Alliance of American Football

It's been one heck of a week for the Alliance of American Football. With four weeks left in the regular season, the playoff race is still open. The league announced that it is moving its championship game to the Dallas Cowboys' facility, known as The Star.

Oh, and former first-round NFL pick Johnny Manziel just signed on and will play for the Memphis Express.

"In my eyes and in my mind, I'm here for a reason," Manziel said, per Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

For Manziel, that reason is the continuation of his football career. For the Alliance, it's about adding a household name and increasing the number of eyeballs on the startup league. There are plenty of intriguing storylines to follow heading into the seventh week of the inaugural AAF season. Let's take a look at the current standings, schedule and odds.

       

AAF Standings

Eastern Conference

Orlando Apollos: 5-1

Birmingham Iron: 4-2

Atlanta Legends: 2-4

Memphis Express: 1-5

Western Conference

San Antonio Commanders: 4-2

San Diego Fleet: 3-3

Arizona Hotshots: 3-3

Salt Lake Stallions: 2-4

       

AAF Week 7 Schedule

Saturday, March 23: Orlando at Atlanta, 2 p.m. ET (TNT)

Saturday, March 23: Salt Lake at San Antonio, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

Sunday, March 24: San Diego at Arizona, 4 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)

Sunday, March 24: Birmingham at Memphis, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

All games can be streamed at aaf-live.com.

      

Game of the Week

San Diego at Arizona

This is an important game for both of these Western Conference rivals. Both sit at 3-3 and are in the playoff mix, but the loser will be left needing to make up ground over the final three weeks.

Last week, the Arizona Hotshots ended a three-game skid by knocking off the league's last unbeaten team, the Orlando Apollos. The Hotshots now have a chance to go on a hot streak (pun intended), especially with running back Jhurell Pressley grinding and quarterback John Wolford thriving.

Pressley leads the AAF with 343 yards rushing, while Wolford leads the league with 11 touchdown passes.

The San Diego Fleet, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a close loss to the Birmingham Iron in Week 6. Their offense has been a bit more up-and-down this season. However, it has appeared formidable the last couple of weeks with quarterback Mike Bercovici, who regained the job after Philip Nelson suffered a fractured clavicle in Week 4.

This game, by the way, marks a homecoming of sorts for Bercovici, who played his college ball for Arizona State—the Hotshots play their home games at Sun Devil Stadium.

"The last time I played there we played the team down south [Arizona], I think we hung 50 points on them [52], and I figured that would be the last time I would ever play on that field," Bercovici said, per Jeff Goldberg of AAF.com. "It's pretty sentimental, actually."

A meaningful football game that features league stars, high stakes and player-driven storylines on a Sunday afternoon? Yes, please! This is exactly the kind of game the AAF hoped to give casual football fans when the league was first established.

       

AAF Championship Odds

Here are the updated championship odds from Oddschecker.com:

Orlando Apollos: 13-10

Arizona Hotshots: 4-1

Birmingham Iron: 9-2

San Antonio Commanders: 11-2

San Diego Fleet: 8-1

Salt Lake Stallions: 22-1

Atlanta Legends: 59-1

Memphis Express: 150-1  

Johnny Manziel is no longer in the NFL, but that apparently hasn't dented his confidence.

"My confidence level is high," Manziel said Tuesday, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com). "I believe I still have a unique skill set and still have the ability to play at any level anywhere."

The comments came after he signed with the Alliance of American Football's Memphis Express. The Associated Press report explained his initial AAF rights belonged to the San Antonio Commanders, but he went to the Express through waivers when the former elected not to sign him.

Manziel became a household name at Texas A&M when he won a Heisman Trophy and SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He put on a show in almost every collegiate game with his ability to hit receivers downfield and create plays with his legs.

It was enough to convince the Cleveland Browns to select him with the No. 22 pick in the 2014 NFL draft, but he never lived up to the hype and finished with seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

Off the field, charges were dropped in a domestic violence case that was opened against him in 2016. The charges were dropped after he agreed to complete an anger management course.

The Associated Press noted the Canadian Football League terminated his Montreal Alouettes contract earlier this year after commissioner Randy Ambrosie said he "had violated one of the conditions we had set for him to be in our league."

