The Wranglers go down for the first time this year as Houston figures out a way to put them off their game and holds on to end the unbeaten streak at 13 games. New Orleans gets a huge win at home against the Federals and some help from Portland to take over first place in the South, and Texas punches their ticket to the playoffs with a win over Dallas. A big week across the league as the last unbeaten team falls, just two weeks before the end of the season, and the playoff hunt intensifies with a cluster of teams looking at those final Wild Card spots. We still have 3 divisions unsettled (the entire Eastern Conference) and we still have a lot of battling left to go as the USFL regular season reaches its final stages. It’s all here, from a breakdown of just how Houston did it to a look ahead at what could be a decisive Week 15.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS 21 HOUSTON GAMBLERS 28
We all wondered if this would happen, having clinched the division and a bye in the playoffs, could the Arizona Wranglers keep up the intensity needed to pull off one of the toughest tasks in all of sports, to complete a full pro football season undefeated? Only the 1973 Miami Dolphins and the 2002 Ohio Glory have ever run the table from Week 1 through to a title, and there is a reason why that is so rare. Not only does the pressure start to mount each week in an unbeaten season, but every foe sees their game with you as their shot at glory. That was certainly the case this week for the Houston Gamblers, who had this game circled on their schedule. Backs to the wall for playoff hopes, Houston not only wanted to win this game to prove something to themselves, they needed it in order to have any shot at a postseason bid.
The Gamblers came out of the gate white hot, and that fast start put Arizona on its heels early. It was a position the Wranglers have not faced most of the year, playing from behind and not having their defense in a position to shorten the game and lock down the opponent. Houston scored all 28 of their points in the first half, and that gave them the ability to play with a lead, to shorten the game on their terms and to hold Arizona short of a full comeback in the second half.
The stars were many for Houston in this one, beginning with the run game and former Machine back Michael Turner. Houston broke out heavy sets early and often in the game, and the added blocking helped Turner crank out 44 yards in the first half, including both of his touchdowns for the game. Cedric Cobbs also got several first half carries, and did quite well, averaging 3.6 yards per touch against a Wrangler D that had been among the toughest in the league to run against.
The big sets, often with 2 tight ends, a fullback, and only 1 receiver, forced Arizona to bring players into the box, which also allowed Matt Hasselbeck to find a receiver in one-on-one coverage. Hasselbeck went 10 for 18 in the first half, largely on play action, hitting Mike Sims-Walker with a TD to get Houston on the board after Arizona had taken an early 7-0 lead on a Jonathan Dwyer goallline plunge.
But the play of the game came after the score was tied at 7. Arizona was starting to drive when Osi Umenyiura just missed a sack of David Carr, but impacted his throw. The ball wobbled off target and right into the hands of Houston DB Justin Knox, who had clear sailing 40 yards to the endzone. The Defensive score not only put Houston up, but got the crowd into full voice. That crowd noise, amplified by the closed roof at NRG Stadium, helped propel the Gamblers into the 2nd quarter. It got even louder when on a 3rd and 1, Michael Turner not only slashed his way to a first down, but found himself in the secondary after breaking through the initial wave of tacklers. He would take the ball 26 yards for a touchdown and put Houston up by 14 points.
Arizona was reeling. They were down by double digits for the first time all season, and that meant changing their run-first philosophy to get back into range before the half. They would do that on a 9-play drive that ended with Carr hitting Larry Fitzgerald for a 13-yard touchdown. That play seemed to put Arizona back in a comfort zone, down only 7 with nearly 8 minutes of the 2nd quarter left to play. But, it the 7-point gap would be expanded once again, and in impressive fashion as Houston went on a 7-minute, 16-play drive, the likes of which Arizona had rarely seen all season. It was Turner and Cobb using the enhanced line to break free for several runs of 6-8 yards. It was play action to tight end Dante Rosario or WR Bethel Johnson. It was Matt Hasselbeck scrambling for a first down (against all odds) on a 3rd and 2. When Turner plunged in from the 1, putting Houston back up by 14, the Wranglers knew that they were in deep water if they wanted to keep their unbeaten season alive.
