While it was a very light week in the National Lacrosse League with only a trio of games, Week 6 still led to some movement, with two 2.5-point underdogs winning outright. Let’s take a look at my latest power rankings ahead of NLL Week 7.
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 (3-0)

Power Rating: 0.3114
Current Win Total Projection: 12.7
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +64.2
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 1st
Last Week’s Ranking: 1st
Buffalo stays at the top of the standings following a bye week. The Bandits are now the only remaining undefeated team and are firmly the team to beat in the NLL. While the Bandits are certainly beatable, it will take teams’ best effort to take down the defending champions.
2. San Diego Seals (3-2)

Power Rating: 0.1391
Current Win Total Projection: 10.77
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +28.7
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 3rd
Last Week’s Ranking: 3rd
San Diego moves back up to the second overall spot after squeaking out a 6-5 win against Ottawa. While the lack of offensive production isn’t ideal, San Diego’s defense finally held a team to single digits and that’s a great sign for a team that can win in a variety of ways. Their ceiling is still one of the highest in the NLL and I expect them to start to pull away from the middle of the pack these next few weeks. While they have yet to blow out any teams just yet, I expect some big wins are on the horizon as this team continues to build chemistry.
3. Georgia Swarm (4-1)

Power Rating: 0.1241
Current Win Total Projection: 11.41
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +25.5
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 2nd
Last Week’s Ranking: 2nd
The Swarm drop just one spot, though they arguably could be a few spots lower after their 16-9 loss to Rochester. While it was a disappointing showing on both sides of the ball, I think their loss to Rochester says more about the Knighthawks’ ability than Georgia’s shortcomings, so I won’t overreact just yet. When this defense and offense are both playing up to their potential, they can still beat anyone.
4. Colorado Mammoth (3-2)

Power Rating: 0.1113
Current Win Total Projection: 10.49
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +22.9
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 4th
Last Week’s Ranking: 4th
The Mammoth are a team that has beaten the teams they should, and hung with the teams they were projected to lose to. Their offense is dynamic and Dillon Ward has returned to form this season. They’re right there with the other top teams in the league and as long as they can stay healthy, should be considered a dark horse to win the championship.