Every National Lacrosse League team was in action last weekend. Contenders are starting to emerge and pretenders are being exposed. Let’s take a look at my power rankings ahead of NLL Week 8.
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 more than 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 (4-0)
Power Rating: 0.2734
Current Win Total Projection: 12.71
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +57.4
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 1st
Last Week’s Ranking: 1st
Buffalo faced it’s toughest test, yet still escaped with a win to remain undefeated. Their close win against a depleted Toronto team says more about the Rock than it does the Bandits. Buffalo is still the team to beat and remain at the top of the rankings. While the Bandits will have a tough stretch of games in February, now is still the best time to bet their championship odds. We saw Buffalo’s odds drop quickly and never get longer than +250 just two seasons ago and another season of 14 or more wins is very possible. Bet Buffalo to win their third straight NLL Finals at +350 on BetMGM before this weekend.
2. Saskatchewan Rush (4-1)
Power Rating: 0.1363
Current Win Total Projection: 11.19
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +28.7
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 2nd
Last Week’s Ranking: 5th
Not only did Saskatchewan get a convincing win over Las Vegas last week, they also got healthier. Adam Jay, Austin Shanks and Robert Church all returned to the lineup and Saskatchewan has yet to lose when any of those three play. While they haven’t faced the toughest competition yet, they’re a complete team that should make a deep run in the postseason. If you don’t already have a bet on Saskatchewan, then +1400 is a good price to bet their title odds. Yet, they do have a tough stretch of games coming up so if you already have a position, it’s probably worth waiting.
3. Vancouver Warriors (3-1)
Power Rating: 0.1259
Current Win Total Projection: 10.97
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +26.5
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 4th
Last Week’s Ranking: 7th
I’m ready to declare the Vancouver Warriors a contender. Their biggest question mark heading into the season was goaltender Aden Walsh and he might be their biggest strength right now. Walsh has the second-best goals against average at 9.00 and his 80.9% save percentage is tied for second-best among starters. He’s had a lot of help in front of him as Vancouver’s defense has manhandled nearly every team they’ve faced. With the offense doing their part and faceoff specialist Alec Stathakis helping in the possession department, Vancouver should be considered a dark horse to win the championship. Even if you’re still not as sold as I am, they should be favored in most, if not all, of their next six games. Bet them to win the championship at +2000 on Bet Rivers or BetMGM now before those odds vanish.
4. Colorado Mammoth (4-2)
Power Rating: 0.1240
Current Win Total Projection: 11.0
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +26.2
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 3rd
Last Week’s Ranking: 4th
The Colorado Mammoth improved to 4-2 after a comeback win over the Albany FireWolves. Colorado’s only losses are to San Diego and Georgia and while they have yet to play teams like Buffalo or Saskatchewan, the eye test and the stats both suggest this team is a playoff contender. The defense will need to play better, but Dillon Ward has fared fine and their offense can hang with anyone in the NLL.