At the half, there was a jubilant but cautious feel about the stadium as the Gambler faithful were both impressed by their first half and worried that a change of momentum could come at any time. But that change never came. Arizona tried to adjust to the larger sets that Houston kept throwing at them, but the Gamblers continued to have success both with the run and with play action off the run. They effectively slowed down the game, holding Arizona to only 5 possessions in the 2nd half, and aside from one brilliant throw, a 60-yard TD from Carr to Antonio Bryant with 3 minutes left in the game, the Wranglers simply did not respond.
Turner finished the game as the offensive MVP, with 95 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Justin Knox’s pick-six was clearly the play of the game, but a lot of kudos should go out to the entire Houston coaching staff, who not only found a way to get Arizona out of their game, but kept Houston focused throughout the second half, trading points on the board for time off the clock. In the end, Arizona would outgain the Gamblers, but not where it counted. The Gamblers would take the win, improve to 7-7, put themselves in position to fight for a Wild Card in the season’s final weeks, while Arizona would drop their first game of the year, and now would have to decide how to play out the final two weeks of the season. Would they rest some players and enter the postseason healthy, with home field already locked up, or would they try to regain their swagger with their final two regular season games before their bye week?
ST. LOUIS 17 CHICAGO 14
The week kicked off with a good one on Friday night, a divisional matchup of the 2012 and 2013 division champs, and with the Chicago squad reeling a bit from recent injuries, St. Louis kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4th quarter field goal. The game featured two of the best young tailbacks in the league this year, St. Louis’s Eddie Lacy, making a push for ROTY with his 101 yard performance, and new league rushing leader Doug Martin, who exploded for 173 yards on 25 carries. But, sadly for Martin, it was not enough as St. Louis got the W and finds themselves in a cluster of teams at 7-7.
CHARLOTTE 10 ORLANDO 14
With Brandon Wheedon still suffering from last week’s blow, Jeff Tuel took the helm in Charlotte, and, well, it did not go as he would have wanted. Orlando also struggled on offense, but got 4 Bill Grammatica field goals and a safety from Arthur Moats to outlast the Monarchs and move to 6-8, still mathematically alive for a playoff spot. Charlotte now falls into a tie with Atlanta atop the division, but holds the tiebreaker thanks to their 2-0 record against the Fire.
PITTSBURGH 27 PHILADELPHIA 24
It seems like the Stars may have taken the foot off the gas a bit early in this one. Andy Dalton threw for 2 scores and Kenny Watson added another as the Maulers edge the Stars, costing them a chance to wrap up the division. The Stars face Washington next week in what could be the game of the year for these two teams.
DENVER 20 LAS VEGAS 7
Denver inched closer to a Wild Card spot, while Las Vegas, dropping their 4th in a row now slides all the way to 4th place in the Pacific. Jake Plummer tried to start but immediately had to be pulled after reaggravating his injury. Ingle Martin completed only 10 passes and was sacked 6 times by the Gold. Denver got a 48-yard pick six of Martin and added a Leinart to Tate TD pass to build up their lead on a punchless Thunder squad that is fading fast.
WASHINGTON 10 NEW ORLEANS 13
No one is talking about the Breaker defense, but they should be as New Orleans shut down Deuce McCallister (only 35 yards on 22 carries) and takes sole possession of first place in the Southern Division. New Orleans held Washington to 261 total yards in the game, a relief for backup QB Kyle Boller, who filled in for the dinged-up Drew Brees.
LOS ANGELES 13 OAKLAND 30
The Invaders flex their muscles and lay claim as the dominant team on the West Coast. Joey Harrington throws for 3 scores and the Oakland defense picks off Mark Sanchez 3 times as the Invaders dominate on both sides of the ball. Reggie Bush rushes for only 20 yards as the Invader defense asserts themselves on the line. They locked up the 2nd seed and a bye week with their win and Chicago’s loss this week.
NEW JERSEY 14 TAMPA BAY 31
Daunte Culpepper had no issues in this game, throwing for 265 and 4 touchdowns as the Bandits easily dispatch the Generals at home. The win helps them stay in the playoff hunt, though only barely. Shane Vereen got the start over the injured Willis McGahee, rushing for only 46 yards on 22 carries. Vincent Jackson went off in this game, catching 8 balls for 124 and 3 of Culpepper’s 4 TDs.
