Cleveland Gladiators (+8) vs. Chicago Rush
Cleveland Notes: QB John Dutton had one of the worst games of his AFL career in Week 1 against Arizona. In spite of the fact that he threw for 287 yards and seven TDs, he also threw four interceptions. However, it became clear that this was going to be a lethal offense if Dutton could hang onto the football. WR Ben Nelson scored four times in what could be a real breakout year for the veteran that used to play in San Jose. WR Brent Holmes, who was solid with the Georgia Force two years ago, caught six passes for 85 yards and two TDs, and he also picked up 30 kick return yards to boot. The biggest problem that this team had in Week 1 was kick coverage, as two kickoffs were returned for touchdowns. The Gladiators led 35-14 at halftime, but gave up the lead with a miserable start to the third quarter in which Arizona started on a 21-0 run.
Chicago Notes: The jury is still out on the Rush this year. Beating a lowly Iowa team that many expect to see amongst the worst in the AFL isn't exactly impressive by any means, particularly since QB Russ Michna, much like Dutton, turned the ball over four times (one INT, three fumbles). The Chicago offense might've scored 61 points, but by no means can HC Mike Hohensee be overly thrilled with that unit. His defense came up with stop after stop though, forcing six turnovers and coming up with a turnover on downs. All three defensive backs picked off passes for the Rush, while LB Clifton Smith picked up two of the four Chicago sacks on the day. The 61-43 win was the biggest margin of victory in Week 1 of the season.
The Final Word: This line has already dropped from 10.5 down to eight as of Friday morning, and will most likely drop even further by game time. Don't be overly surprised to find out that the wrong team is favored in this one. The Cleveland offense proved last week that it can do anything it wants to, while the defense only legitimately conceded six touchdowns, three of which were on very short fields. Chicago has one of the best home field advantages in the AFL though, so it may pull out a narrow victory. Still, taking the points, even as low as +3 is probably the better option.
Prediction: Chicago 59 – Cleveland 57
Entire AFL Week 2 Card
Cleveland +8 @ Chicago
Spokane +1 @ Utah
