Everyone’s been asking me. “Stunna what do you think of the matches this weekend?” “Yo Mike who should I take for the Optic/Seattle Match?” “I haven’t been keeping up with the matches lately, who does The People’s Champ think has the edge in the Ultra/Optic match?” Don’t worry everyone, whether you need some help on bets, or want to sound smarter than your friends when watching this weekend, The People’s Champ is here for you. I’ll give you my picks for each match this weekend and give you some flavor on them.
London Ravens (0-1) vs. Los Angeles Guerillas (0-2)
A matchup between the bottom 2 teams in the CDL isn’t getting much attention. Rightfully so as these teams seasons are basically over. Both teams will be fighting for their first series win of the stage. Additionally, London Ravens will be looking for their 1st map win this stage. London will have the edge on Hardpoint while LAG have performed better on control. LAG is the better search team so I have them winning this series. However, don’t be surprised if Asim carries London to a series win.
Boston Breach (1-0) vs. Florida Mutineers (1-0)
This will be an interesting matchup with some upset potential. On paper Boston is the better team overall and levels ahead of Florida in respawn. However, Florida is a good Search and Destroy team. Vikul and Capsidal are still playing well and looking to up their stock before the season ends. I think Boston will overlook Florida leading to a Mutineers upset.
Las Vegas Legion (1-1) VS. Atlanta FaZe (1-1)
FaZe are coming off a 0-3 beating from Optic but are still one of the best teams in the CDL. Vegas has had a disappointing season so far but their season is still alive. With Clayster’s veteran leadership this squad is looking to make a run to qualify for champs. FaZe have already clinched a spot at champs and are sitting cozy at the top of the standings. This match means more to Legion as every match they play they are trying to keep their season alive. I expect them to catch a relaxed FaZe off guard and improve to (2-1) on the split.
London Ravens (0-1) vs. Atlanta FaZe (1-1)
There’s no way to sugarcoat it, FaZe is levels above the Ravens. London has not won a LAN match this year and have only won 6 online matches. Without a realistic chance at Champs I don’t see London putting up a fight in this match. Expect FaZe to cruise to a quick 3-0 victory here.
Florida Mutineers (1-0) vs. Los Angeles Thieves (0-2)
Coming off a Major 4 championship, Thieves have dropped their first 2 games of the split. Thieves are one of the best teams in the CDL and have already secured a spot at Champs. Florida technically does have a chance at Champs but they do not control their destiny. They need to win out this split and make a deep run at Major 5 to at least have a chance. My heart wants Florida to win, however I think Thieves are too strong at respawn and will win this match.
Optic Texas (2-0) vs. Seattle Surge (0-1)
Optic have caught fire at the right time of the season. Jumping the standings in the 2nd half of the season they’ve found themselves at #2 in the standings and a trip to Champs. Seattle have had a streaky season but are one of the best teams in the league when they are hot. When Pred gets going they are almost unstoppable. Surge is the better control team and are a strong hardpoint team. Optic has been playing near perfect hardpoint lately and you can argue they are the best hardpoint team in the league currently. However they do struggle in Control so expect Seattle to win those. I expect Optic to win this match as they are the better Hardpoint and S&D team.
Los Angeles Guerillas (0-2) vs. New York Subliners (1-1)
Not much to say about this one. One of the top 5 teams in the CDL going against one of the worst teams. New York has a clear edge on respawn. On S&D Subliners have the edge but not by too much. If LAG can keep up in S&D and steal a hardpoint match they can keep this series competitive. At the end of the day New York is the better team and I expect them to put away LAG with ease.
Las Vegas Legion (1-1) vs. Minnesota Rokkr (1-1)
This will be a tight match. Vegas are looking to take Minnesota’s spot in the rankings to qualify for Champs. This is a must win match for Vegas. I am not one to bet against Clayster. Minnesota has had a rough time in online matches. They’ve only won 3 online matches in the last 3 stages. Legion tend to do better online. Expect them to beat Rokkr this weekend.
Toronto Ultra (2-0) vs. Optic Texas (2-0)
Two of the top dogs going head to head, this will be the best match of the week that you won’t want to miss. This one could go either way with Optic having the edge on Hardpoint and Ultra having the better Control. I think Optic are slightly stronger when it comes to Search and Destroy. If Optic win the Hardpoints they are supposed to, they’ll win this match but I expect this to go to Map 5.
Boston Breach (1-0) vs. Seattle Surge (0-1)
Seattle Surge have a clear edge on Hardpoint. Boston Breach are the better Search and Destroy team. When it comes to Control these teams are pretty even. Seattle will need Mack to show up and help Pred with the load. Whoever wins the Control matches will come out on top of the series. I expect Surge to do just this with a big series from Mack to put the league on notice.
The People’s Champ Guarantee
This will be your only 100 proof source for picks for the week 2 matches. As Stunna is the CDL Oracle, you can come back to this list Sunday night and see that every pick here was correct. No need to thank me as I do this for the people.