He was just 2-6 as a CFL starter with five touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

The missteps along the way have led him to the AAF, where he joins a 1-5 Memphis team that already benched Christian Hackenberg at quarterback. Manziel still believes he can be effective on the field and may get a chance with the Express.

Johnny Manziel is officially part of Memphis Express after practicing with the Alliance of American Football team Monday.

#️⃣2️⃣ in the building.

✈️ | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/cFwIZe7WAI

— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 18, 2019

Manziel signed with Memphis on Saturday after he was claimed by the 1-5 team on waivers. This came just a couple of weeks after being removed from the Canadian Football League for violating his contract.

While his ultimate goal is likely to return to the NFL, the AAF provides the former Heisman Trophy winner with a chance to play professional football in the United States for the first time since 2015 with the Cleveland Browns.

Additionally, there is an opportunity for immediate playing time after starter Zach Mettenberger suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's game.

Brandon Silvers replaced Mettenberger on the field and former New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberger is also on the roster. However, the team could use this opportunity to see what type of contributions Manziel can provide.

The first season of Alliance of American Football is headed toward its final stretch, and the pressure is starting to pick up for teams hoping to reach the postseason.

After the Orlando Apollos suffered their first loss of the year Saturday, the rest of the league saw an opening to move up the standings. With just four weeks remaining, every game can be important in the quest for one of the four postseason slots.

The San Antonio Commanders took advantage early with a win over the Atlanta Legends, while the Birmingham Iron ended the week with a victory over the San Diego Fleet.

Follow along for a recap of the Week 6 results from Sunday.

      

Week 6 Schedule/Results

Salt Lake Stallions def. Memphis Express 22-9

Arizona Hotshots def. Orlando Apollos 22-17

San Antonio Commanders def. Atlanta Legends 37-6

Birmingham Iron def. San Diego Fleet 32-29

     

Recap

San Antonio Commanders 37, Atlanta Legends 6

The Commanders dominated from start to finish and excelled in every phase of the game as they moved to 4-2 on the season.

Logan Woodside was in full control of the offense, spreading the ball around to his receivers while finishing 17-of-23 for 164 passing yards and two touchdowns. He made it look easy when he found Evan Rodriguez for a 33-yard score:

33 yard touchdown pass from @LwoodsideQB5 to @ERod_Inc. 💯 #TakeCommand⚔️ pic.twitter.com/FtIqkKvNTZ

— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 17, 2019

San Antonio's defense had been inconsistent this year, but it was at its best holding Atlanta to just six points. The ability to force turnovers with three interceptions was key, and Derron Smith returned one of them for a touchdown:

. @D_SmithFS pick sick MACHINE. ‼️#TakeCommand⚔️ pic.twitter.com/eLRvqOkkPN

— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 17, 2019

Even the special teams got in on the action with a punt return score from Greg Ward Jr.:

OH. MY.@G_Ward1 looks like a created player as he returns the punt 79 yds. for a TD 🎮 pic.twitter.com/i2pcyPvURm

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 17, 2019

This all added up to an easy win road win for the Commanders—the team's third victory in a row.

Aaron Murray totaled 215 yards through the air and found nine different receivers for the Legends, but that wasn't enough to keep his squad from falling to 2-4. The team will try to get back on track against Orlando in Week 7.

San Antonio will host the Salt Lake Stallions next Saturday.

        

Birmingham Iron 32, San Diego Fleet 29

Former Chargers kicker Nick Novak nailed a 44-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Birmingham Iron (4-2) their first win in the last three weeks.

.@8nicknovak nails the 44 yd. FG to put @aafiron ahead as time expires‼️#BIRvsSD pic.twitter.com/yne3ghZ6ab

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 18, 2019

The San Diego Fleet (3-3) tied the game with under five minutes left with a Francis Owusu touchdown, but a missed two-point conversion left the door open for Luis Perez to lead a go-ahead drive for Birmingham. In a tightly contested battle, the offense with the ball last came away with the win.

Both quarterbacks put up big numbers, with Perez totaling 359 yards through the air with three touchdowns for the Iron, while Mike Bercovici finished with 311 yards and three touchdowns for the Fleet. However, a combined four interceptions kept either side from pulling away.

Instead, it was the receivers who truly starred in this one with big plays after the catch.

