PLL Power Rankings heading into Week 7: Who's No. 1?

The PLL stages Week 7 in Chicago on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. It's the first neutral tour stop of the regular season, meaning all eight teams are in action.

Heading into Week 7, half the teams are 3-2 and the other half are 2-3. Who will get an upper hand this week?

Here's how things stand:

1. Denver Outlaws

Current record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 2

Three consecutive wins coincide with the addition of goalie Logan McNaney and playmaker Jared Bernhardt. Bernhardt is one of four Tewaaraton Award winners on offense, who saw time as a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons.

Brennan O'Neill scored seven points and captured MVP honors in leading the Western Conference to a 15-13 win over the East in the PLL All-Star Game this past Saturday.

This week: vs. Whipsnakes, Saturday 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+

2. New York Atlas

Current record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 3

Defense sold separately no more! The Atlas held two potent offenses to fewer than 10 goals.

Complementary lacrosse is the winning formula. Coach Mike Pressler's squad leads the PLL in ground balls, faceoff efficiency and assists.

Connor Shellenberger now has 18 points, and Jeff Teat leads the crew in goals with 10. Will Dox Aitken make a re-appearance after dabbling in semi-pro football? That would add a boost to the midfield, which seems overly reliant on Bryan Costabile.

New York has the best specialist combo in the league with FOGO Trevor Baptiste and goalie Liam Entenmann. The Atlas remain a prime time title contender for sure.

This week: vs. Cannons, Friday 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2/ESPN+

3. Philadelphia Waterdogs

Current record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 5

The primary storyline this weekend revolves around the debut appearance for CJ Kirst. The lefty from New Jersey led Cornell to an NCAA title and won the Tewaaraton. Along the way, he scored more goals than any player in D1 history.

His insertion into the lineup may elevate the Waterdogs to the top of the heap. Michael Sowers leads the league in points (24) and assists (18). Philly remains on an upward trajectory, with room for growth.

This week: vs. Archers, Friday 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+

4. Boston Cannons

Current record: 3-2
Previous ranking: 1

The Cannons' 49 caused turnovers for the defense is best in class. Catalyst Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman are having subdued summers, as Nolting is embroiled in a long-term shooting slump, unable to penetrate into the paint.

Boston's poor draft day decisions are haunting the franchise. In 2024, they passed on TJ Malone. Had they made that pick, Aidan Carroll or Matt Traynor would have made sense in 2025. But the Cannons are a contender regardless, but their style won't blow you away.

This week: vs. Atlas, Friday 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2/ESPN+

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East vs. West: Game Highlights

East vs. West: Game Highlights

5. Utah Archers

Current record: 2-3
Previous ranking: 4

Utah has allowed a mere 50 scores in five games which is best in the league, but have managed only 46 scores on offense, which is last. It's surprising that the two-time champions are struggling on the offensive end.

Perhaps the return of righty midfielder Tre Leclaire from the PUP list after the All-Star break will improve offensive efficiency. Leclaire sets solid picks for Grant Ament and Tom Schreiber, and can rip the two-pointer on the power play.

This week: vs. Waterdogs, Friday 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+

6. Maryland Whipsnakes

Current record: 2-3
Previous ranking: 7

The Whipsnakes ran their score differential to plus-12 after a 20-6 blowout of Carolina, and then had a two-week break. Those lengthy stoppages can wreak havoc on offensive flow.

Rookie Aidan Carroll has 12 goals, and TJ Malone is second in the PLL with 21 points. Does Coach Jim Stagnitta start goalie Brendan Krebs or Emmet Carroll in Chicago? I think he has to stick with Carroll.

This week: vs. Outlaws, Saturday 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+

7. Carolina Chaos

Current record: 2-3
Previous ranking: 8

The Chaos had a season-saving win over Boston in San Diego, which featured monster games from Owen Hiltz and Sergio Perkovic. Hiltz, a rookie from Ontario via Syracuse, had four goals in the victory.

Ross Scott created some double teams as a ball carrier. Shane Knobloch was injured and his status in Chicago looms large.

Carolina's minus-17 score differential doesn't bode well for tie-breakers. I'd be shocked if Carolina made a playoff run this season. Their offense seems overmatched.

This week: vs. Redwoods, Saturday 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+

8. California Redwoods

Current record: 2-3
Previous ranking: 6

The mirage has faded as three straight losses bring Redwoods nation back to reality.

The youth movement here is a summer storyline. New coach Anthony Kelly has been transforming the mindset with the help of Jon Gordon's library of books. Rookies Andrew McAdorey, Sam English, Chris Kavanagh, Carter Rice and Josh Balcarcel are positive additions.

The Woods prefer a fast tempo, but they must sustain that energy for the full 48 minutes. Goalie Chayse Ierlan is saving just 48%, and defender Cole Kastner is a chess piece who needs more utilization.

This week: vs. Chaos, Saturday 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+