During the first two weeks of the IFL, things did not go as expected. There were low-scoring games, defensive-minded game plans, and plenty of logistical issues with streaming the games. In Week 3 of the IFL season, things returned to business as usual.

For the first time this season in the IFL, all six games featured explosive offenses and exciting shootouts that came down to the last team with the ball. There were still influential running games, including impressive rushing performances by several IFL quarterbacks, but there were also plenty of big plays in the passing game. There has also been an exciting trend of teams attempting dropkicks on extra points for two points rather than using a traditional PAT kick for one moment. The IFL also featured a play on ESPN’s Top 10 plays with an excellent one-hand catch by wide receiver Thomas Owens of the Pirates.

In Week 4, fans should expect five high-intensity games that feature exciting offenses. This week, all five games are balanced matchups, and each team should score plenty of points in every game. There are also several opportunities for teams that have struggled to break through and show that they will be relevant in the playoff race during the second half of the season.

Last week, we had a 5-1 record with our predicted winners and an 11-3 record for picking winners in the IFL.

If you want additional commentary and IFL analysis, check out the In The Alley podcast on YouTube.

Note:  All games this week will be streamed for free on the IFL Network on YouTube and Caffeine.tv.

Game #1  – Upset Special

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th at 7:05 pm EST

Home Team: San Antonio Gunslingers (0-1)

Visiting Team: Northern Arizona Wranglers (1-1)

Location: Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas

DraftKings Betting Line: Northern Arizona Wranglers -2.5, O/U 97.5 points

The Northern Arizona Wranglers come to San Antonio riding the wave of momentum from getting their first game of the season after defeating the Tucson Sugar Skulls at home. The Wranglers bring a solid offense led by quarterback Josh Jones and outstanding rookie wide receiver Arsiah McCorker. Defensively, the Wranglers have been able to pressure opposing quarterbacks and get a couple of stops per game.

The San Antonio Gunslingers prepare to play their home opener after an explosive performance in San Diego. During the Gunslingers’ first game in the IFL, quarterback Sam Castronova established himself as a one-person army against the Strike Force. The Gunslingers’ downfall in San Diego was their inability to get defensive stops. Still, with home-field advantage and an explosive offense, the Gunslingers have an excellent opportunity to get their first win in the IFL.

Game Prediction: San Antonio Gunslingers 50, Northern Arizona Wranglers 47

Game #2

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th at 7:05 pm EST

Home Team: Jacksonville Sharks (0-2)

Visiting Team: Bay Area Panthers (1-0)

Location: Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida

DraftKings Betting Line: Bay Area Panthers -8.5, O/U 84.5 points

The Bay Area Panthers are the defending IFL national champion, and in their first game against the Rattlers, they showed that they have a championship-quality offense once again. Against the Rattlers, quarterback DaQuan Neal was nearly unstoppable, and he also did an excellent job of getting the ball to his weapons on offense. Defensively, the Panther’s defense will put pressure on the Sharks quarterback, who should be able to force the Sharks into making a few mistakes offensively.

The Jacksonville Sharks have faced a nightmare schedule during their first three games in the IFL. They opened the season on the road in Massachusetts and followed up by facing an impressive Vegas Knight Hawks team. Even though the Sharks have started the season with back-to-back losses, they have made significant improvements offensively. For the Sharks to have a chance to upset the Panthers, their defense will need to play its best game of the season and get stops against the Panthers’ explosive offense.

Game Prediction: Bay Area Panthers 52, Jacksonville Sharks 45

Game #3

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th at 8:05 pm EST

Home Team: Duke City Gladiators (0-2)

Visiting Team: Tucson Sugar Skulls (0-1)

Location: Rio Rancho Event Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

DraftKings Betting Line: Tucson Sugar Skulls -4.5, O/U 85.5 points

The Tucson Sugar Skulls boast an impressive running game led by quarterback Mylik Mitchell. Mitchell has also shown his ability to get the ball to his best wide receivers in space to balance their offensive attack. Last week, the Sugar Skulls came up just short of starting the season with a victory at Northern Arizona. If they can match last week’s effort, they should get their first win of the season.

To start the 2024 season, the Duke City Gladiators have shown they can compete with the best teams in the IFL. The Gladiators and quarterback Javin Kilgo have been able to score points, and defensively, they can get stops, but they have come up just short two weeks in a row. This week, they will need to stop the effective running game of the Sugar Skulls if they want to get their first win of the season.

Game Prediction: Tucson Sugar Skulls 47, Duke City Gladiators 45

Game #4

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th at 8:05 pm EST

Home Team: Quad City Steamwheelers (1-0)

Visiting Team: Green Bay Blizzard (1-1)

Location: Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline, Illinois

DraftKings Betting Line: Quad City Steamwheelers -6.5, O/U 85.5 points

The Green Bay Blizzard should be confident and rested after picking up a win against Iowa and having a bye week last week. For the Blizzard to have a chance to pick up a road win, quarterback Max Meylor will need to find ways to make plays for four quarters. Meylor has sometimes needed help to get the ball into the end zone in the short-field and goal-line situations. Defensively, the Blizzard need to force a few turnovers to give themselves a chance to pick up a big win.

Like the Blizzard, the Steamwheelers should feel confident and healthy after their first win and having a bye week. The Steamwheelers’ offense, led by quarterback Judd Erickson, started slowly against Sioux Falls, but they scored enough points to win in overtime. Home-field advantage at Quad City can significantly impact the performance of visiting teams. If the Steamwheelers can play sound football, they should have enough firepower to get their second win of the season.

Game Prediction: Quad City Steamwheelers 45, Green Bay Blizzard 42

Game #5

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th at 8:05 pm EST

Home Team: Tulsa Oilers (0-1)

Visiting Team: Iowa Barnstormers (0-1)

Location: BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma

DraftKings Betting Line: Tulsa Oilers -7, O/U 77.5 points

The Iowa Barnstormers, led by quarterback Darius-James Peterson, can move the ball consistently on offense. However, in their first game of the season, they struggled to consistently get the ball into the end zone. Defensively, the Barnstormers could pressure opposing quarterbacks and get a few stops. This week, they must stop the Oilers’ running game and put up points against one of the best defensive units in the IFL.

The Tulsa Oilers came up just short of starting their season with a massive win against the Frisco Fighters. Clock management at the end of the Frisco game burned the Oilers, allowing the Fighters to force overtime and eventually a Fighters win. The Oilers have one of the best defenses in the IFL and have shown the ability to run the ball effectively. This week, they have a chance to have a breakout game on offense in front of their rabid fan base.

Game Prediction: Tulsa Oilers 45, Iowa Barnstormers 37

Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7

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author avatar
Aaron Sauter
Aaron Sauter is a 23-veteran high school football coach that is also an fan of all levels of football. He is especially interested in alternative football leagues like the CFL, UFL, and IFL. Aaron enjoys analyzing innovative schemes on offense and defense during his free time.

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