L'Damian Washington ended up with 128 yards and two scores on four catches, including this 77-yard touchdown off a short cross:

.@MizzouMonstar2 darts through the D on his way to a 83 yard TD!@aafiron | #BIRvsSD pic.twitter.com/3yUkVuU41Y

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 18, 2019

Meanwhile, Dontez Ford was even better for San Diego with these two long runs after the catch that each ended up just short of the end zone:

Dontez Ford BREAKS LOOSE for 72 yards, but gets tripped up at the goal line!@AAFFleet | #BIRvsSD pic.twitter.com/jDh4a9olfP

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 18, 2019

The Fleet respond immediately as @MikeBerco finds @D12Ford downfield, setting San Diego up right outside the end zone‼️@AAFFleet | #BIRvsSD pic.twitter.com/JLku5ovtnd

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 18, 2019

Ford finished his day with three catches for 182 yards, while the Fleet were fortunately able to punch it in for a touchdown after both those plays.

It all came down to which team could make plays down the stretch, and Perez did enough to ensure a victory for the Iron.

Both teams will now go on the road for Week 7 as they try to stay in the playoff hunt. Birmingham will travel to Memphis on Sunday to take on the Express, while San Diego will face the Arizona Hotshots.

       

All statistics courtesy of the AAF official site.

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel signed a standard player agreement with the Alliance of American Football on Saturday and was assigned to the Memphis Express, the league announced.

Welcome to The Alliance, @JManziel2. pic.twitter.com/CO1z4eiDLb

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 17, 2019

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news, while Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Manziel was assigned to the Express after the San Antonio Commanders waived his rights.

"We are pleased to welcome Johnny Manziel to the Alliance of American Football, which we've always described as a league of opportunity for talented players to launch or revitalize their pro football careers," AAF co-founder Bill Polian said in a statement. "We completed extensive background work to determine whether it would be appropriate for Johnny to play this season, and after consulting with many people familiar with his situation, we concluded that it would be good for him to resume his pro football career here at The Alliance."

This comes after the former Heisman Trophy winner was released from his contract with the Canadian Football League, with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie announcing the league would not allow any of its teams to sign the free agent as the result of him violating undisclosed terms of his contract:

"We advised Montreal that Johnny had violated one of the conditions we had set for him to be in our league. And Montreal announced his release today. We didn't release the terms of those conditions then and we're not going to do that now.

"We're trying to do what we believe is in the best interests of the entire league. The conditions we set, we thought were the right ones. Those conditions have been violated and we feel it's best, and Montreal feels it's best, to let Johnny move on. And we think it's best for our league that he do the same. And we wish him well."

Following his release, the 26-year-old took to Twitter to announce he would look to continue his football career in the United States:

I want to thank Coach Sherman, my teammates, and the CFL fans. My time there reestablished my love for the game of football and the work that goes into it. I look forward to exploring new options within the United States.

— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 27, 2019

That has led him to the AAF.

AAF chairman Tom Dundon told USA Today's Kevin Allen and Tom Schad in late February that Manziel had been offered a workout for the league.

"Right now, it's a decision of the GMs, and they can decide what they want to do," Dundon explained. "If talent-wise this is close, the negative of him is that there is drama with him and you are trying to win games and build a team. The positive is that he brings in fans and attention."

That came after co-founder Charlie Ebersol let it be known the league would investigate Manziel's ban from the CFL and determine if he was "clean and clear" by its own standards.

The 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Manziel spent two years in Cleveland. He went 2-6 as the Browns' starting quarterback, completing just 57 percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 15 appearances.

His actions off the field plagued him, though, resulting in him being out of the league within two years of being drafted.

Manziel made his way to Canada, where he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018. However, he was unable to supplant former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli atop the team's depth chart, leading to a trade to the Montreal Alouettes during the 2018 season.

The dual-threat quarterback completed 64.2 percent of his passes for the Alouettes for 1,290 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 215 rushing yards on 7.4 yards per carry. A concussion sidelined him during his time in Montreal.

He would also participate in the Spring League in 2018.

Manziel becomes the biggest name in the AAF, although not due to a lack of effort on behalf of the league. The AAF reportedly pursued former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow but was unsuccessful.

Manziel's return will provide the AAF with star power as it continues its rise as a premier developmental league and give the Express a compelling new option under center following failed experiments with Christian Hackenberg and Zach Mettenberger.

The Alliance of American Football began the Week 6 chapter of its inaugural season with two games on Saturday.

