Aces Snap Losing Streak, Wombats Struggle as 2024 Season Kicks Off
Written by Daniel Appleton (Aces Beat Reporter)
The Atlantic City Aces finally put an end to their 12-game losing streak with a 118.8-90.6 victory over the visiting Montana Wombats in Week 1 of the 2024 NAFC season. After enduring a historically bad 1-13 campaign last season, the Aces entered 2024 with renewed optimism and high expectations. While they got the win to open the year, the performance left room for improvement.
The Aces struggled to find their rhythm early in the game. Joe Burrow, expected to lead the team as a high-flying QB, managed only 8.5 fantasy points in a lackluster outing. Tight end Trey McBride, who many see as a breakout candidate this year, added just 8.0 points. However, the Aces’ real savior was running back Kenneth Walker, who delivered a standout performance with 24.9 points to carry his team to victory. Though Atlantic City did just enough to secure the win, they will need to clean up their performance to truly capitalize on the talent they’ve assembled for 2024.
On the other side of the ball, the Montana Wombats came into the game on shaky ground. After receiving the worst draft grade following the 2024 NAFC Draft, Coach Barry Smowck finds himself on the hot seat. It’s clear that this season is a “win-now” campaign for the Wombats, but Week 1 was anything but promising.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield did everything in his power to keep the Wombats competitive, leading all QBs in Week 1 with 34.1 points. Bijan Robinson and Aaron Jones were solid contributors in the backfield, but the Wombats’ wide receivers were nowhere to be found. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., expected to make an immediate impact, caught only one pass for four yards. Michael Pittman Jr. added a disappointing 8.1 points, and flex starter Chuba Hubbard managed just 1.4 points. To make matters worse, the Chiefs Defense posted negative points, compounding the Wombats’ woes.
The Wombats certainly have pieces in place, but their Week 1 performance highlighted the need for better coaching and game management. If Coach Smowck can’t turn things around quickly, his time in Montana may be cut short.
Looking ahead, the Wombats will host their home opener in Week 2 against the 1-0 defending champion California Rebels, while the Aces, riding high on their first win in over a year, will head to Des Moines to face the 0-1 Metro Raiders. It’s a long season, but both teams have much to prove as the NAFC campaign heats up.
