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United States Football League

USFL Power Rankings

by Fran Stuchbury
May 20, 2022 - United States Football League (USFL)


Week five of the United States Football League season is in the books, which means just half the season remains. All teams now have at least one win, while the only remaining undefeated team is the 5-0 Birmingham Stallions.

Week six's best matchup features the 3-2 Tampa Bay Bandits against the 2-3 Philadelphia Stars. Other games include 5-0 Birmingham against the 1-4 Michigan Panthers, the 3-2 New Orleans Breakers battling the 1-4 Pittsburgh Maulers, and the 1-4 Houston Gamblers taking on the 4-1 New Jersey Generals.

The power rankings at the season's midway point:

1. Birmingham Stallions 5-0

The Stallions continue to find ways to win games, making big plays on both offense and defense. They may stick with J'Mar Smith as the team's starting quarterback the rest of the season.

2. New Jersey Generals 4-1

The physical Generals are first in the USFL with 180 rushing yards per game. Will New Jersey go back to rotating quarterbacks this week or will they make De'Andre Johnson the permanent starter over Luis Perez?

3. New Orleans Breakers 3-2

Breakers QB Kyle Sloter, playing through injuries, must cut back on turnovers if New Orleans is to get back to its winning ways.

4. Tampa Bay Bandits 3-2

The Bandits have a chance to establish a running game against a Philadelphia Stars defense that gives up a league worst 193 rushing yards per game.

5. Philadelphia Stars 2-3

Still trying to get the passing game untracked, Philadelphia is fortunate to be playing in the North Division. Despite sitting under .500, they are still in second place, with the Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers both a game behind them.

6. Houston Gamblers 1-4

Houston has too many talented players on both offense and defense to be 1-4. Gamblers players lead the USFL in several pstatistical categories, but losing several games late has hurt this team. They must defeat the New Jersey Generals to keep alive realistic hopes of making the playoffs.

7. Pittsburgh Maulers 1-4

Pittsburgh saved its season by defeating the Gamblers last week for its first victory. Newcomer Vad Lee upgraded the quarterback position, and the Maulers will need to score points this week to keep up with the New Orleans Breakers offense.

8. Michigan Panthers 1-4

Now that the USFL expanded active player rosters from 38 to 40 players, will Panthers coach Jeff Fisher carry both a punter and kicker on the roster? Cole Murphy did a fine job kicking field goals and extra points, but only averaged 38.8 yards per punt. Former punter/kicker Michael Carrizosa averaged 46.1 yards per punt, but missed several crucial kicks.

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