Both the Memphis Express and Salt Lake Stallions entered their afternoon matchup at 1-4, searching for scraps on which to build a foundation. The Express' quarterback woes got even worse at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City—forcing them to sign a big name after the game in Johnny Manziel.

Later on in Orlando, the AAF's lone undefeated team struggled to stay that way against the visiting Arizona Hotshots. However, a penalty in the closing seconds decided whether the Apollos improved to 6-0.

Below is a look at Saturday's results, recap and highlights.

     

Week 6 Results—March 16

Salt Lake Stallions (2-4) def. Memphis Express (1-5), 22-9

Arizona Hotshots (3-3) vs. Orlando Apollos (5-1), 22-17

     

Recap

Salt Lake Stallions 22, Memphis Express 9

Quarterback Josh Woodrum led the Stallions offense on a commanding opening drive, which set the tone against the AAF-worst Express defense. After 5:42 had drained off the clock, Woodrum found tight end Nick Truesdell wide open over the middle for six.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1107017133983174661

Things did not start off as smoothly for the Express offense, as the league's sack leader Karter Schult pummeled Express quarterback Zach Mettenberger on his first snap of the game. Mettenberger agonized in pain and was forced to limp off the field, replaced by Brandon Silvers.

SACK

are u even surprised by who tho pic.twitter.com/BjvUlCDcnG

— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 16, 2019

Mettenberger would not return to the game with what was officially described by team reporter Dylan James Rubino as a left ankle injury.

The first quarter ended with another Stallions touchdown—this time from Woodrum to tight end Anthony Denham—which helped to open up a 16-0 lead.

Tight ends are taking over for the Stallions! Salt Lake up 16-0. #MEMvsSL

📺 | https://t.co/SWdwrHYHPI pic.twitter.com/PU8uQsgRAi

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 16, 2019

However, Silvers played like anything but a third-string quarterback in Mettenberger's place. Silvers tossed for 186 yards and a touchdown—his first in the AAF—to running back Zac Stacy, which cut the Stallions' lead to 19-9.

Brandon Silvers with his first TD of the season. | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/JQyypIjG73

— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 16, 2019

The Express touchdown was made possible by a Stallions fumble, Express' 10th forced turnover of the season. The 11th on the year followed shortly afterward with an interception by Arnold Tarpley, but the Express were unable to capitalize before the half as Silvers fumbled the ball—his lone mistake of the half.

The Express forced two more fumbles in the second half, including one while the Stallions were pressing for another touchdown at the goal line, but the offense couldn't capitalize.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1107039162279047173

This GIF is becoming a staple.

Our. Ball. | 5:05 to go

22-9 Stallions | #MEMvsSL pic.twitter.com/pwMgOJlvZg

— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 16, 2019

The light offensively for the Express was wide receiver Reece Horn, who became the first 100-yard receiver in Express history. Horn finished with 129 yards through the air.

The Express will now shift their focus to the health of Mettenberger for their Week 7 game against the Birmingham Iron next Sunday. Although, the status of Mettenberger may have been hinted at when the Express signed former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel later Saturday night.

Welcome to the 901 @JManziel2

✈️ | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/06qoyXzi5z

— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 17, 2019

The Stallions will try to piece together a winning streak against the San Antonio Commanders next Saturday.

     

Arizona Hotshots 22, Orlando Apollos 17

The moment it became most apparent that Arizona had the Apollos on the ropes came when, down 14-9, head coach Steve Spurrier decided to go for it on 4th-and-goal with 2:10 in the third quarter. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert failed to convert, highlighting the Hotshots' game-long staunch defensive effort.

The Hotshots held the Apollos on fourth down three times throughout the game, and the league's top passer looked like a shell of himself through the first three quarters. Gilbert was picked off for the first time this season at the hands of Hotshots linebacker Steven Johnson.

What a pick! 🔒@SMJ2852 | #AZvsORL pic.twitter.com/fozkGS4ubX

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 17, 2019

However, it was the Hotshots defense that allowed Orlando back in the game during the fourth quarter.

Unnecessary roughness and pass interference penalties for a combined 55 yards extended an Apollos drive early in the fourth quarter, Gilbert found wide receiver Jalin Marshall for a pretty 17-yard touchdown. Just like that, after a successful two-point conversion, the Apollos took a 17-14 lead.

