AAF Week 5: How to watch, what to expect

We are almost halfway done with the regular season for the AAF. This week, the league’s juggernauts will face off as one team hopes to stay undefeated. On the opposite end of the spectrum, two teams who just picked up their first wins will battle it out to gain momentum with the final stretch of the year approaching.

Use this post as your thread throughout the weekend for all AAF games

Orlando Apollos (4-0) at Birmingham Iron (3-1)

Date: Saturday, March 9
Game time: 2 p.m. ET
How To Watch: TNT

The Apollos are the only remaining undefeated team in the league, and are seeking to stay that way against the Iron. Last week, Orlando’s passing attack prevailed again for 20-11 victory in the snow. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert threw for 244 yards and one score, with 105 of those yards going to stud receiver Charles Johnson.

Birmingham was stunned last weekend in 12-11 loss to San Antonio, effectively ending their undefeated hopes. The Iron marched down on one final drive down by nine points, in hopes of keeping their record perfect. Trent Richardson scored from 1 yard out to cap off the drive, followed by a successful 2-point attempt. Per AAF rules, because the Iron were down by one point at this time they were awarded an onside conversion, which is one attempt at converting on a fourth-and-12 play. With 1:41 remaining Iron quarterback Luis Perez flung an interception to end the game.

Salt Lake City Stallions (1-3) at San Diego Fleet (2-2)

Date: Saturday, March 9
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
How To Watch: NFL Network

Salt Lake continues to struggle, after falling to a dominant Apollo squad. While only registering 11 points, most of their offensive production came from former Charger running back Branden Oliver, who ran for 71 yards on 17 carries. Defensive back Micah Hannemann lead the Stallions in tackles with seven.

Coming off a tight loss in which their offense was stymied, the Fleet look to rebound against a weak Stallion team.

Memphis Express (1-3) at Atlanta Legends (1-3)

Date: Saturday, March 10
Game time: 4 p.m. ET
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network

The Express finally won their first game, mostly because this time Christian Hackenberg didn’t come anywhere close to stepping into the game. In a close fought 26-23 victory, Zach Mettenberger threw for 174 yards and one score. Linebacker Drew Jackson racked up 13 tackles on the day.

Atlanta also picked up their first win of the season, coming from a 14-11 win over the Hotshots. Quarterback Aaron Murray replaced Chris Simms, throwing for 254 yards. Running back Tarean Folston hauled in 66 of those yards on five catches.

San Antonio Commanders (2-2) at Arizona Hotshots (2-2)

Date: Saturday, March 10
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
How To Watch: NFL Network

In San Antonio’s upset victory over the Iron, running back Kenneth Farrow dominated the game on the ground. He finished with an AAF single game season record 142 rushing yards on 30 carries.

Despite losing to the Legends, Arizona’s Jhurell Pressley rushed for an outstanding 110 yards for a 7.9 yard rushing average.