PLL Power Rankings ahead of Week 4: Why the Outlaws are No. 1

Week 4 of the Premier Lacrosse League’s 2026 season is coming up this weekend in Charlotte.

The Whipsnakes are on top of the standings with a 3-1 record, with the Outlaws and Chaos right behind them at 2-1.

Is that how they line up in the Power Rankings? Here is how I see it heading into Week 4:

1. Denver Outlaws

Current record: 2-1
Week 4 opponent: Chaos (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.)

The Outlaws exploded in the third quarter for a 16-9 win over New York in a rematch of the 2025 championship game, outscoring their rivals 11-2 in the second half. The Tewaraaton trio of Logan Wisnauskas, Jared Bernhardt and Brennan O’Neil took over and combined for 11 goals. Denver’s defensive midfield triggered fast breaks off of Logan McNaney clean saves. Denver stamps themselves as the team to beat in the summer of 2026.

2. Maryland Whipsnakes

Current record: 3-1
Week 4 opponent: Bye

Maryland won a pair of games on home soil last weekend — defeating Boston 17-10 and topping Utah 8-5.

Syracuse rookie Joey Spallina, now flanked by Rob Pannell and TJ Malone, gives coach Jim Stagnitta options on the attack. Spallina debuted with five points on Friday night, showcasing elite movement skills, vision and shooting acumen. Maryland dressed six rookies each night. They next play on Saturday June 20 against the Atlas.

3. New York Atlas

Current record: 1-2
Week 4 opponent: Redwoods (Friday, 8:30 p.m.)

The 2025 PLL champions hit a road block in the second half in Week 3, losing to Denver 16-9 after leading 7-5 at the break. Two bright spots were midfielder Bryan Costabile, who finished with four points, and goalie Liam Entenmann, who made 20 acrobatic stops in a losing effort.

4. Carolina Chaos

Current record: 2-1
Week 4 opponents: Archers (Friday, 6 p.m.), Outlaws (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.)

A 10-8 win over Philadelphia is a massive step in the right direction for the Chaos. Goalie Blaze Riorden was a brick wall, making stops at a 64% rate. Princeton rookie Chad Palumbo dished out an assist with his first career touch, and iced the game by scoring solo late to give Carolina the winning cushion. Ross Scott and Jackson Eicher were productive. The Chaos host the top and bottom teams in my Power Rankings this weekend.

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Chad Palumbo scores a goal for Carolina Chaos

5. Philadelphia Waterdogs

Current record: 1-2
Week 4 opponent: Cannons (Saturday, 8 p.m.)

A low-octane 10-8 loss to Carolina on Saturday night may lead to some personnel changes at the midfield. Waterdog midfielders were anemic, with just one goal. Look for coach Bill Tierney to activate draft choices Matt Collison and Silas Richmond soon. Second-year pro CJ Kirst made his season debut, and scored three goals. His presence alongside water bug Michael Sowers on attack offers upside. The matchup against Boston this weekend is a critical one.

6. California Redwoods

Current record: 1-1
Week 4 opponent: Atlas (Friday, 8:30 p.m.)

The Redwoods had a bye in Week 3, and they’re back in action against New York on Friday night. Mikey Boehm, a second-year pro from Michigan, has eight points. Andrew McAdorey, a speedy righty from Duke, is their top weapon at the midfield.

7. Boston Cannons

Current record: 1-2
Week 4 opponent: Waterdogs (Saturday, 8 p.m.)

The Cannons are searching for an offensive identity. The 17-10 loss to Maryland was sobering. Midfielders Mikey Weisshaar, Matt Campbell and Mic Kelly were held in check. Boston coach Brian Holman is trying to find an attack group that complements each other — he did not dress Asher Nolting for a second consecutive weekend.

8. Utah Archers

Current record: 1-2
Week 4 opponent: Chaos (Friday, 6 p.m.)

The offense was apparently sold separately in an 8-5 loss to Maryland in Week 3. The Archers were held scoreless in the first and fourth quarters. Playmaker Connor Fields did his best, but Utah has scoring deficiencies exacerbated by injuries and poor draft strategy. Utah will try to win games with defense and goaltending — the clear-cut strengths of this roster.