USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
June 10, 2022 - United States Football League (USFL)
As the United States Football League enters its penultimate weekend, one playoff spot remains up for grabs. Last week the Philadelphia Stars emphatically claimed the final postseason berth in the North Division, joining the New Jersey Generals. In the South Division either the New Orleans Breakers or the Tampa Bay Bandits will join the undefeated Birmingham Stallions.
Week nine's lone matchup with playoff implications spotlights 5-3 New Orleans battling the 4-4 Bandits. Other games include the 7-1 Generals taking on the 1-7 Michigan Panthers, the 1-7 Houston Gamblers vs. 8-0 Birmingham, and 5-3 Philadelphia playing the 1-7 Pittsburgh Maulers.
The power rankings after week seven:
1. New Jersey Generals 7-1
Even with a playoff spot locked up, New Jersey turned in a solid performance in its victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers. With Luis Perez and the rushing attack moving the ball, they may continue to rest QB De'Andre Johnson in order to utilize him in the playoffs.
2. Birmingham Stallions 8-0
Still unbeaten, the Stallions barely held on to win a sloppy 10-9 game over the New Orleans Breakers. The Birmingham quarterbacks are going have to perform better if they want to win a championship, but the defense keeps them in ballgames.
3. Philadelphia Stars 5-3
The hottest team in the USFL, the Stars have surged offensively behind former backup Case Cookus, winning three straight to sew up a spot in the playoffs.
4. New Orleans Breakers 5-3
After blowing a winnable game to Birmingham, the Breakers have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Tampa Bay Bandits. Turnovers and mistakes continue to hamper an otherwise solid ballclub.
5. Tampa Bay Bandits 4-4
If the Bandits defeat New Orleans this week, they will control their own destiny in week ten, but the offense needs to take a step forward after scoring just 13 points last week.
6. Houston Gamblers 1-7
Kenji Bahar struggled in his first start against Tampa Bay with only 159 yards passing and one interception, but the defense stifled Tampa Bay's offense much of the game.
7. Michigan Panthers 1-7
The Panthers could use these last two games to figure out if they want quarterback Paxton Lynch on their roster next season, while their defense continues to crumble.
8. Pittsburgh Maulers 1-7
Eight games in, the Maulers still commit too many fundamental mistakes such as burning timeouts when they needed them in last week's loss to New Jersey.
United States Football League Stories from June 10, 2022
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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.
