them. I am taking the Archers ML and I expect them to win it in a close one. I would kick myself endlessly if I were to pick against a team as good as them and have them shove it in my face.

The Pick: Archers -180

Sat 8/21 3:30 PM ET Atlas (-165) (-1.5) vs Cannons (+145) (+1.5) (O/U 25.5)

This game is going to be the first of what will be two electric Saturday matchups. The Cannons in the Atlas have produced two of the best games in the regular season and they will meet for a third time in the first round of the playoffs. Both times these teams have met, the Atlas have one and in both situations it was a one goal game. I have no doubt in my mind that there will be some serious offensive fireworks in this game. It will be interesting to see Paul Rabil playing against his former team in a playoff scenario. He has had a fantastic season for the cannons and I know he isn’t planning to let off the gas. Remember what I said earlier about beating a team twice in a season? Well how about trying to beat a team three times in a season. If anyone is up for the task it is most certainly the Bulls. They have players up for almost every end of season award including Jeff Teat who is in the hunt for league MVP. The wild thing about that is he has put together an MVP campaign with two less games than everybody else. The atlas might also have the most talented midfield in the league with a slew of names finding themselves in the box score. I think that this game is going to be nothing short of amazing and I am going to be taking the Atlas ML and the over. These two teams had the highest scoring game of the season and so I see the Bulls winning it in possibly another one goal game.

The Picks: Atlas -165, Over 25.5

Sat 8/21 6:00 PM ET Whipsnakes (-130) (-1.5) vs Redwoods (+110) (+1.5) (O/U 24.5)

In the last quarterfinal match up we have probably the best known rivalry in all of the leagues short history. For Who do not know these two teams were in the first ever PLL championship game in which the Whipsnakes lifted the trophy after Matt Rambo tied the game in the dying seconds and then proceeded to stick the game-winner in overtime. So to say that these two teams have a history is an understatement. They have split the season series so it is anybody’s game to win tonight. The Whips seem very happy to have a healthy Matt Rambo back as just last week they tested the Woods 14-12. He had himself a game putting up six points in total. It appears that when Rambo is in the lineup that allows the rest of his team to feast just like Zed Williams did with his 5 goals. The Woods have been a bit up and down this season but let me tell you when they are up they are one of the best teams in the league. They will be without midfielder Sergio Perkovic due to injury for this matchup which is a shame because he provides nice midfield depth and is a true two point threat. I think that the Redwoods will be fine without his services but he will surely be missed. I expect this game to go just like any other game between these two teams. It will be fun, back-and-forth, and will come down to the wire. For this game I am going with the Whipsnakes ML but I would not be surprised if the Woods cover the spread in a one goal game. So it just comes down to what odds you like better but on my end I’m rolling with the Whips as well as the over in this game.

The Pick: Whipsnakes -130, Over 24.5

Those are my predictions for the quarterfinals. Stay tuned for another blog dropping soon with my predictions for the semifinals. If you like my picks, or disagree with me, let me know on Twitter @t_hohenshelt. As always lets have ourselves a weekend and make some money, responsibly.