A busy week in the National Lacrosse League has come and gone and contenders and pretenders are starting to emerge. Let’s take a look at this week’s NLL power rankings ahead of Week 4.
Note: Power rankings are NOT standings and each team’s rating is based on a variety of criteria. Each team’s 2023-24 goals for and goals against totals are initially considered with their 2024-25 goals for and goals against weighed twice as much as the previous season’s. Goaltender changes and roster moves are also taken into account with adjustments made based on roster additions/substractions and empty net goals for/against. Projected win totals and final standings also account for each team’s schedule and projected win percentages are adjusted for short-rest situations.
1. Buffalo Bandits (2-0)
Power Rating: 0.2852
Current Win Total Projection: 12.05
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +54.9
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 1st
Last Week’s Ranking: 1st
The defending champs stay on top after another dominant win, this week in the form of an 18-7 victory over Ottawa. Buffalo is already in playoff form, and, while they have a tough stretch of games coming up in January and February, they’ll be favored against every opponent they face for the foreseeable future.
2. San Diego Seals (2-1)
Power Rating: 0.1909
Current Win Total Projection: 11.10
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +36.8
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 2nd
Last Week’s Ranking: 3rd
The San Diego Seals move up a spot following a win over rival Colorado. The Seals are extremely balanced and their offense looks somehow better than past seasons even considering the roster turnover. The additions of Ryan Benesch, Rob Hellyer and Ben McIntosh have been seamless and Chris Origlieri is starting to settle down in net after a shaky start to the season. Both offense and defense have also benefitted from the presence of Swiss army knife Zach Currier, who’s contributed in all facets for San Diego.
3. Albany FireWolves (1-2)
Power Rating: 0.1649
Current Win Total Projection: 9.71
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +31.8
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 7th
Last Week’s Ranking: 2nd
Even at 1-2, the Albany FireWolves remain a top team in my power rankings. They’re two overtime losses away from being 3-0 and are balanced on offense and defense despite struggling to play complete games so far. Expect them to right the ship and prove that they’re a playoff team once again this season.
4. Saskatchewan Rush (2-0)
Power Rating: 0.1039
Current Win Total Projection: 10.78
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +20.0
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 3rd
Last Week’s Ranking: 4th
The Saskatchewan Rush improved to 2-0 and stay in the top four of my rankings. While they haven’t blown anyone out yet, they’ve pulled out two gritty wins against good competition. Once again, you can still bet their title odds at +2000 at BetMGM and Bet Rivers and I recommend betting them at those odds (if you haven’t already) before a potential 3-0 start to the season.
