Paul Bains extends his lead to two games, being the only one to nail the NOLA picks. All-in-all, though, the TRS staff pick record has turned out pretty well thus far. I remain in last, but with a 23-15-2 record, I feel alright about it.

This week it’s me taking the path less traveled, breaking from the consensus. I’ll be either up or down a game against my colleagues after Round 11.

Utah Warriors @ NOLA Gold

The second to last place team visiting the first place team should be a pretty easy pick. And it is.

But I will say, NOLA’s fast-paced play may also enable Utah’s strengths. In a battle of loose, wide-open attack, the gap between NOLA and Utah may not be as big as it seems on the table.

With the high-scoring trend that has been speeding up in recent weeks, I expect this one to be a barn burner. Utah may hang in there a bit longer than some people expect, but in the end, I don’t think they’ll have enough.

NOLA by 18

Seattle Seawolves @ Houston SaberCats

Houston has put up two decent efforts, in a manner of speaking. In their last two outings, they’ve beaten Utah and almost beaten Glendale. Of course, before that, they were run off the field by NOLA.

Still, their set piece and attack is clicking better than at any time in the last two years. Seattle, on the other hand, has been looking a bit bland. On March 10, they hosted Houston and won, though not without a struggle.

I picked Houston for an upset once before this season, against Toronto, and paid the price. Of all my picks, I think I regret that one the most. And yet here I sit and I am once again tempted to back Houston at home. One might think that the heartbreaker in Colorado would have flattened their spirit, but for some reason, I get the sense that it built their confidence instead. Give me Houston in an upset at home.

Houston by 6

San Diego Legion @ Rugby United New York

In Round 1, RUNY made their Major League Rugby debut with a narrow win over San Diego. Since then, both have had strong 2019 campaigns. They are #1 and #2 in point differential, at +74 for San Diego and +69 for RUNY.

It goes without saying that this one could go either way. But I think it goes for the Roosters. San Diego’s biggest edge in Round 1 came in the scrum, an area in which RUNY is vastly improved since then. With the cross country trip for San Diego and a well-rested Roost after a bye, I think they’ll have the edge in the bi-coastal rematch.

New York by 6

Austin Elite Rugby @ Toronto Arrows

I feel for Austin. They deserve a win. It won’t be the week. True, Austin once pushed Toronto to the finish, losing by a mere 19-23 score. But that was at home against a weakened Arrows side.

Toronto can’t be happy about having dropped the home opener. They’re going to be angry, and Austin is going to pay for it.

Though the Elite had been playing tougher of late, challenging both NOLA and New York, the Legion match last week may have provided the updated recipe for success. The Legion used tactical kicking to put pressure on the Elite and stellar defense completely shut the Elite down. Toronto may not be San Diego’s equal in those areas, but they are likely more than Austin’s.

Toronto by 15

TRS Staff Picks

You can find TRS contributor Paul Bains’ picks here.