The Western Conference is by far the hardest conference in the ELF, but the Fire can keep the flames back as they dive into the season. Good QB (not the best), great wr’s (Robataille, Kwofie, Mahongou), Toonga after week 4, and a stacked defense. Really going to be hard to stop them.

Frankfurt Galaxy – this is the matchup of the week without a doubt. It is a home game for the Fire and even without Toonga yet I think they take care of business. Think it’s a defensive battle. The Galaxy have the best defensive backfield in the league but the fire might have the best receiving core, that’s why I’ll go with them. 20-14 Fire W

@Hamburg Sea Devils – Maybe I was a bit critical of the Sea Devils offseason in my preview, but that doesn’t change the fact that they lost a lot of key pieces from last year’s team. They have a new Qb vs the veteran Clark. W for the Fire. Their defense lost Hanni and Edebali, they lost Toonga at running back. In week 2, I don’t know if they’ll have it all completely together just yet. Fire win this one in a close one – 24-17 W

Paris Musketeers – This is an early season upset. I think Zach Edwards and Sweet Tooth Kyle Sweet go into Rhein and beat one of the best teams in the league. This a statement game for the Musketeers and one which will stamp them as legit contenders. 24-31 L.

@Cologne Centurions – Let’s just be honest. The Centurions weren’t good last year, and I don’t see them being very good this year. Fire 30-10 W.

Helvetic Guards – I like the Guards. Love Norm Chow, love Tim Hanni and Ken Hike. I think they can compete for a playoff spot, but this Fire team will outmatch them. 34-28 W

Munich Ravens- Might be a tough year for the Ravens. They have some players, but nothing like the Fire. 40-17 W

@Paris Musketeers – Revenge Game. I think the Fire get fired up for this one and storm the bastille and take home a win. 31-17 W

Cologne Centurions – Another easy win. 35-7 W

Sea Devils – This is Tonnga Time. Facing off against his old team, I think Toonga comes out of that suspension angry and ready to kill. Fire 42-35, led by rushing game. W

@ Ravens – Easy W. Amin Black won’t be enough to stop this onslaught. Munich may have gotten a team, but I don’t think this is their year. 28-7 W

@ Helvetic Guards – Now I do think the Guards can win this one so toss it up in the air. I lean Fire in this situation, but don’t be surprised if Norm pulls it out in Wil, Switzerland. 24-20 Fire W

@ Frankfurt Galaxy – a rematch of the week 1 showdown, this time in Frankfurt. I think the Galaxy pull this off and make it into the playoffs. Look for Jakeb Sullivan to find Reece Horn a lot in this one and take home the win. 21-28 L

As you can see, I’m pretty high on the Fire this year. Is it Tomsula’s mustache lulling me into a comfortability? Maybe. But this team is also stacked, and with Toonga coming back after week 4 this team can be very dangerous. I like the Vikings to repeat, but I could see this team giving them a run for their money.

Overall record 10-2