USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
June 2, 2023 - United States Football League (USFL)
The United States Football week completed the seventh week of the 2023 regular season with all four playoff berths still up for grabs.
On Saturday the defending champion Birmingham Stallions held on against the New Orleans Breakers, and the Philadelphia Stars outlasted the Pittsburgh Maulers. On Sunday, the Memphis Showboats edged the Houston Gamblers, and the Michigan Panthers defeated the New Jersey Generals.
Week eight begins in Canton, Ohio, with the 4-3 Gamblers up against the 2-5 Maulers. The day continues with a rematch of last season's USFL Championship as 4-3 Philadelphia visits 5-2 Birmingham. On Sunday at Canton the 4-3 Showboats aim for their fifth straight victory against 2-5 New Jersey, and back in Birmingham, the 3-4 Panthers look to ice the 4-3 Breakers.
The power rankings after week seven:
1. Birmingham Stallions 5-2
The Stallions avenged an earlier season loss to the Breakers thanks to a defense which created three turnovers. C.J. Marable has 186 rushing yards the past two games.
2. Memphis Showboats 4-3
The Showboats are the hottest team in the USFL, riding a four-game winning streak after starting the season 0-3. The defense contributed an amazing 12 passes defensed in their win over the Gamblers.
3. Houston Gamblers 4-3
Houston saw its four-game winning streak come to an end in their loss to Memphis. Mark Thompson must run the ball more effectively after gaining only 42 rushing yards last week.
4. Philadelphia Stars 4-3
The Stars' three-game winning streak has them in sole possession of first place in the North Division. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win coupled with losses by the Maulers and Generals.
5. New Orleans Breakers 4-3
After starting the season 4-0 the Breakers have lost three straight. They settled for short field goals when they were in the red zone against Birmingham, and it cost them.
6. Michigan Panthers 3-4
Michigan plays much better on the road where they are a perfect 3-0 compared to 0-4 at home this season. They embrace another trip and hope quarterback Josh Love can keep it rolling.
7. New Jersey Generals 2-5
The Generals are losers of four straight games due to a stagnant offense hurt by inconsistent play at the quarterback position. The normally reliable defense has shown signs of fatigue as of late.
8. Pittsburgh Maulers 2-5
The Maulers are last in the USFL in scoring with a mere 113 points. Penalties have hurt in their last two losses.
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United States Football League Stories from June 2, 2023
- State of the USFL: Embracing Kickoff Returns, Increased Competitiveness in Season 2 - USFL
- What to Expect in Michigan Panthers vs. New Orleans Breakers - New Orleans Breakers
- USFL Week 8: What to Expect in All Four Matchups - USFL
- What to Expect in Houston Gamblers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers - Houston Gamblers
- What to Expect in Memphis Showboats vs. New Jersey Generals - Memphis Showboats
- What to Expect in Philadelphia Stars vs. Birmingham Stallions - Philadelphia Stars
- 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.
