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Sports and Competition
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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : ESPN
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PLL Power Rankings entering Week 9: Outlaws, Atlas stay on top

PLL 2025 Power Rankings: Top Teams After Week 9

As the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) barrels toward the playoffs in this thrilling 2025 season, Week 9 delivered a slate of games that shook up the standings and redefined contenders from pretenders. With high-stakes matchups showcasing explosive offenses, lockdown defenses, and clutch performances under pressure, the power rankings have seen some notable shifts. Teams are jockeying for seeding, and every goal, ground ball, and faceoff win feels magnified. In this edition, we break down the top squads, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and what lies ahead as the postseason looms. From dominant dynasties holding firm to underdogs surging with momentum, here's how the league stacks up after another intense weekend of action.

1. New York Atlas (Previous: 1)

The Atlas continue to reign supreme at the top of our power rankings, maintaining their ironclad grip on the No. 1 spot with an unblemished record through Week 9. Their latest victory—a commanding 15-10 dismantling of the Boston Cannons—underscored why they're the team to beat. Offensively, the Atlas are a well-oiled machine, blending veteran savvy with youthful energy. Their attack unit, led by a sharpshooter who's been lighting up scoreboards all season, consistently finds ways to exploit mismatches. Defensively, they've been stingy, allowing the fewest goals per game in the league, thanks to a suffocating unit that forces turnovers and transitions seamlessly into fast breaks. What sets the Atlas apart is their depth; even when key players are rested or banged up, the bench steps up without missing a beat. Looking ahead, a matchup against the Maryland Whipsnakes could test their mettle, but if they keep playing at this level, they're poised for a deep playoff run. The Atlas aren't just winning games—they're dominating narratives, proving that experience and execution are the ultimate equalizers in a league full of talent.

2. Utah Archers (Previous: 3)

Climbing one spot after a gritty 12-11 overtime thriller against the Philadelphia Waterdogs, the Utah Archers are surging at the perfect time. This team has transformed from early-season question marks into a legitimate title threat, thanks to a balanced attack and a defense that's grown more cohesive with each outing. Their faceoff specialist has been a game-changer, winning crucial possessions that fuel their high-octane offense. In Week 9, we saw flashes of brilliance from their midfield corps, who dodged and distributed with precision, creating scoring opportunities out of thin air. However, consistency remains a concern; they've had lapses in focus that allowed opponents to claw back into games. The Archers' ability to close out tight contests will be key as the schedule toughens. With a favorable slate upcoming, including a rematch against the Cannons, Utah has a chance to solidify their status as the Western Conference powerhouse. If they can harness their momentum and shore up those defensive breakdowns, don't be surprised if they dethrone the Atlas in the playoffs.

3. Maryland Whipsnakes (Previous: 2)

A slight dip for the Whipsnakes after a surprising 14-13 loss to the Carolina Chaos, but don't count them out yet. This perennial contender dropped one spot, but their overall body of work keeps them firmly in the elite tier. The Whipsnakes boast one of the most potent offenses in PLL history, with a dynamic duo at attack that's been nearly unstoppable in settled situations. Their Week 9 setback exposed some vulnerabilities in transition defense, where they struggled to contain Chaos's speedy midfielders. Still, their goaltending has been a bright spot, making acrobatic saves that keep them in every game. The Whipsnakes' veteran leadership shines through in high-pressure moments, and their ability to adapt mid-game is unmatched. As they prepare for a pivotal clash with the Atlas, expect them to bounce back with a vengeance. This team thrives on adversity, and a loss like this could be the spark they need to refine their strategy heading into the postseason. If they tighten up those loose ends, the Whipsnakes remain a formidable force capable of repeating as champions.

4. Boston Cannons (Previous: 5)

Jumping up a spot after a hard-fought but ultimately losing effort against the Atlas, the Boston Cannons are proving they're more than just a feel-good story. Their 10-15 defeat was closer than the score suggests, with several momentum swings that highlighted their resilience. The Cannons' offense, powered by a rising star attackman who's emerged as a scoring machine, has been clicking, generating quality looks even against top defenses. Defensively, they've improved markedly, with a long-stick midfielder disrupting passing lanes and forcing errors. Week 9 showed their growth in faceoff battles, where they held their own against one of the league's best. However, turnovers in crucial moments have plagued them, and they'll need to clean that up to climb higher. With games against the Outlaws and Archers on the horizon, Boston has opportunities to make a statement. This team's underdog mentality could propel them into playoff contention, especially if their young core continues to develop chemistry.

5. Denver Outlaws (Previous: 4)

Slipping one position following a 13-12 nail-biter loss to the Chrome, the Denver Outlaws are still in the mix but showing signs of wear. Their offense remains explosive, with a veteran midfielder dictating tempo and creating chaos for defenses. In Week 9, they nearly pulled off the upset, thanks to a late surge that fell just short. Defensively, however, inconsistencies have been their Achilles' heel—allowing too many easy goals in transition. The Outlaws' goaltending tandem has been solid, but they need more support from the field to elevate their game. This squad's experience in big moments gives them an edge, and a win streak could vault them back into the top three. Upcoming tilts against the Cannons and Waterdogs will be telling; if Denver can rediscover their early-season form, they're playoff-bound with championship aspirations.

6. Carolina Chaos (Previous: 7)

A big leap for the Chaos after their upset victory over the Whipsnakes, catapulting them into the top six. This 14-13 triumph was a masterclass in opportunistic play, with their midfielders capitalizing on turnovers and converting in transition. The Chaos have found their identity as a scrappy, high-energy team that thrives on chaos—pun intended. Their faceoff unit dominated possession, setting the tone, while the defense bent but didn't break in key stretches. Offensively, a breakout performer has added firepower, making them less predictable. Still, depth issues persist; injuries have forced reliance on unproven talent. With momentum on their side, games against the Waterdogs and Chrome could solidify their playoff push. The Chaos are the wildcard of the league—capable of beating anyone on a given day.

7. Philadelphia Waterdogs (Previous: 6)

Dropping after that overtime heartbreaker to the Archers, the Waterdogs are clinging to relevance. Their 11-12 loss exposed offensive droughts, despite strong individual efforts from their attack. Defensively, they've been reliable, but faceoff struggles handed possessions to opponents. This team needs to rediscover their scoring touch to climb back up.

8. California Redwoods (Previous: 8) – Wait, actually, correcting for PLL teams: California Chrome (Previous: 8)

Holding steady at the bottom but showing fight in their win over the Outlaws, the Chrome are building for the future. Their young roster flashed potential, but inconsistency keeps them here. With tough games ahead, they'll aim to play spoiler.

As Week 9 wraps, the PLL landscape is electric. The Atlas lead the pack, but challengers like the Archers and Whipsnakes are closing in. Playoff implications are everywhere, with seeding battles intensifying. Key storylines include emerging stars, defensive showdowns, and whether underdogs like the Chaos can sustain their surge. The league's parity means no lead is safe, and every team has a path to glory. Stay tuned as the 2025 season heats up—lacrosse at its finest. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/pll/story/_/id/45798881/pll-2025-power-rankings-top-teams-week-9 ]