SEATTLE 22 NASHVILLE 14
The Dragons get a win on the road as they handle a flailing and uninspired Nashville squad. Cadillac Williams and Richard Turbin rushed for a combined 143 yards and the Dragon D picked off Peyton Manning twice as the Knights lose their 10th game of the season, putting the future of Jim Johnson in question.
MEMPHIS 34 JACKSONVILLE 16
Memphis has another good offensive day against the shell shocked Jacksonville Bulls. Eli Manning threw for 379 and 3 scores as the Bull defense simply had no answers. Both Greg Jennings and Lee Evans went over 100 yards, with Evans hauling in 141 on 5 catches, including a 55-yard scoring play.
TEXAS 31 DALLAS 14
Dallas drops to 3-11 and Texas punches their playoff ticket with the road win. Flacco rebounded from last week with a strong game, completing 16 of 26 for 268 yards and 3 scores. Dallas led early with two first quarter Jake Locker TD tosses, but they could not hold down the Outlaws and would not score again in the remaining 3 quarters.
BIRMINGHAM 14 PORTLAND 18
Portland may in fact be for real as they win again, giving Matt McGloin another victory as the starter. McGloin had a good day, completing 21 of 31 for 193 yards and 2 scores, but it was Jonathan Stewart’s 30 carries for 123 yards that helped seal the victory of a Birmingham squad that seems to have lost their spark. The loss drops the Stallions a game behind New Orleans and they could drop all the way out of playoff contention unless they can win their last 2 games.
OHIO 25 MICHIGAN 30
Ohio’s early season success seems long gone as they lose on the road to a feisty Michigan squad. LeVeon Bell was the story for Michigan as the rookie back rushed for 159 yards on only 20 carries. He added 2 scores and a third from Mike Hart secured the win for the homestanding Panthers. Chris Weinke looked good early but went 1 for 11 in the 4th quarter and could not rally the Glory.
BALTIMORE 12 ATLANTA 21
A bad loss for the Blitz but a very welcome win for Atlanta, who now sit tied with Charlotte atop the Southeast Division. Steven Jackson had a great game, going over 100 yards on 19 carries, but it was rookie Marcus Lattimore who got the scores, two touchdowns for the Fire. The Fire D also came to play, sacking Big Ben 7 times, including two each for DE C. J. Mosely and blitzing FS Curtis Fuller.
Four Game Slide Slips Vegas to Fourth Place
All is not well in the desert. Las Vegas has dropped 4 games in a row and 5 out of 6. After starting the year at 6-2 and looking like a Summer Bowl contender, they have dropped to 7-7 and are currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Yes, this is in part due to the hip injury suffered by QB Jake Plummer, particularly since Ingle Martin has proven not to be able to coordinate any semblance of an offensive attack, but it cannot all be put on the team’s QB woes.
Marshawn Lynch is not having the type of season that most expected. After his brief injury respite, it seemed he was raring to go, rushing for 130 yards in his first game back, but he has only had one 100-yard game since, and in the past two weeks has had a grand total of 17 and 16 yards. When the team is desperate to generate offense, those numbers will not get the job done. And while the combination of Chad Johnson and T. J. Houshmandzadeh started the year on fire, they too have cooled off as the Thunder have stumbled.
And relief may not be coming as soon as Coach Jones would like. Jake Plummer lobbied all week to get the start, he earned it in practice, but lasted only 3 plays and 1 throw before having to come out as he reaggravated his hip injury. That left Martin to manage the game, and with fewer practice snaps due to Plummer’s return, he was not prepared to do so. The defense is getting tired, and while they are still a top 5 run defense, they have been giving up more in the passing game. They need an offense that can shorten the game, prolong some drives, and put more points on the board. In their last 6 games, they have scored 14 or fewer points 5 times. And once again Plummer is pushing to get a start. The Thunder could be in real trouble as they face Oakland next week, and even a season finale against 4-10 Seattle may not be enough for them to qualify for a postseason that at one point this year looked like a foregone conclusion.
Breakers Win 4th in a Row to Take Over First in South
If the Thunder show all the signs of a late season swoon, New Orleans is the opposite story, a surge that could take the Breakers to a division title. New Orleans has won 4 in a row, including important division wins over Birmingham and Memphis and solid showings against the Thunder and just this week the Washington Federals. During this run it has been the defense showing the way. Other than a surprising shootout with the Showboats, it has been shut down defense for New Orleans, allowing 11 or fewer points in the other 3 games of this streak.
