PLL Week 6 Power Rankings: Teams, Trends, and Stakes

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) released its power rankings ahead of the sixth weekend of the 2026 season. The California Redwoods lead at 3-1, followed by the Maryland Whipsnakes (3-2) and the Denver Outlaws (2-2). The Philadelphia Waterdogs (2-2) sit fourth, while the defending champion New York Atlas (3-3) holds fifth. Carolina Chaos (3-2) and Utah Archers (2-3) round out the top eight, with the Boston Cannons (1-4) in last place. Upcoming opponents include the Redwoods versus the Cannons (Saturday, 8:30 p.m.) and the Chaos (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.), Maryland versus the Outlaws (Saturday, 4 p.m.), and the Atlas on a bye week.

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After five weekends, the league’s standings remain fluid. The West features a tight duel between California and Denver, while the East sees Maryland, Philadelphia, and New York contesting a narrow race. Week 5 produced several comeback victories, notably New York’s 16-14 win over Maryland and Utah’s 16-14 loss to California, underscoring the league’s competitive parity.

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• California Redwoods – Head coach Anthony Kelly guides a roster highlighted by veteran attackman Dylan Molloy (seven goals in the latest win) and specialist TD Ierlan (55 % face-off win rate). Goalie Dylan Ward posts a 60 % save percentage.

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• Maryland Whipsnakes – Coach Jim Stagnitta relies on the attack trio Rob Pannell, TJ Malone, and rookie Joey Spallina. Defensive lapses have been noted despite a strong offense.

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• Denver Outlaws – Featuring a Tewaaraton-award-winning quartet of Brennan O'Neill, Pat Kavanagh, Jared Bernhardt, and Logan Wisnauskas, the Outlaws are favored by sportsbooks to capture the title.

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• Philadelphia Waterdogs – Led by CJ Kirst, Michael Sowers, Kyle Lewis, and Josh Yago, the Waterdogs aim to capitalize on a balanced roster.

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• New York Atlas – MVP Connor Shellenberger (six points vs. Whipsnakes) anchors a midfield core of Bryan Costabile, Hugh Kelleher, and Matt Traynor.

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• Carolina Chaos – Goalie Blaze Riorden and defenders Jack Rowlett, Troy Reh, and Jared Neumann support an offense critics deem “pass-light.”

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• Utah Archers – Rookie Leo Johnson (four goals vs. Redwoods) leads a defense anchored by Brendan Lavelle, Warren Jeffrey, and Mitchell Dunham.

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• Boston Cannons – Coach Brian Holman evaluates attack options, with veteran Marcus Holman and midfielder Mic Kelly noted as bright spots.

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• Combined 100 shots recorded in the Redwoods-Utah matchup.

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• Redwoods’ goalie save rate: 60 %; face-off win rate: 55 %.

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• Maryland’s record includes two blown leads (6-0 and 10-3) resulting in a 16-14 loss to New York.

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• Denver holds a 2-2 record after a bye week.

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• Chaos maintains a 3-2 record despite a recent bye.

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Coach Anthony Kelly emphasized that “pushing all the right buttons” has kept the Redwoods competitive. Jim Stagnitta’s strategy encourages supporters to “buy on the dip” after Maryland’s recent setbacks. Brian Holman acknowledged the need to consider “personnel changes” for Boston’s attack unit amid inconsistent production.

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Analysts flagged Maryland’s “woeful pick defense” as a liability despite its potent offense. Observers questioned the long-term viability of Carolina’s “offense that doesn’t pass well,” noting reliance on defensive strength. Boston’s attack was described as “inconsistent,” prompting speculation about roster adjustments.

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Week 6 features marquee contests: California vs. Cannons, Maryland vs. Outlaws, and Denver vs. Whipsnakes. The Atlas returns from a bye to face Chicago on July 10, following the All-Star festivities in Annapolis on July 5. Performance trends this weekend will shape playoff positioning and influence betting markets as the season progresses.

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