So Who Are Left And What Do They Gotta Do to Qualify

To cut things short, teams will need a minimum of 23 wins to qualify for the playoffs which leave some glimmer of hope for the Outlaws. How do we calculate this threshold? While the Valiant (24-12) currently sit comfortably in second with a +12 win/loss record and a +31 map differential, four 0-4 losses in their remaining matches will leave them with a (hypothetically) +8 win/loss and a +15 map diff; something that the Outlaws, currently 8th  (+4 win/loss and +18 map diff) can overcome assuming they go on a winning streak in their remaining matches.

Valiant Need to Defeat Spitfire to Lock In Pacific Division Top Seed

Let’s start from the team currently sitting atop of the Pacific Division, Los Angeles Valiant. After a stunning Week 3 performance where they defeated city rivals LA Gladiators and the top seed NYXL in a nail-biter, the Valiant are poised to lock in second place overall and the Pacific Division top seed if they are able to defeat the London Spitfire (23-13) on Friday. Winning that match will grant them a three-match buffer over the Spitfire in the overall rankings, as well as virtually out of reach from their Pacific rivals, the Dynasty and Gladiators – both at 21-15. 

Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment

It’s relatively smooth sailing thereon as only the Outlaws seem to have what it takes to defeat the Valiant, with customary wins in store when they go against the Shock and Fuel in Week 5.

Spitfire Are A Lock-In With Little to Play For

IF the Spitfire fail to beat the Valiant, then they can take solace to know that they cannot fall any lower than third as their remaining matches are totally winnable, barring any unforeseen circumstances and freakish turn of events. Gladiators may pose the biggest resistance but the Spitfire’s final two matches – Mayhem and Fusion should be easy wins to lock in that third place.

Up Next: Uprising vs Dynasty in the scrap for fourth