The defense is being led by a pretty solid 3-man front line of Ty Warren (15 sacks tie him for second behind Calais Campbell), Cameron Jordan (a solid 8 sacks), and DT Ricky Jean-Francois, who has 5 sacks from the interior. The Breakers are currently 3rd in the league in QB sacks with 57 (only Atlanta’s 59 and Oakland’s nasty 72 are ahead of them), and they are also getting it done against the run, currently ranked 3rd in the league behind Arizona and those Invaders once again. The arrival of Antonio Pierce from Washington has certainly been a spark to change the aggressiveness and focus of the squad. CB’s Patrick Peterson and Randall Gay have been very solid as well, and the safety combo of Corey Chavous (SS) and Mike Doss (FS) has been having their best year to date.
The Breakers now control their own destiny, with Charlotte and Nashville left on the schedule. Win out and they are the Southern Division champs, and a win over Charlotte could also put them in position to earn the 2nd seed and the bye week that any team would covet.
Portland’s Playoff Push
Another team that has to be considered a 2nd half surprise is Portland. After starting the year 1-6, the Stags have rattled off 6 wins in their last 7 games. They have done this despite making a QB change mid-streak, moving from journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick to rookie Matt McGloin. The Nittany Lion has not been putting up huge numbers, but what he has done is minimize mistakes and keep his team in every game. As with New Orleans, the secret to Portland’s second half success is not the offense, but a newfound defensive fortitude. Since the midpoint of the year, Portland has steadily moved up the defensive rankings and now sit as the 3rd best team in yards allowed and in pass defense. Over the past 6 games, they are averaging only 16 points per game against, and that number drops below 14 when we remove the Memphis game.
Portland has two DE’s, Eddie Freeman and rookie Dion Jordan, at 10 sacks apiece, and FS Darnell Bing has five picks on the year. Add to this a pretty solid season from a no-name LB group of Mark Simoneau, Channing Crowder, and Justin Durant, and the 7-7 Stags are still very much alive in a playoff hunt that no one would have seen coming after the season’s opening half.
Three Divisions & When They Will Be Decided
We have three division titles yet to be earned, and two of those three divisions, the loser could miss out on the playoffs entirely. That is not the case with Philadelphia and Washington, but certainly is possible with the New Orleans-Birmingham duel in the South and the Charlotte-Atlanta battle in the Southeast.
Washington and Philadelphia is about as clear cut as it gets, well, at least if Philadelphia wins next week. The two will face off at the Linc next week, and the winner will control their own destiny. A Philadelphia win earns them the division crown, but a Washington win and the two teams would sit atop the division at 11-4, each with a 6-2 record in division. That would mean that if the two tie at season’s end (with Washington facing Orlando in the season finale and Philadelphia visiting Dallas) the advantage could come down to a third or fourth tiebreaker.
In the Southeast, Charlotte holds the tiebreaker over Atlanta thanks to two victories over the Fire in their two meetings this year. With both sitting at 8-6, it means that Charlotte can clinch by going 2-0 against New Orleans and Los Angeles, but neither of those are easy matchups. Atlanta needs Charlotte to lose one of those games and then the Fire need to take care of business against Arizona and Tampa Bay. That Arizona game could be a nasty one next week as the Fire have to travel out to Glendale and face a Wrangler squad that just lost their first game of the year. Atlanta is hoping that now that an unbeaten season is off the table, the Wranglers will use the final two weeks to strategically rest some key starters, but that may be wishful thinking for the Fire.
Finally, in the South, we have the slipping Stallions and the surging Breakers. New Orleans is now in the driver’s seat, having taken a 1-game lead over Birmingham. New Orleans can lock up the division with a win at Charlotte next week and then at home against the Knights. If they stumble, Birmingham can still even things up, as they face two 10-loss teams in the final 2 weeks, visiting Seattle in Week 15 before finishing the year with a home game against arch-rival Memphis. If the Stallions and Breakers end the year tied atop the standings, then the Stallions’ better division record would give them the edge and the division crown. Clear motivation for the Breakers to put the season to rest with 2 more wins.
