The Read Option: 6 March matchups you cannot miss
March: A time when the corned beef flows, brackets reign supreme and the SFL heat is so intense that nary a thermometer can contain it.
Nary one, I say.
Get your marker hand ready, because it’s date-circling time on your calendar.
While the SFL has 52 March games that are all worthy of your time, here are the six contests that are must-watch-cancel-the-plans-and-prepare-the-brisket-and-tots-level games in order of soonest to not-so-soonest…
Seattle at Minnesota
Saturday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. ET
Putting aside the fact that two division leaders jockeying for playoff position is always impactful football, this game has individual matchups all over the field.
Seattle’s sixth-ranked rushing defense against running back Colin Hart and Minnesota’s top-ranked overall offense by yardage and Ty Ptak vs. a very stout Legend defense, who held opponents to 17 points or less for the entire month of February are just a sampling of what viewers will enjoy.
Baltimore at Arizona
Sunday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. ET
So. Much. Recent. History.
The first weekend in March features an SFL championship rematch from seasons 19 and 20. Halfway through this season, however, both squads sit at 3-3, making this contest extra pivotal to avoid dipping below .500 this close to the playoffs. The winner could easily possess a valuable tiebreaker come April when the playoff seedings are determined.
Canton at Queen City
Saturday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. ET
The immovable object vs. the irresistible force.
Canton will take its top-rated passing defense to Buffalo for a test against the league’s most explosive passing attack in Queen City. The Corsairs present a viable challenge. And, with a win, Queen City can close the North Division gap and put extra pressure on the Classics down the final stretch of Season 22.
Mexico City at Houston
Friday, March 15, 8:15 p.m. ET
The Aztecs have been playing well lately, and their offense especially seems to have been revitalized recently. Houston’s offense is no slouch either. These teams currently rank third and fourth in scoring offense, making a shootout highly likely.
In two weeks, the game could certainly have division and playoff implications if both continue to get balanced consistency on both sides of the ball.
Florida at Atlanta
Sunday, March 17, 6:45 p.m. ET
How many teams will don green alternative jerseys on St. Patrick’s Day? I’ll set the over/under at 2.5.
As for the actual football being played down in Georgia, the Swarm will need to dig deep to stop the undefeated champs. Playing at home gives them a chance against their division rival. A loss, however, could put Florida way too far away to catch in the East.
Alamo City at Tulsa
Friday, March 23, 9:15 p.m. ET
We may be three full weeks away from understanding where each stands playoffs-wise, but does anyone else get the impression this is a swing game for both? (pointing to self: I do.).
The Artillery are 0-2 on the road, meaning they need to try and steal a few away from home to have a chance at making the playoffs - if only to have enough momentum for the playoffs where they will surely play a few games on the road. The Manning vs. ACA secondary matchup will be one of the most entertaining showdowns to focus on this month.