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USFL Power Rankings

by Fran Stuchbury
June 9, 2023 - United States Football League (USFL)


The United States Football League completed eight week of the 2023 regular season with all four playoff berths still up for grabs. On Saturday the Houston Gamblers edged the Pittsburgh Maulers, and in a rematch of last season's USFL Championship, the Birmingham Stallions outlasted the Philadelphia Stars. On Sunday the Memphis Showboats kept their winning streak alive by topping the New Jersey Generals, and the New Orleans Beakers held on against the Michigan Panthers.

Week nine begins in Canton, Ohio, with the 3-5 Panthers up against the 2-6 Maulers. The day continues with the 5-3 Breakers visiting the 5-3 Showboats. On Sunday back at Memphis, the 6-2 Stallions play the 5-3 Gamblers, and at Canton the 4-4 Stars line up against the 2-6 Generals

The power rankings after week eight:

1. Birmingham Stallions 6-2

Their win over the Stars last week put the Stallions in a position to clinch a playoff spot in week nine with a victory against the Gamblers.

2. Memphis Showboats 5-3

The Showboats are the hottest team in the USFL, riding a five-game winning streak after starting the season 0-3. Finishing up the season with two home games could give them an inside edge on a playoff berth.

3. Houston Gamblers 5-3

The Gamblers got back on track with a win over the Maulers. Mark Thompson leads the USFL with 13 rushing touchdowns.

4. Philadelphia Stars 4-4

Stars quarterback Case Cookus turned in one of his best performances of the season in their loss to the Stallions, passing for 265 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win over New Jersey.

5. New Orleans Breakers 5-3

The Breakers snapped their three-game losing skid with a win over the Panthers. After a fast start this season, running back Wes Hills still hasn't returned to form.

6. Michigan Panthers 3-5

Falling behind 21-0 to the Breakers, the Panthers nearly came back before losing, 24-20. Michigan can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Maulers and a Stars victory over the Generals.

7. Pittsburgh Maulers 2-6

The Maulers have lost three straight games, the last two by a combined seven points. Red zone stumbles have cost the team all season.

8. New Jersey Generals 2-6

What a difference a year makes. After going 9-1 in 2022, the Generals find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination as they must find a way to defeat the Stars to keep those hopes alive.


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