Chicago Signs 38-year old Richard Seymour to Fill DT Spot
The Chicago Machine made a bold move to try to replace injured DT Ellis Wyms. They went out and brought a player back from retirement, but a player they feel can be a factor in their final push into the playoffs. Former St. Louis Skyhawk DT Richard Seymour agreed to a deal that would bring him back to the league for the final 3 games of the year and the Chicago playoff run. The 36-year-old Seymour was basking in the glow of retirement until the Machine called, but the opportunity to once again make a playoff run was too good to pass up. Seymour arrived in Chicago in time to greet his former club as the Skyhawks upended the Machine, but was not yet ready to suit up. He will be on the field against New Jersey this week, but the real goal is to have him ready to contribute when the Machine face their first playoff foe.
LA does not add a DE, Adding SS Tra Battle Instead
The Express went a different route after adding DE Keneche Udeze to the Injured Reserve. With 4 DE’s already on the roster, they opted not to add another via free agency, but to shore up their secondary as they push for a possible Wild Card. The Express added former Atlanta Fire SS Tra Battle to their roster. Battle, who left the Fire to pursue an NFL job, was cut loose mid-season by the NFL Vikings and recently passed the 6-month threshold which allows teams to sign players whose NFL contracts have expired or been terminated outside of the NFL-USFL Transfer window. Battle had been thought to be considering a return to the Fire, but LA had a better offer, a possible starting position if the Express could qualify for the postseason and a 2-year deal beyond that.
Battle is expected to compete with Rahim Moore to fill in the spot season starter Lance Schulters vacated due to injury. He, like Seymour in Chicago, may see very limited action during the final 2 weeks of the year, but could be a factor if the Express can qualify for the postseason.
The Texas Outlaws become the 6th team to lock up a playoff spot, thanks to their win over the Dallas Roughnecks. Texas is now fighting to retain the 4th seed, which will allow them to host a game in the Wild Card round. The only other lock this week is that, despite their loss, Arizona locked up the top seed in the West, so the playoffs will run through University of Phoenix Stadium. The only newly eliminated team this week was Nashville, who, at 5-9, are now out of the hunt for a Wild Card and for the Southern Division, leaving only Birmingham and New Orleans in that race.
A lot could be decided in Week 15, with some big matchups, headlined by the battle for the Northeast as Philadelphia hosts Washington. Other games to watch include Oakland at Las Vegas, New Orleans at Charlotte, and Texas at Houston.
Overall, a very good week for the USFL with no new IR placements and only a few noteworthy additions to the injury list. That is always good news as no one wants to see the sprint to the playoffs marred by late season injuries.
OUT
FS Terrance Kiel ORL Foot 1-2 Weeks
C Robbie Tobeck ATL Nerve 1-2 Weeks
LB Justin Durant POR Ribs 1-2 Weeks
DOUBTFUL
OT Chris Williams NSH Wrist
OT Nate Dorsey NOR Jaw
LB Jonathan Vilma TBY Hip
CB Sam Shields PHI Hernia
QUESTIONABLE
OG Daniel Kilgore OHI Knee
DT Ziggy Hood STL Miniscus
CB Patrick Peterson NOR Neck
USFL Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2013
The USFL and the Pro Football Hall of Fame made their annual announcement of a new enshrinee class this week, much to the joy of fans in Seattle, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Denver, among others. The new class includes three first-time nominees, two returning nominees, and one player selected for the “Legacy” category that recognizes players whose standard eligibility ended no less than 5 years ago.
This year’s class is headlined by former Denver Gold QB Mark Brunell, elected in his fourth year of eligibility and beating out newly eligible QB Jeff George to join the illustrious company of the Hall. He is joined by three defensive players in former Star DE Regan Upshaw (1st year), Atlanta-Boston cornerback Tyrone Poole (1st year), and Fire, Cannon, and Gambler LB Randall Godfrey (2nd year). Also entering the Hall, another first-ballot entrant, Seattle OT Lomas Brown, beat out his own teammate Willie Anderson to receive the honor.