Touchdown, Orlando! @JalinMarshall and the Apollos take the lead. 🏹#AZvsORL pic.twitter.com/HeXupIMu19

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 17, 2019

On the following drive, the Hotshots were on the receiving end of favorable pass interference penalties and were also able to take advantage. Ultimately, running back Jhurell Pressley punched in a touchdown from one yard out to help put Arizona back on top 22-17.

Orlando had possession at the two-minute mark at the Arizona 45 when Gilbert coughed up a fumble, and Hotshots defensive end Olubunmi Rotimi recovered.

Don't mess with the Hotshots defense 😤#AZvsORL pic.twitter.com/E65euzIt1u

— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) March 17, 2019

The Apollos got the ball back with around one minute remaining and no timeouts. Gilbert drove the team down inside the Arizona 10, but when he went to spike the ball to save time for one more shot at the end zone, the offense was called for a false start.

The penalty included a 10-second runoff, ending the game and handing the Apollos their first loss.

Even in an off performance, Gilbert finished with 268 yards and two touchdowns, while Marshall led all receivers with 98 yards.

Arizona Hotshots running back Tim Cook led all rushers with 71 yards.

Next up for Arizona will be the San Diego Fleet next Sunday, while Orlando will travel to Atlanta to take on the Legends next Saturday.

Five members of the eight-team Alliance of American Football hold a 3-2 or 2-3 record, and two Week 6 contests feature a pair of those franchises.

The playoff races in both the Eastern and Western Conference could enjoy a clear bit of separation this week. Or, the aftermath of those results may create an even more jumbled mess.

This is exactly what the AAF needs in its inaugural season.

Week 6 also has a chance to provide some league history. We've highlighted that, along with the upcoming schedule, current standings and updated championship odds.

       

AAF Standings

Eastern Conference

Orlando Apollos: 5-0-0
Birmingham Iron: 3-2-0
Atlanta Legends: 2-3-0
Memphis Express: 1-4-0

Western Conference

San Antonio Commanders: 3-2-0
San Diego Fleet: 3-2-0
Arizona Hotshots: 2-3-0
Salt Lake City Stallions: 1-4-0

Week 6 Schedule

March 16: Memphis at Salt Lake, 4 p.m. ET (B/R Live)
March 16: Arizona at Orlando, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
March 17: San Antonio at Atlanta, 4 p.m. ET (CBSSN)
March 17: Birmingham at San Diego, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

All games can be streamed at aaf-live.com.

        

Game of the Week

Arizona Hotshots at Orlando Apollos

With a win and a little help, the 5-0 Apollos would become the first-ever AAF playoff qualifier.

Steve Spurrier's team can secure a postseason berth if it topples 2-3 Arizona on Saturday, then the San Antonio Commanders knock off the Atlanta Legends on Sunday.

The Apollos boast the league's most prolific offense, averaging 402 yards and 29.8 points so far. Last weekend, they collected 468 yards in a 31-14 dismissal of the Birmingham Iron to take firm control of the Eastern Conference.

Orlando quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who made one appearance for the Carolina Panthers in 2018, has tossed eight touchdowns without an interception this season. Former Minnesota Vikings receiver Charles Johnson leads the AAF in yards, too.

But even if the Apollos don't officially secure a playoff berth, a win against Arizona would effectively solidify their spot.

        

AAF Championships Odds

Covers.com shared the latest odds from the Westgate SuperBook.

Orlando Apollos: EVEN
San Antonio Commanders: 4/1
Arizona Hotshots: 6/1
San Diego Fleet: 6/1
Birmingham Iron: 8/1
Atlanta Legends: 25/1
Salt Lake Stallions: 25/1
Memphis Express: 60/1

            

Follow Bleacher Report writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.

The Orlando Apollos stand alone as the Alliance of American Football's lone undefeated team. 

Five weeks into the inaugural AAF season, coach Steve Spurrier's squad is 5-0. The teams tied with the next-best record, the Birmingham Iron, San Antonio Commanders and San Diego Fleet, are all 3-2.

Orlando opened up the season with a 40-6 drubbing of the Atlanta Legends (2-3). It won an offensive showcase against San Antonio 37-29. It escaped with a close 21-17 win against the Memphis Express (1-4). And the past two weeks it's dispatched the Salt Lake Stallions (1-4) and Birmingham 20-11 and 31-14, respectively.

