To date, the highlight of Salt Lake’s season was an improbable victory over Arizona in Week 3. Other than that, not a lot has gone their way and they find themselves in the Western Conference cellar. Still, a win against San Diego would get them back in the race. Speaking of the Fleet, they are one of three teams tied for the Western Conference lead with a 2-2 record. With Arizona playing San Antonio, that logjam is going to be broken. After getting a big win against Arizona in Week 3, the Fleet became the first team to lose to Memphis. It was a close game but they couldn’t get the job done. They will definitely be seeking redemption this week.
Date: Saturday, March 9 at 8 pm ET Live From SDCCU Stadium in San Diego
The Salt Lake Stallions are averaging just 254.5 yards per game which ranks them second last in the league. As could be expected, their poor production has translated into 16.3 points per game which is third worst in the league. They struggle on third downs and they have the knack for turning the ball over at the most inopportune times. Even though they have a fairly balanced attack, the Stallions aren’t going to have an easy time putting up points against San Diego’s stout defense.
Salt Lake gives up the third-most yards per game which could pose a problem against a San Diego squad that averages 21 points per game. With San Diego being down to Mike Bercovici at quarterback, the Stallions will need to pay special attention to Ja’Quan Gardner and the Fleet’s rushing attack.
Sign up for a FREE Consultation to start working with Legendary Sports Bettor Jon Price
The injury to Philip Nelson is unfortunate but it shouldn’t have a huge impact on San Diego’s production. The Fleet have a very good running game led by Ja’Quan Gardner but they have also been prone to untimely turnovers that have snuffed out promising drives. San Diego fans hope that Dontez Ford can recreate some of the magic he performed last week when he turned three catches into 71 yards and a touchdown. San Diego’s offensive line will have to hold off Karter Schult so that Bercovici has some time to make plays.
San Diego is allowing just 275.5 yards against per game so far which ranks them second overall in that department. They give up just 16 points per game and they don’t take a lot of penalties. The Stallions’ running game features Joel Bouagnon and Branden Oliver who can both give opponents fits. However, the Fleet isn’t an easy team to run on and Salt Lake will need to dig deep if they are going to win.
Prediction
The Fleet enter this contest as a 6-point home favorite. On paper, this looks like a fair spread but Salt Lake is a bit better than their record indicates while the Fleet have been inconsistent. This could be the upset of the week.
The Pick: Salt Lake Stallions +6
The Total
The totals continue to drop and the total in this one is 36. As tempting as the over might appear, this number is still a little high. We will be lucky to see thirty points in this game.
The Pick: Under 36