We’ve walked through the Eastern Conference, highlighting the best players in each division and a few of our boldest predictions, and now it is time to do the same for the Western Conference, home to the defending champion Arizona Wranglers. We will kick our Western preview with a look at the three new coaches, including the latest to be added in St. Louis. We will then look at the players that will define the West races this year, take a look at each team as they prepare to kick off the season, and then we will wrap it all up with our predictions for the postseason and the league awards. We will give you the quick version of our Power Ratings, and then get ready for this week’s action as we look at the 14 opening matchups in Week One. Let’s get this going and get ready for some spring football.
St. Louis Finally Has its Head Coach
The St. Louis Skyhawks took the delayed hire approach about as far as it can be taken, not only waiting until the conclusion of the NFL regular season to negotiate with an NFL coordinator, but holding off the signing of a new coach until after the USFL draft, but on January 30, just 10 days before the team was supposed to open camp in Shreveport, Louisiana did they announce their new hire. And who was that hire? It was one-time St. Louis Knights backup QB and current San Diego Chargers OC Frank Reich.
Reich, who played 3 seasons in the USFL after several years in the NFL, has been rising up the NFL coaching line since beginning as a coaching intern with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. He has been serving as the OC for the Chargers since being promoted from QB Coach in 2013. His return to St. Louis will be his first head-coaching position and his first return to the USFL since retiring from the game in 1998. He faces quite a challenge with a Skyhawks team that finished 2016 at 3-13. Initially faced with significant cap issues, the Skyhawks saw star WR Jordy Nelson depart in free agency, along with SS Marqueston Huff and 4 other significant contributors.
However, during the offseason, the Skyhawks were able to restructure several contracts of higher salary player, helping to free up cap space to be a player when the NFL-USFL Transfer Window opened. Making up for lost time and for a total lack of activity in USFL free agency, the Skyhawks, with Reich now in camp with the team, has made 3 big NFL signings in Reich’s short interim. In addition to adding WR Terrance Williams back in September, the Skyhawks also added former Packer LB Nick Perry, and former Jaguars and 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert, a Mizzou product. Reich, who rose up as a QB whisperer, appears to be using a QB competition to either spark the fire in starter Josh Norman or to find an alternative in Gabbert.
Reich becomes the third new head coach in the Western Conference, with Las Vegas having brought in another former USFL quarterback in UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel, while Seattle opted for another San Diego Charger connection, signing former Charger and Oregon State head coach Mike Riley to take over for Stump Mitchell. Riley will have his own QB situation to manage as veteran Byron Leftwich, benched midway through the 2016 season, chose to retire at the end of the year, leaving rookie Jacoby Brissett as the likely Week 1 starter for the Dragons for 2017. Seattle also brought over Matt McGloin in a trade with Memphis as a Plan B, but it seems clear that Riley’s charge will be to coach up Brissett and revive a moribund Dragon offense.
As for Neuheisel, the former quarterback got a strong shot in the arm 2 months into his tenure when the Vipers beat out several other teams in the race to land Memphis QB Eli Manning. Manning signed a 2-year contract with Las Vegas and immediately brings some excitement to the Vipers. In addition to the All-USFL quarterback, Las Vegas added 3 free agents who could all start for the club, including fullback Patrick DeMarco, CB Shaquille Richardson, center Richie Incognito. Coach Neuheisel, who had a short tenure as the 1st head coach of the expansion LA Express from 1995-1997, now has a second chance to make a first impression as the Vipers hope to improve their standing in a division recently dominated by the Outlaws and Wranglers.
Five New Faces to Watch in the West
As we saw in the East, a lot of the excitement across the Western Conference is focused on free agents and NFL imports who could immediately impact their new teams, turning a roster weakness into a strength or adding that extra boost needed to get their team to the next level. Our bullpen went through all the moves and picked 5 players on new teams who could have an immediate positive impact. Here is our list of the 5 newly-located players who could be stories to watch in 2017.
1) QB Eli Manning, Las Vegas (Free Agent)
No doubt that Manning coming to the Vipers is a huge story for Las Vegas. When Cody Pickett retired after an injury-shortened 2016 season, it sent shockwaves through the team. It was not expected and left the team without a strong option at the most important position on the field. After a competition that saw 7 other teams make serious overtures to the QB of the Eastern Conference Champion Showboats, Las Vegas sealed the deal with Manning and now new head coach Rick Neuheisel may have one of the best QBs in the conference to build an offense around.
2) CB Stephon Gilmore, Los Angeles (NFL Import)
Considered one of the best young corners in the NFL, Gilmore left the Buffalo Bills for the USFL as the Express outbid several NFL teams to land him. The 5-year veteran of the Bills comes to an LA team that already boasted a Top 5 defense and one of the best pass defenses in the league in 2016. Gilmore will join Jamar Taylor, Kevin Seymour, DaJuan Morgan, and Jalen Mills to form a formidable secondary group. With LA rising up to claim the Pacific Division last season, the goal now is to get the team and the city of Los Angeles their first league title.