Here's why the scores keep going in the Apollos' favor.

    

Orlando has the AAF's best offense

Orlando leads the league in points per game (29.8), passing yards (1,319), rushing yards (691), average yards per play (6.9) and total points (149). In these five categories, the Apollos have some challengers, such as the Commanders' 686 rushing yards and Legends' 1,145 passing yards.

ICYMI: Highlights from our 31-14 win over the Iron.

Don't forget next week we are back at home vs. the @aafhotshots
Buy your 🎟: https://t.co/Ii9fntDfea

🏹#TakeAim pic.twitter.com/X9e5DNsWJh

— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 10, 2019

Quarterback Garrett Gilbert leads the league in passing, while running backs D'Ernest Johnson and De'Veon Smith continue to be among the AAF's rushing leaders. Wide receiver Charles Johnson is atop the receiving yards leaderboard.

Gilbert, in addition to his eight touchdowns, has yet to throw an interception. D'Ernest Johnson and Smith both own yards-per-carry averages that are better than any running backs with more carries or more yards than them. Charles Johnson has five more catches and 92 more yards than the next leading receiver.

It's an offense that produces and rarely gets in its own way.

    

Orlando has a star-studded yet balanced defense

Of the 12 AAF players with at least three sacks, three play for the Apollos; Anthony Moten Jr. and Earl Okine each have four. Of the four AAF players who lead the league with three interceptions, two of them, Terence Garvin and Keith Reaser, play for the Apollos. And while Orlando's leading tackler, Will Hill III, is tied for eighth in the AAF with 22, nine Apollos have at least 10.

Orlando has multiple players at multiple positions who could finish the season as the best at their position. Not many other teams can say that.

“Gimme that”

- @KeithReaser3 (probably)

🏹#TakeAim | #ORLvsBHM pic.twitter.com/FfaXEgf7jT

— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 9, 2019

It's why Orlando allows just 15.4 points per game and owns an average scoring margin of 14.4. The Apollos have scored in 17 of the 20 quarters they've played this season, while opponents have only scored in 11. And three of those 11 times, it's been just three points. That's hard to beat.

    

Orlando has the potential to change the game in one quarter

The Apollos finished the first quarter against the Legends with no points and a three-point deficit. By halftime, they were up 22-6 and on their way to the 34-point opening win. 

It's an enviable place to be in, especially since that's more points in one quarter than the Hotshots, Legends, Iron, Express, Stallions and Commanders average per game. Orlando has scored 14 or more points in a quarter five times this season. That's a quarter of the quarters the Apollos have played.

Orlando scored 14 points in the first quarter of its win against Birmingham, which scored 14 points in the entire game. The Apollos scored 17 in the second quarter of their game against the Commanders, who actually led 18-17 after the first half, and then 17 again in the fourth quarter to help deliver the win. Try entering the fourth quarter of a game without that in the back of your mind.

    

Orlando's Remaining Schedule

Arizona Hotshots (home): Saturday, March 16, 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Atlanta Legends (away): Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. ET on TNT (Skycam on B/R Live)

Memphis Express (away): Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. ET on B/R Live

San Diego Fleet (home): Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Birmingham Iron (home): Sunday, April 14, 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

At the halfway point of the inaugural Alliance of American Football season, a number of storylines are emerging.

Coach Steve Spurrier's Orlando Apollos (5-0) are surging as the Birmingham Iron (3-2), powered by running back Trent Richardson's knack for finding the end zone, fight to close the gap in the Eastern Conference.

San Antonio (3-2) and San Diego (3-2) are tied for the Western Conference lead, with the Commanders boasting one of the AAF's best quarterback-running back duos and Fleet energized by star running back Ja'Quan Gardner.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Hotshots (2-3) and Atlanta Legends (2-3) are on the outside looking in if the playoffs began today.

AAF games air on NFL Network, CBS Sports Network or TNT, with one game a week streaming on B/R Live.

Here are five games you won't want to miss in the second half of this AAF season:

   

Week 6: Birmingham Iron at San Diego Fleet

Sunday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Each of these two teams is battling for the lead in their respective conferences, and a game like this provides both a chance to help their causes and challenges them with as tough an opponent they could find outside of Orlando.

