AFL Playoffs Heating Up

While the NFL and NCAA football seasons are still a few months away, and the Canadian Football League is just getting started, many eyes have turned to the Arena Football League, which is just getting started with its playoffs. Two games are on tap for Monday, with both of them being televised by ESPN2.

Orlando is at Cleveland in the early game, while Grand Rapids and Arizona will look to keep their respective seasons alive in the late game. The quarterback situation will be the big news in the late game, as both teams enter the contest with question marks.

The Rattlers have used three different quarterbacks this season, with Matt Sauk having started the past four games, but it's quite possible Jeff Smoker will be back under center tonight. Whoever gets the nod will have the luxury of throwing to Siaha Burley, one of the top players in all of the AFL. He has 33 touchdown receptions, despite missing time with a hamstring issue.

Grand Rapids has given the nod to James McPherson, who has been up-and-down during the season, but has played better as of late.

Arizona won the previous meeting between the two teams, 52-48, and is just a 1-point favorite, with the over/under at 119.

The Gladiators have been one of the pleasant surprises in the AFL this season, going 9-7 after moving from Las Vegas. Fans have been flocking to see Cleveland play at home, and there's little doubt the place will be rocking tonight. Cleveland won 62-43 during the regular season, scoring on every possession except at the end of the game when content to run out the clock.

Both football games are among today's plays are up and at Free Sports Betting Picks located in the Sports Gambling 101 section of the site.

Photo: New York's Juston Wood throws a pass in last week's game against Philadelphia. New York won its playoff game on Friday and will advance to the next round. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)