Playoff picture is unclear
The Orlando Predators have notwon a division title in the Arena Football League since 2006.
That streak could end in three weeks when the indoor league’s regular season ends. Or not.
Either way, heading into Monday night’s game against the Iowa Barnstormers at UCF’s CFE Arena, the Preds (8-7) are in decent shape to reach the postseason. They are tied with the Tampa Bay Storm (8-7) atop the South Division but hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series 2-1. The Jacksonville Sharks (6-9) are on the fringe of the division race.
The Cleveland Gladiators (14-1) and Pittsburgh Power (13-3) have clinched two of the four playoff berths from the American Conference. The Preds and Stormhave a half-gamelead over the Philadelphia Soul in the race for the other two spots.
Division winners will host first- round playoff games, regardless of record.
Orlando, though, is in the midst of a two-game losing streak and has scored only three more points than it has allowed. That’s better than the Storm’s minus-30 points differential but far smaller than any other division leader.
The Preds will close the regular season with two of their last three games at home, including the finale July26against thetwo-time reigning AFL champion Arizona Rattlers (14-1).
Orlando’s only remaining road game will be against the New Orleans VooDoo (2-13) on July 19. One of the VooDoo’s victories, though, came against the Preds.
The Preds committed four turnovers Monday night and lost 42-35 to the Soul in Philadelphia.