USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
May 12, 2023 - United States Football League (USFL)
The United States Football week completed its fourth week of the 2023 season with the South Division going a perfect 4-0 against the North Division. The Houston Gamblers dominated the Philadelphia Stars, and the Memphis Showboats won their first USFL game with a commanding victory over the Michigan Panthers Saturday. On Sunday, the New Orleans Breakers remained undefeated by holding on against the New Jersey Generals, and the Birmingham Stallions edged the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Week five begins Saturday in Detroit with 1-3 Pittsburgh against 2-2 Michigan and in Birmingham where 2-2 Houston takes on the 3-1 Stallions. On Sunday at Detroit, 2-2 New Jersey lines up against 1-3 Philadelphia, and in Birmingham 1-3 Memphis faces 4-0 New Orleans.
The power rankings after week four:
1. New Orleans Breakers 4-0
Already the league's leading rusher, Breakers running back Wes Hills added yet another dimension to the offense, catching seven passes in the win over the Generals. In the previous three games he made six catches.
2. Birmingham Stallions 3-1
A game-winning, 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Deon Cain lifted the Stallions back to their winning ways against the Maulers.
3. Houston Gamblers 2-2
The Gamblers find themselves on a two-game winning streak thanks to healthy running back Mark Thompson rushing for 215 yards and five touchdowns over two games.
4. New Jersey Generals 2-2
The defense keeps them in games, allowing a league-low 63 points, but the Generals must improve their passing attack. They rank seventh in the USFL with 146 yards per game.
5. Michigan Panthers 2-2
After matching last season's win total after the first two weeks, the Panthers are showing signs of last season's struggles especially at the quarterback position where Josh Love has regressed since a solid showing in week one.
6. Pittsburgh Maulers 1-3
The Maulers continue to search for ways to be more productive in the red zone and get touchdowns instead of settling for fields goals. They've solidified the kicking game, but special teams breakdowns have hampered their efforts.
7. Memphis Showboats 1-3
Memphis finally won its first game of the season against the Panthers thanks to a suddenly stalwart defense and an offense that didn't turn the ball over.
8. Philadelphia Stars 1-3
The Stars' troubles begin with an offensive line which has allowed 18 sacks in four games and hasn't created holes for the running game. Philadelphia is fortunate to be only one game out of first place in the North Division.
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United States Football League Stories from May 12, 2023
- Jace Sternberger Finds Success in USFL Following Well-Traveled Career - Birmingham Stallions
- USFL Week 5: What to Expect in All Four Matchups - USFL
- What to Expect from New Jersey Generals vs. Philadelphia Stars - New Jersey Generals
- What to Expect in Memphis Showboats vs. New Orleans Breakers - New Orleans Breakers
- What to Expect in Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Michigan Panthers - Michigan Panthers
- What to Expect in Houston Gamblers vs. Birmingham Stallions - Houston Gamblers
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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