USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
June 3, 2022 - United States Football League (USFL)
The undefeated Birmingham Stallions and 6-1 New Jersey Generals clinched United States Football League playoff berths in week seven. Entering the eighth week of USFL action, the New Orleans Breakers and Philadelphia Stars have a chance to lock up the final two spots.
Week eight's top matchup spotlights the 7-0 Stallions against the 5-2 Breakers. Other games include the 1-6 Pittsburgh taking on against the 6-1 New Jersey Generals, the 1-6 Michigan Panthers battling the 4-3 Philadelphia Stars, and the 1-6 Houston Gamblers trying to play spoiler to the 3-4 Tampa Bay Bandits.
The power rankings after week seven:
1. Birmingham Stallions 7-0
It wasn't pretty, but the Stallions held on for a 26-16 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers, capturing a playoff berth in the process. They now face no rush to get injured players back on the field.
2. New Jersey Generals 6-1
With De'Andre Johnson out with an ankle injury, the Generals are more balanced on offense, but perhaps less consistent, with Luis Perez starting at quarterback. Perez has led New Jersey to a pair of wins in a row.
3. New Orleans Breakers 5-2
The Breakers can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday and a Tampa Bay Bandits loss to the Houston Gamblers on Sunday. An overtime win over Michigan provided some breathing room over Tampa Bay.
4. Philadelphia Stars 4-3
The Stars can capture a playoff slot with a victory over the Michigan Panthers on Friday. Their rally past Houston put both Michigan and Pittsburgh on the verge of elimination.
5. Tampa Bay Bandits 3-4
The Bandits must defeat the Houston Gamblers this week to stay alive for a playoff spot in the South Division.
6. Houston Gamblers 1-6
Houston has been ahead in all seven games at halftime and only has a 1-6 record to show for it. Kenji Bahar, who will start behind center with Clayton Thorson inactive this week, will see if he can give the Gamblers a chance to win close games.
7. Michigan Panthers 1-6
The only bright spot for the Panthers the past few weeks is kicker Cole Murphy who connected on a league-best, 60-yard field last week. After a hot start, Josh Love cooled off at quarterback in his first appearance with Michigan.
8. Pittsburgh Maulers 1-6
Pittsburgh is constantly making changes at the quarterback position. Pittsburgh inserted Roland Rivers late in the game last week instead of letting Vad Lee develop more. An impressive defense hasn't been able to offset the inconsistencies on offense and special teams letdowns.
United States Football League Stories from June 3, 2022
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
