**GDFL First Round Playoff Preview: Buffalo Stampede vs Syracuse Strong**

Syracuse,New York-Syracuse Strong (8-0) The Strong remain a loaded, balanced team that ranks third in the league in both total offense and total defense. Led by running back Rashad Burns who is in the conversation for MVP, the Strong have to be considered one of the favorites to represent the Impact conference In the Gridiron Bowl XV.

Buffalo Stampede (5-3) It's been an up-and-down season for the Stampede, who entered Week 8 facing a potential scenario where they could have been traveling to DC with a possible match-up in the playoffs facing Capital City Seahawks whom they defeated in Buffalo 16-8. Instead the Stampede are the Impacts conference 4th seed and will face the Impact south division champions for the 2nd consecutive time after losing with just minutes remaining in the fourth quarter 12-6 after leading for 3 quarters, they have the ability to win… the question remains on whether or not if they can close.

With Edward Bishop under center and a top-five running back Dajean Mccullough and one of the top receivers in the league Kendrick Benson they have a real chance at scoring an upset. Buffalo’s defense is lead by a tackling machine in linebacker James Foster Jr. the Stampede defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, so they are going to be a tough out.

It seems like the 2024 GDFL season only just started a few weeks back and now the playoffs are here—But after the conclusion of Saturday night's big showdown between the Buffalo Stampede and Syracuse Strong and when the dust settles the time for talk will be over.The elephant in the room is can Syracuse win a third time or will Buffalo shock the naysayers? Stay tuned for more updates as the Road to Racine continues.