The five new nominees will be joined by a legacy selection known to USFL fans from Detroit to the PNW. Quarterback Jack Trudeau joined the USFL as a rookie out of Illinois in 1986. Chosen to be the heir apparent to Bobby Hebert by the Panthers, Trudeau played 8 seasons in Michigan, earning All-USFL honors in 1992 and leading the Panthers to the playoffs three times. He won a title with the Panthers as a rookie, but spent most of the season holding a clipboard for Bobby Hebert, who would leave for the NFL the next year. Following solid seasons in 1992 and 1993, the somewhat undervalued Trudeau left Michigan for Portland, where he would finish his career with the Thunder. In Portland, Trudeau would earn 3 more All-USFL honors, and would take the Thunder to the Summer Bowl in 1997. Trudeau retired in 1998, completing his career with over 42,000 yards passing and a lifetime TD:INT total of 295:127. Trudeau still holds team records for career attempts, completions, passing touchdowns, passing yards, and pass completion percentage. He also holds the team roecords for passing TDs and passing yards for the Panthers, all part of a two stage career that is now recognized as one of the best in the history of the USFL.
Trudeau, Brown, Brunell, Upshaw, Poole, and Godfrey will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on October 17th as part of the USFL’s fall Celebration of the Legends.
League Wants a Las Vegas Owner in Place by November
While the Ad Hoc ownership committee put together by the USFL to manage the divestment of the Thunder franchise from Phil Ruffin and the Thunder Football Group and the sale to a new investor has been very tight-lipped about their process and the contenders for ownership who have stepped up to put in bids, we did get some word this week from the league regarding a timeline. A member of the executive committee who wished not to be named confirmed our reporting that the league has set a deadline of November 12th, the date of their late fall league meetings, as the timeline to have a decision ready for leaguewide vote.
While any sale of a USFL franchise requires a leaguewide vote of the 27 other owners, the Las Vegas situation is, of course, more complex in that the league took over operation of the organization during the offseason when investigations of Phil Ruffin’s financial dealings produced not only violations of league policy but actual legal entanglements for the casino developer turned USFL owner. There are rumors of several ownership groups hoping to get their foot in the door with the Thunder franchise, though at least one bidding group appears to be making a pitch to relocate the franchise despite the construction of a new domed facility in Las Vegas. What we expect to see by November is a sense of the various potential ownership groups and what their pitch is to get the inside line on a potential sale.
Native American Group Protests Orlando Renegades
This week’s Orlando-Charlotte game at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium had an interesting sideshow this week as a pretty sizeable group of 200-300 protestors sought signatures on petitions and made declarations via loudspeaker, upset at the Renegades’ use of a tomahawk as their logo. The group included organizations representing the Timucua and Calusa people of central Florida. It seems that there is concern that the sacred symbol of these indigenous people is being used by the Renegades and that the commonly seen “tomahawk chop” crowd chant, similar to the one used at Florida State University and at Atlanta Brave games is not sitting well with members of these two communities.
The petition being circulated is asking the Renegades to develop an alternative logo that does not refer to the native peoples and cultures of central Florida. Similar to the concerns expressed by other groups around the Braves’ tomahawk chop, the nickname of Washington’s NFL team and the depiction of the Cleveland Indian in their primary logo. This was the first public protest of these groups, though the USFL has reported that they have received prior notices from a group called Native Peoples of Florida regarding the Renegades. While the Renegades have not made a statement on the situation, the league’s central office has stated that any decisions about team branding rests with the club and not the league.
We started off our report by saying that Week 15 could be decisive, and we meant it. Rather than a quick rundown of the week’s action, let’s go game by game and see what impact each match could have as we head into the final 2 weeks of the season.
Friday @ 8pm Oakland (11-3) @ Las Vegas (7-7) NBC
The Invaders have the Pacific wrapped up, and one more win ensures them a bye as well. For Las Vegas, they need 2 wins to have a real shot at a Wild Card, and they need to defeat Oakland to prove to themselves that they are truly the team that started the year 6-2, not the one that has lost 5 of their last 6. Jake Plummer is back in action, but will that be enough against that Oakland D?
Saturday @ 12pm New Orleans (8-6) @ Charlotte (8-6) ABC
A battle of first place teams, neither of which can afford a loss now. The Breakers have a one game lead on Birmingham and want to keep it that way. Charlotte is tied with Atlanta, but would win on tiebreakers, so they cannot afford to slip a game behind. This one could be a real slobberknocker as both teams need to win and both bring solid defensive squads to the table.
