American Football
European League of Football (ELF): Vienna Vikings vs Paris Musketeers headlines our Week 9 matchups and previews
Get ELF Game Pass on DAZN
The European League of Football (ELF) continues to deliver edge-of-your-seat action as we count down to the postseason, and we're already getting excited about the Championship Game on September 7, which will be played out in front of a busy crowd.
In last week’s slate of games, our tip for the Game of the Week delivered fireworks as Raiders Tirol stunned reigning ELF champions Rhein Fire with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, claiming a 35-18 victory.
As we turn our attention to Week 9, several matchups were in contention for the featured slot, but one clearly stood out above the rest.
Below, I explore what’s at stake and highlight the key storylines in a game that promises to be one to remember.
Game of the Week: Vienna Vikings (6-1) at Paris Musketeers (5-2)
This is shaping up to be one of the best games of the season so far. Both teams have acquitted themselves extremely well this season, and there's plenty on the line as the top of the East division faces off against the best of the West.
With statement wins over the Prague Lions (twice), Rhein Fire, and Raiders Tirol (twice) already under their belts, Vienna is undoubtedly one of the top teams in the competition, and the current favourite to finish the season as champions.
Their only loss came on home soil in the second of two meetings with Rhein Fire, but even then, they kept it close, surrendering a late lead in the fourth quarter.
Look for Vikings' American quarterback Ben Holmes to continue his hot streak against the Musketeers. He currently ranks third among all quarterbacks with 25 touchdown passes and, amazingly, has only thrown two interceptions.
The Musketeers come into this one full of confidence, too, fresh from a dominant performance over the 0-6 Helvetic Mercenaries.
But, with only two wins over teams with winning records - Stuttgart Surge in Week 2, and Rhein Fire in Week 7 - the Musketeers host the Austrians knowing they must win to prove they truly belong among the title contenders.
The Musketeers' best chance to emerge victorious may be controlling possession with their dangerous ground game, led by French running back Nicolas Khandar and dual-threat quarterback Jaylon Henderson, who have combined for 902 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Prediction: The might of the Vikings will prove too much, as they conquer the Musketeers 27-10.
Week 9 Full Schedule
12th July 2025
Munich Ravens (6-1) vs Helvetic Mercenaries (0-6) @ 1 pm CET / 12 noon BST
Stuttgart Surge (5-2) vs Frankfurt Galaxy (3-4) @ 6 pm CET / 5 pm BST
Fehervar Enthroners (0-7) vs Madrid Bravos (4-3) @ 8 pm CET / 7 pm BST
13th July 2025
Vienna Vikings (6-1) vs Paris Musketeers (5-2) @ 1 pm CET / 12 noon BST
Berlin Thunder (2-5) vs Cologne Centurions (0-7) @ 3 pm CET / 2 pm BST
Rhein Fire (4-3) vs Nordic Storm (6-0) @ 4:25 pm CET / 3:25 pm BST
Wroclaw Panthers (4-3) vs Prague Lions (4-3) @ 4:25 pm CET / 3:25 pm BST
What is ELF Game Pass?
ELF Game Pass is a dedicated streaming service on DAZN that allows fans to watch all 101 games of the ELF season live and on demand. It works similarly to the NFL Game Pass and will be the only way to stream ELF games from the 2025 season onwards worldwide.
Where can I buy the ELF Game Pass?
ELF Game Pass will be available on DAZN starting May 1, 2025. Fans will need to create a DAZN account, but no additional DAZN subscription is required - you can purchase ELF Game Pass separately.
For full details on the ELF Game Pass, please refer to this page .
