Sharks Move Past Playoff-Bound Preds in Latest AFL Power Rankings
Published on July 20, 2015 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
LAS VEGAS - A 74-67 victory over the No. 1 seed in the American Conference in Week 17 propelled the Jacksonville Sharks (8-7) ahead of the South Division-leading Orlando Predators (10-6) in the latest AFL Power Rankings. The Sharks, who knocked off the No. 2-ranked Philadelphia Soul (13-3) in a down-to-the-wire thriller last weekend, can clinch a playoff spot in Week 18 with a win over the division rival Tampa Bay Storm (6-9) this Saturday, July 25. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS.
Orlando, meanwhile, clinched its own playoff berth following a 65-58 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators (7-9) last weekend. Though the Predators fell one spot to No. 5 in this week's Power Rankings, Orlando will surely spend their bye week enjoying the 22nd playoff berth in the team's 24-year history and preparing for a potential division-deciding game with the Sharks in Week 19.
The San Jose SaberCats (15-1) survived an overtime scare from the Portland Thunder (4-11) in Week 17, pulling out a 55-49 victory to secure their franchise record 15th win of the year and remain in the top spot of the AFL Power Rankings. San Jose has a bye in Week 18 but can still secure the top seed in the National Conference without having to take the field. If the LA KISS (4-11) - winners of two straight and four of their last six games - can knock off the West Division champion Arizona Rattlers (12-3) on Sunday, the SaberCats will clinch home field advantage in the National Conference.
Despite LA's late season surge, taking down the No. 3-ranked Rattlers will be no easy task. In four games against the three-time defending ArenaBowl champions, LA has been outscored 270-115. With home field advantage on the line and a potentially pivotal matchup with San Jose on the horizon in Week 19 - not to mention coming off a disappointing 45-52 loss to the 5-10 Spokane Shock last week - a motivated Arizona team will be more than a handful for the KISS to deal with. Kickoff for the West Division showdown in Phoenix is set for 6:00 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPNEWS.
The No. 2-ranked Philadelphia Soul will have a week to think about their 67-74 loss to Jacksonville; however, with home field advantage already wrapped up, the Soul will likely do more looking forward than looking back. With two games remaining on their regular season docket, Philadelphia's primary goal will be to reach the postseason healthy, particularly considering they may be facing off with the defending American Conference champion Cleveland Gladiators in Week 20 and the AFL Quarterfinals, if the playoff standings stay as they are.
The AFL Power Rankings are calculated on ArenaFootball.com using a scoring system based on winning percentage, strength of schedule, scoring percentage, and win-streak. This week's complete AFL Power Rankings are listed below.
July 20 AFL Power Rankings
Rank Team W-L Power Last Week
1. San Jose SaberCats 15-1 0.716 1
2. Philadelphia Soul 13-3 0.709 2
3. Arizona Rattlers 12-3 0.708 3
4. Jacksonville Sharks 8-7 0.703 5
5. Orlando Predators 10-6 0.703 4
6. Cleveland Gladiators 7-9 0.701 6
7. Tampa Bay Storm 6-9 0.698 7
8. Portland Thunder 4-11 0.697 9
9. Las Vegas Outlaws 5-10 0.696 8
10. Spokane Shock 5-10 0.696 10
11. LA KISS 4-11 0.695 11
12. New Orleans VooDoo 3-12 0.693 12
Arena Football League Stories from July 20, 2015
- Arizona Rattlers Donate Tickets to Local Foster Families for July 26 Home Game - Arizona Rattlers
- Tickets on Sale Now for 1st Round Playoff Game on August 14th - San Jose SaberCats
- SaberCats to Host AFL Hall of Fame Ceremony on July 30th - San Jose SaberCats
- Sharks Move Past Playoff-Bound Preds in Latest AFL Power Rankings - AFL
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