Before throwing Grand Rapids under the bus as a fluky club which was fortunate to make the postseason, don’t lose sight of the fact a certain Chicago team caught fire late and galloped to an Arena Bowl championship after a mediocre regular season, just a couple of seasons ago. The Rampage are like Brett Favre rumor, gathering momentum with four wins in a row, including impressive dismantling of Arizona on the road, in low scoring 48-41 contest as two-point underdogs.

Grand Rapids was second in scoring in the league, led by the dangerous James MacPherson. Though he’s been fire-and-ice this season, MacPherson has protected the pigskin late in the year, as the Rampage has only five turnovers in last six encounters. Under his tutelage, Grand Rapids has scored at least 80 points four times this season they have also been held under 40 points in three others. MacPherson runs the offense well but had a tendency to hold on to the ball too long, which leads to a lot of interceptions and is part of the reason his offensive line has given up 29 sacks. They will take on the Chicago outfit looking for another title.

The Rush has to pumped, since they are facing a team in Grand Rapids they know they can control. Chicago has won last six meetings (4-2 ATS) and understands MacPherson is the sort of quarterback who likes to read and react and doesn’t prefer check-down throws. Jumping routes and making him hold onto the ball longer, leads to sacks and poorly thrown balls that can be intercepted.

The Rush is 12-4 ATS in home games are established as nine-point favorites at Bookmaker.com, with total of 114. Grand Rapids will be playing fourth consecutive road contest and is 9-22 ATS off an upset win as an underdog, plus grotesque 0-10 ATS in road games after covering the spread in three out of last four.

The Total adds intrigue, with the Rush 20-4 UNDER in home games when playing against a team with a losing record and the Rampage is 15-4 UNDER as the visitor vs. good passing teams with a completion percentage of 61 percent or better.

ESPN will broadcast this American Conference semi-final starting at 3 Eastern Sunday, with these two clubs playing UNDER in last seven prior showdowns.