Toronto Defiant vs Los Angeles Gladiators

Finally, to close out the week, we have a somewhat interesting clash between the Los Angeles Gladiators (when are their games not interesting?) and the Toronto Defiant.

Now, on paper, the Gladiators are heavily favored and with good reason. They're better both on an individual level as well as a six-man unit, they're more in sync, they're highly aggressive, flexible, and capable regardless of the meta. Toronto, on the other hand, is pretty much one of the worst teams in the entire Overwatch League. They're not exactly abysmal, but they're not much better either.

Still, as one-sided as this series should be, it's hard not to feel this unnerving, looming fear that this match -- much like a couple that came before it -- will spiral out of control because of the hero pool that's in place. Echo is shaping up to be a highly impactful hero (as expected) and with Mercy and McCree out of the equation, teams are scrambling to adapt as best as they can. Some, of course, are finding more success than others. In any case, matches are far more even than anyone expected, and with teams being forced to compete in an online only setting, many players aren't playing as well as they did in the past.

Does this mean Toronto will be able to shine and upset? Well, that's almost certainly a "no" but it's impossible not to worry at least a little bit. They're weaker in every possible regard, but the Gladiators also aren't known for their consistency. They revel in the chaos of those hectic six on six team fights, and they often overstep and allow their opponents to capitalize on an opening. Hopefully, today won't be one of "those" days. In any case, exciting, skirmish-heavy Overwatch should not be absent, that's for sure.