IFL Week 17 Preview: Playoff Pressure Mounts with Three Weeks to Go

Sports stats

IFL Indoor Football League

IFL Week 17 Preview: Playoff Pressure Mounts with Three Weeks to Go

July 10, 2025 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


With just three weeks left in the IFL regular season, the playoff picture is sharpening - but far from settled. Week 17 features seven games packed with postseason implications, from clinching scenarios to potential eliminations. Several teams have their playoff lives hanging in the balance, while others aim to secure home field or avoid tiebreaker chaos.

Vegas Knight Hawks (8-5) at Bay Area Panthers (10-3)

Friday, July 11 - 9:05 PM CT | SAP Center

The West-leading Panthers have already clinched a playoff spot but now turn their attention to home field positioning. Vegas enters in a tie for third in the West at 8-5, and can clinch a postseason berth this week with a win and a Tucson loss. Ja'Rome Johnson and Jayden de Laura have combined for 42 TDs passes this season, while Quentin Randolph leads the team with 17 receiving scores. Bay Area will counter with Josh Jones - one of the league's top dual-threat QBs, ranking first in rushing yards and fifth in passing yards among quarterbacks.

San Antonio Gunslingers (3-10) at Jacksonville Sharks (9-4)

Saturday, July 12 - 6:05 PM CT | Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena

Jacksonville can punch its playoff ticket with a win over San Antonio, who has already been eliminated. QB Tyler Huff has been a difference-maker, posting the IFL's highest rushing yards per game (89.2) and ranking eighth in passing efficiency (156.5). With playmakers like Jaedon Stoshak (13 TDs) and Ka'Ron Ashley, the Sharks are clicking offensively - averaging 44.6 points per game. Expect them to be sharp at home with a chance to clinch.

Green Bay Blizzard (8-5) at Quad City Steamwheelers (10-3)

Saturday, July 12 - 7:05 PM CT | Vibrant Arena At The Mark

This is the game of the week in the Eastern Conference. Quad City can secure home field in the first round with a win, while Green Bay is trying to stay above the East's playoff bubble. The Blizzard bring the league's top scoring offense (51.2 PPG) and an MVP-caliber season from QB Max Meylor, who's third in both passing yards (1,941) and rushing TDs (20). Daquan Neal and Jordan Vesey have kept Quad City rolling, but with these two teams, this one will likely come down to execution-who makes the first mistake. The stakes are high in Moline.

Massachusetts Pirates (7-6) at Tulsa Oilers (7-6)

Saturday, July 12 - 7:05 PM CT | BOK Center

A must-win for both teams. The winner stays in playoff contention, while the loser risks falling behind in the crowded Eastern race. Tulsa is still reeling offensively after losing star QB TJ Edwards to a leg injury in Week 14. Despite that, the Oilers are still one of the league's top-scoring teams (41.8 PPG). Massachusetts leans on dual-threat QB Kenji Bahar (30 passing TDs, 22 rushing TDs) and an opportunistic defense allowing just 37.1 points per game - second-best in the IFL.

Fishers Freight (4-9) at Iowa Barnstormers (1-12)

Saturday, July 12 - 7:05 PM CT | Casey's Center

With both teams eliminated, this one is about pride - and development. Fishers boasts one of the league's top rushing attacks and a defensive unit that ranks third in total yards allowed. Iowa, meanwhile, will look to salvage a win behind leading receiver Quian Williams (927 yards, 17 TDs) and QB James Cahoon, who has quietly become one of the premier QBs in the league, racking up 1,928 passing yards and 37 scores.

San Diego Strike Force (9-4) at Arizona Rattlers (8-5)

Saturday, July 12 - 8:05 PM CT | Desert Diamond Arena

This West showdown carries massive stakes. Arizona can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a Tucson loss, while San Diego is looking to tighten its grip on second place. Rattlers QB Dalton Sneed leads the league in passing yards (2,091), and Isaiah Huston has quietly become one of the IFL's most consistent receivers. San Diego counters with Nate Davis (64.7% completion rate) and a strong receiving corps. Expect fireworks in the desert.

Tucson Sugar Skulls (6-7) at Northern Arizona Wranglers (1-12)

Saturday, July 12 - 8:05 PM CT | Findlay Toyota Center

Tucson's postseason hopes are hanging by a thread. A loss, combined with wins by Vegas and Arizona, would officially eliminate the Sugar Skulls. They'll need big performances from Jorge Reyna (27 TD passes, 6 rushing TDs) and playmakers Drew Dixon and Larry Harrington to keep hope alive. Northern Arizona has been scrappy, but ranks near the bottom in most defensive categories. Tucson must take care of business.

Final Word

With three playoff spots potentially clinched this week - and at least one team facing elimination - Week 17 is packed with drama across both conferences. From QB duels to defensive showdowns, every possession matters as the postseason comes into focus. Catch all the action live on www.IFLNetwork.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from July 10, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central