Saturday @ 12pm Baltimore (7-7) @ Pittsburgh (6-8) FOX
Believe it or not, this NE Division matchup is very much for playoff lives. Both teams are on the fringe for that final Wild Card. The loser is likely out of contention, the winner is thrust back into contention. A win in this game is a lifeline for either.
Saturday @ 4pm Birmingham (7-7) @ Seattle (4-10) ABC
The Stallions’ recent slide has cost them first place, but with New Orleans facing a tough Charlotte squad, this could be a chance for Birmingham to get back into tie for first and lean on their tie-breaker advantage. Seattle is just playing out the string, but they can still pose a threat if Birmingham is not on their game.
Saturday @ 4pm Michigan (5-9) @ St. Louis (7-7) FOX
St. Louis has not had the title defense season they expected, but if they can win their final 2 games, they could still find themselves back in the postseason. They cannot let down their guard against a Michigan squad that has shown some signs of offensive firepower of late and could be getting Hines Ward back on the field.
Saturday @ 7pm Tampa Bay (6-8) @ Orlando (6-8) NBC
Both of these 6-win clubs still has a mathematical path to a Wild Card, but only with a win this week, and next, and quite a bit of help. Will either feel motivated to play the long odds and hope that the rest of the games play out in their favor? It has been a disappointing season for Tampa Bay, a bit better than expected for Orlando, so how will expectations play out in this Florida Derby matchup?
Saturday @ 9pm Texas (9-5) @ Houston (7-7) ESPN/EFN
The Gamblers just came off their biggest win of the year, but need help to get into the playoff mix. Texas has locked up a Wild Card, but if they want a home game in the Wild Card round, they cannot let their guard down. Add to all this the drama of a Texas Showdown between old rivals and this one could be a lot of fun.
Sunday @ 12pm Nashville (5-9) @ Memphis (4-10) ABC Regional
Nothing but pride is on the line for these two teams, both eliminated from postseason consideration. But it is a Tennessee in-state rivalry game and these two clubs do not like each other at all, so that should be fun. Add to that another showdown of the Manning brothers, Eli and Peyton, and there is still some good drama in this battle of teams with sub-par seasons.
Sunday @ 12pm Portland (7-7) @ Ohio (6-8) ABC Regional
Ohio’s quick start made them one of the darlings of midseason, while Portland started horribly but has become one of the stories of the season’s second half. Both are still alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt, and the winner could be in a pretty good situation, but the loser, well, let’s just say that both clubs will be motivated when they meet in Columbus.
Sunday @ 12pm New Jersey (4-10) @ Chicago (9-5) FOX
Chicago locked up the Central Division title, but injuries to both Brian Urlacher and Ellis Wyms have led to a short losing streak. They need to right the ship against a New Jersey squad that simply does not have a lot to play for. Could be a trap game for Chicago, but could also help prep them for a first round playoff game.
Sunday @ 4pm Atlanta (8-6) @ Arizona (13-1) ABC
The Fire need to win out to have any shot at the Southeast Division title. Arizona has everything wrapped up, but could come out angry after losing their perfect season this past week. A lot depends on the motivation and the focus of the Wranglers in this one. Atlanta could become the victim of an angry team or could benefit from one that wants to play it cautiously before the playoffs start.
Sunday @ 4pm Dallas (3-11) @ Los Angeles (7-7) FOX Regional
The LA Express are clinging to the 6th seed in the West, but they will likely need to finish the year with 2 wins in order to hold that position. This game, on paper, looks like a W for the Express, but Dallas has had some moments and has been staying in games each week, so it is not a foregone conclusion that the Express get this one.
Sunday @ 4pm Jacksonville (3-11) @ Denver (8-6) FOX Regional
Denver can all but lock up a surprising Wild Card spot with a win at home against the Bulls. Jacksonville is looking very much like a team that will be picking either first or second in the draft this year, so, can the Gold stay focused and get the job done?
Sunday @ 8pm Washington (10-4) @ Philadelphia (11-3) ESPN/EFN
This one could be the game of the year. Two clubs that know each other well and have built quite a rivalry over the past 31 years. Two teams hoping not only for a division crown, but the top seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. It very likely all comes down to this game. Philadelphia has held onto first place for most of the season. Will they clinch it now, or will Washington overtake them on the penultimate week of the year? Do not miss this game. It is going to be as intense as regular season football can get.