The Iron have the league leader in rushing touchdowns in Richardson and tackles in Beniquez Brown. The Fleet have the second-leading rusher in Gardner and a couple of the most prolific sackers in the AAF. Each team knows what it's like to dominate an opponent and win close.

An instant classic. Saturday's thriller between the Fleet and Stallions is worth another look. #JoinTheAlliance pic.twitter.com/zyVKDMF1tD

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 11, 2019

   

Week 6: San Antonio Commanders at Atlanta Legends

Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m. (EST) on CBS Sports Network

The Legends can't afford to drop much further behind the Apollos or allow the Iron to continue to hold on to second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Commanders need to play their way clear of the Fleet and Hotshots. A loss could jeopardize either side's shot at making the playoffs, which makes this meeting all the more critical—and who wouldn't want to see San Antonio quarterback Logan Woodside tossing darts to receiver Mekale McKay?

The Commanders have the league's leading rusher in Kenneth Farrow II, too. The Legends started the season off slow with a three-game losing streak but haven't lost since and are finding their stride.

. @LwoodsideQB5’s dominate performance on Sunday earns him Offensive Player of the Week. 🙌

📰 | https://t.co/Aiph6NxGdB#TakeCommand⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Y9wflZELhB

— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 12, 2019

   

Week 7: San Diego Fleet at Arizona Hotshots

Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

This could be a critical late-season matchup between two Western Conference foes. The Hotshots are on a three-game losing streak but could return to form and be the same team that started the season 2-0.

The Fleet have the offense to carry them to a conference title but need their defense to step up if they are going to make that kind of run.

Look for Hotshots quarterback John Wolford, running back Jhurell Pressley and receiver Rashad Ross to have big games. They're all in the top three for yards at their positions.

       

Week 8: Arizona Hotshots at San Antonio Commanders

Sunday, March 31 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Much like the previous week, the Hotshots need a win in a game like this if they are going to contend for the Western Conference title or even just make the playoffs.

This late in the year, it would be hard for them to recover if they're in the same spot in Week 8 as they are ahead of Week 6.

For San Antonio, a win against Arizona could solidify its spot in the playoff picture and even deliver a conference title in what could be a close race against San Diego.

Arizona defensive back Erick Dargan is third in the league in tackles and could find himself running around the field chasing the receivers Woodside is throwing the ball to for the Commanders.

   

Week 10: Birmingham Iron at Orlando Apollos

Sunday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. (EST) on CBS Sports Network

Tried to tell y’all 😤

🏹#TakeAim | 🎟: https://t.co/xU4md9nsbg pic.twitter.com/wBDHLdg2Rg

— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 13, 2019

Will Orlando still be on a tear and have the Eastern Conference wrapped up? Will Birmingham have done enough to catch or even surpass the Apollos, maybe with the help of teams around the AAF? Time will tell.

The Iron just lost by 17 against the Apollos in Week 5 at home. So, the future looks brighter for the Apollos than the Iron. But Birmingham could have its issues worked out and be back to its winning ways by then, too.

The Iron started the year 3-0 for a reason and are capable of both scoring as many as 28 and shutting out their opponent.

The Alliance of American Football season is half over, but the playoff picture remains jumbled.

Although the Orlando Apollos are the clear favorites after a 5-0 start, the rest of the teams are close, with each game likely to play a huge role in the final standings. After a slow start to the year, the Atlanta Legends won their second straight game Sunday to get to 2-3, while the Memphis Express fell to 1-4.

The San Antonio Commanders grabbed their third win to stay competitive in the Western Conference, knocking off the Arizona Hotshots.

Here is a look at what you need to know from Sunday's action.

                                       

Alliance of American Football Results — Week 5

Saturday, March 9: Orlando Apollos (5-0) 31, Birmingham Iron (3-2) 14

Saturday, March 9: San Diego Fleet (3-2) 27, Salt Lake Stallions (1-4) 25

Sunday, March 10: Atlanta Legends (2-3) 23, Memphis Express (1-4) 20

Sunday, March 10: San Antonio Commanders (3-2) 29, Arizona Hotshots (2-3) 25

                                                   

Atlanta Legends 23, Memphis Express 20

A 35-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo with 13 seconds left gave Atlanta the 23-20 victory over Memphis at Georgia State Stadium.

