We’re now over halfway through the inaugural USFL season, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. In the north, the New Jersey Generals can secure their spot with either a win over the Tampa Bay Bandits or losses from the Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers.
Looking to the south, the Birmingham Stallions have a more narrow path this week, but it’s inevitable that they clinch in the near-future. They can get it done in week 7 with a win against the Pittsburgh Maulers and a loss by the the Tampa Bay Bandits.
Week 7 has two clinching scenarios for a spot in the inaugural playoffs 🙌
Will the @USFLGenerals and @USFLStallions book their ticket to Canton this weekend? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gHzXP4E6HL
— USFL (@USFL) May 25, 2022
New Jersey Generals (5-1) at Tampa Bay Bandits (3-3)
Saturday – 12PM EST – USA – Stream – Tickets
So far this season, Tampa Bay has traded off wins and losses. After coming up short against the Stars last week, they look co continue the trend. On the other side of the field is the New Jersey Generals, which could clinch a post season appearance with a win.
Last weekend DeAndre Johnson was injured, bringing Luis Perez in to finish the game. It seems as Johnson may not be ready to return, as the team has picked up Kyle Lauletta off waivers earlier this week. There’s a lot on the line for both teams, so it should be a fun one to watch.
New Orleans Breakers (4-2) at Michigan Panthers (1-5)
Saturday – 9PM EST – FS1 – Stream – Tickets
Michigan just can’t seem to find their footing this season, and now they’re facing one of their toughest opponents to date. Coach Fisher decided to make some adjustments going into week 7, releasing Shae Patterson. Interestingly enough, Patterson finds himself on the other side of the field, joining New Orleans.
Kyle Sloter has been nursing some injuries, but it looks like Coach Fedora is looking to build the QB-core in preparation of the playoffs. If the Panthers want a chance at the post season, they’ll need to start winning now.
Birmingham Stallions (6-0) at Pittsburgh Maulers (1-5) at
Sunday – 2PM EST – FOX – Stream – Tickets
Birmingham is another team that could seal their playoff appearance, but they need to rely on the Generals also clinching their spot. Coach Holtz has gotten in the habit of rotating between Alex McGough and J’Mar Smith, and with their record it’s hard to argue against it. Even with some crucial injuries, the franchise has been able to keep the streak going. On paper, the Stallions should have no problems against their opponents this week.
Vad Lee has definitely been an improvement for the Maulers, but this one may be a bit out of reach. That being said, this has all the ingredients of a trap game. A win over the league’s best team could go a long way in the Pittsburgh locker room. I wouldn’t count them out just yet.
Philadelphia Stars (3-3) at Houston Gamblers (1-5)
Sunday – 6PM EST – Peacock – Stream – Tickets
Rounding out the action this weekend is the Philadelphia Stars and the Houston Gamblers. Unlike the Generals and Stallions, Houston has a chance to be locked out of the post season this week. If they lose and the Breakers win, the focus will then shift to building towards their 2023 campaign.
Philadelphia is another team that has been trading off wins and losses this season. If the trend is to continue, they’re due for a loss this week. Bryan Scott is still out for Coach Andrus, but Case Cookus has been able to hold his own.
The Gamblers could easily have a much better record. The last three-weeks they lost on the final play of the game. This is after leading at halftime for all of them. This could be the week that they rebound, but it’s probably a little too late.
Which USFL matchup are you looking forward to the most this Memorial weekend? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
