The Düsseldorf Panther (5-6) close out the German Football League regular season at home against the Straubing Spiders (0-11) Saturday with their playoff ticket already secured and a chance to carry a three-game winning streak into the postseason.
Panther have found another gear
Few teams have changed their outlook as dramatically down the stretch as the Panther.
After beating the Berlin Rebels, Düsseldorf went on the road last week and dismantled the Allgäu Comets 54-0. The Panther exploded for 23 points in the opening quarter, stretched the margin to 37-0 by halftime and never gave the Comets an opening to get back into the game.
Quarterback Dawson Herl was nearly flawless, completing all 12 of his passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns. Eritros Haggi turned three catches into 155 yards and two scores, while Florian Ferizi took his only reception 58 yards to the end zone.
Gennadiy Adams gave the offense another weapon on the ground, rushing for 44 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.
The defense was just as dominant, shutting out Allgäu while intercepting Gabe Quigley twice.
Watch live PPV. Straubing Spiders @ Düsseldorf Panther, Aug. 29, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)
Straubing showed fight against Munich
The record says 0-11, but the Spiders gave the Munich Cowboys everything they could handle last week before falling 30-23.
After going into a 16-0 hole, Straubing fought all the way back and pulled even at 16-16 in the third quarter. Jvonte Kareem Davis ran for two touchdowns, Jordan Xavier Pouncey added another through the air and Eloi Soler caught seven passes for 101 yards.
The problem was finishing the job. Turnovers and big plays helped Munich regain control, leaving the Spiders still searching for their first victory.
Now they get one final opportunity.
Düsseldorf wants momentum for playoffs
There is no playoff pressure attached to the outcome for Düsseldorf, but there is plenty to play for.
The Panther have hit their best stretch of the season at exactly the right time, and Saturday gives them one more chance to keep that momentum rolling before the quarterfinals.
For Straubing, there is nothing beyond Saturday. After 11 straight losses, the Spiders can empty the tank trying to avoid a winless season.
That makes this an interesting regular-season finale: one team preparing for the playoffs, the other playing its final four quarters of 2026.