The Express appeared to be in control with possession of the ball and the game tied at 20-20, but a Tyson Graham Jr. interception of Memphis quarterback Zach Mettenberger changed the momentum before Koo could knock in his third field goal of the day.

The game was a battle of former SEC quarterbacks as Aaron Murray (Georgia) and Mettenberger (LSU) tried to showcase their skill sets.

Mettenberger earned the starting job for the Express last week after taking over for Christian Hackenberg, while Murray was making his first start in place of Matt Simms.

Murray was undoubtedly the better player Sunday and likely has this job for good after throwing for 306 yards in the win. He spread around the ball to a wide variety of targets, with wide receiver Seantavius Jones especially making big plays down the field while finishing with 89 yards.

He tied the score at 20 with his first passing touchdown on a short dump-down to Tarean Folston, who also had a rushing score:

Aaron Murray finds Tarean Folston for six and this game is TIED at 20 in the 4th quarter. pic.twitter.com/kdMjwz0aFs

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) March 10, 2019

The quarterback's efficiency helped Atlanta hold on to the ball for long drives while totaling nearly 23 minutes of possession in the first half. If the Legends did a better job of scoring in the red zone, this would have been a very good offensive performance.

However, the Express stayed in the game thanks to the work of the running backs and their ability to finish near the goal line. Zac Stacy scored two rushing touchdowns, including this tough seven-yard run:

.@ZSTACY_ won't be denied. 😤 Touchdown, Express! #MEMvsATL pic.twitter.com/E2PkPkrZIz

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 10, 2019

Terrence Magee also showed a lot of effort on this two-point conversion:

2️⃣ point conversions only in The Alliance, what an effort by @terrencemagee! 👀@aafexpress | #MEMvsATL pic.twitter.com/h04QiMAxkB

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 10, 2019

The best passing play of the day also featured a running back, as Sherman Badie took a screen 56 yards to set up a touchdown:

Sherman Badie takes the HUGE gain inside the red zone for the Express. pic.twitter.com/MmHidAww3e

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) March 10, 2019

However, Mettenberger struggled with his accuracy (9-of-17 passing), and his late interception ruined any chance of winning. 

Memphis will try to bounce back on the road against the Salt Lake Stallions at Rice-Eccles Stadium next Saturday in Week 6, while Atlanta will host the San Antonio Commanders on Sunday.

                           

San Antonio Commanders 29, Arizona Hotshots 25

A massive comeback attempt from Arizona fell short as San Antonio held on for the 29-25 win at Sun Devil Stadium.

The Hotshots trailed 26-0 at halftime but cut the lead to four in the final minute. However, the Commanders were able to hold on for the hard-fought victory behind 290 passing yards and a touchdown from Logan Woodside.

San Antonio dominated early thanks to big plays from a variety of sources.

Derron Smith started off things from the defensive side of the ball, picking off a John Wolford pass and returning it all the way for a touchdown:

Pick six, @D_SmithFS❗️@aafcommanders | #SAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/hjGNaKFruv

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 11, 2019

Wolford threw three interceptions in the first half, and Smith caught two of them.

The Commanders added to their lead when Woodside connected with Mekale McKay for a 55-yard touchdown:

They don't call him Big Play McKay for nothing.. Logan Woodside to Mekale McKay, 55 yards for the score! #SAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/kWC3Ybrn4p

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 11, 2019

They kept it going with two more scores in the second quarter, including this wide-open throw from Woodside to tight end Stehly Reden:

Logan Woodside and the Commanders offense look unstoppable. ⚔️@aafcommanders | #SAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/tSoJ4qzCBK

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 11, 2019

San Antonio got conservative in the second half, though, allowing Arizona to get back into the game.

The Hotshots finally got onto the scoreboard in the third quarter when wide receiver Rashad Ross beat the defense for a 45-yard touchdown:

Touchdown Hotshots, who else..@RocketRoss_19! 🔥@aafhotshots | #SAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/13EtCIDH0u

— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 11, 2019

Tight end Thomas Duarte and running back Tim Cook then added touchdowns as the home team cut the lead to just four.

Still, it was too little, too late as the squad ran out of time and lost its third game of the year.

The Commanders will look for another win against Atlanta in Week 6, while the Hotshots are set to face the undefeated Orlando Apollos at Spectrum Stadium in Florida.