3) HB Doug Martin, Portland (Trade)
When Chicago started shopping around one of their two dynamic backs, Portland jumped at the chance to revive their run game. Since the retirement of Jonathan Stewart the Stags have struggled to put together a reliable run game. They finished 2016 with no back over 800 yards and a clear need to improve the position. Martin, who shared carries almost 1-for-1 with Matt Forte in Chicago’s backfield, still managed to top 1,000 yards and added 15 touchdowns for the Machine. He will be a huge addition to the Stags as they try to rebound from a rough 4-12 season only 1 year after winning the division.
4) WR Percy Harvin, Oklahoma (Free Agent)
The elusive slot receiver may be exactly what the Outlaws need to take pressure off of wideout Marques Colston. Harvin comes to OKC after 7 seasons with the Cannons/Roughnecks. He had 45 receptions and 7 touchdowns in Dallas last season but should see his numbers increase with Joe Flacco in the huddle and Colston sucking up coverage on the outside. Expect Harvin to be used often in 3-receiver sets as the underneath route to Colston’s and speedster Marquise Goodwin’s deeper shots.
5) LB Nick Perry, St. Louis (NFL Import
While most fans in St. Louis are talking about the potential for a QB duel between incumbent Josh Freeman and another NFL import, former Mizzou Tiger Blaine Gabbert, the best offseason signing by the Skyhawks may well have been former Packer Nick Perry. Perry had his best year as a pro this fall in Green Bay. He finished the year with 11 sacks as the Packers used him almost as a blitz specialist. Expect St. Louis to also focus on his run-stuffing and sack-producing incursions into the backfield as he takes the weak side position alongside Colin McCarthy and rookie Trey Hendrickson in a rebuilt linebacker group.
Five Rookies Who Could Have and Impact in the West
1) HB Christian McCaffrey, Oakland (Rookie)
No one gave much thought to the Invaders having the rights to McCaffrey in the USFL Territorial Draft. The Invaders had a solid 1-2 halfback duo in Donald Brown and Knile Davis, so the expectation was that they would allow McCaffrey to enter the Open Draft and focus on other areas of need. But Coach Green loved everything he saw in McCaffrey and lobbied the personnel team to select the Stanford back with their first T-Draft pick. He then rolled out the red carpet to land the dual threat back. Once signed, Donald Brown was traded to the Federals to make room and the Invaders now have a lot of buzz around their new offense, something that was lacking when the team lost 3 key weapons, WRs Keenan Allen and Pierre Garçon, and TE Richard Rodgers in free agency.
2) WR John Ross, Seattle
The former Husky is well-known to fans in Seattle, and will be a welcome addition for 2nd year QB Jacoby Brissett and new head coach Mike Riley. A speedster who can help extend the defense and produce big plays which have been lacking for the Dragons in recent years, Ross will have the chance to learn from two veteran receivers in former NFL imports Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders.
3) DE Charles Harris, St. Louis
A Mizzou product who was happy to stay in the region as a T-Draft prospect of the Skyhawks, Harris already projects as the starting left end, taking on the QB’s blind side while veteran Kony Ealy moves to the right side. At Mizzou, Harris finished his career with 61 tackles and 9 sacks for the Tigers and comes to the Skyhawks as their potential sack specialist. Also solid against the run, Harris will hope to benefit from lining up next to DT Sheldon Richardson.
4) LB Jarrad Davis, Denver
The Florida rookie is said to be competing with Patrick Onwuasor for a starting MLB position as Denver transitions to a hybrid style that will mix 3-4 with 4-3 formations. When he is on the field he will have veteran support in outside backers Shaquile Barrett and Randy Gregory. Expect the Gold to focus on using Davis as a run-stuffer, with Ndamukong Suh up front occupying blockers to allow the rookie to penetrate and stuff the run behind the line, at least that is the hope.
5) HB Samaje Perine, Dallas
Dallas did more than double down, they tripled down on the HB position in the draft, taking D’Onte Freeman and Aaron Jones in the T-Draft and then selecting Perine in the Open Draft. With both Freeman and Perine signed by the Roughnecks, expect a HB rotation, with room as well for veteran C. J. Spiller in the mix. Perine will likely be the primary 1st and 2nd down back with Freeman also getting plenty of touches while Spiller retains his role as a 3rd down and receiving back.
The 10 Best Players in the Central Division
It has been a while since the Central has been a power division, and it may still not be, but with two Central teams in the 2016 playoffs, there was certainly talent in the division. Here is our look at the 10 players we believe are at the top of their game right now and who could be pivotal for their clubs.
QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan
We had quite a bit of debate over who the best QB in the division was. After all, Josh Freeman was once a league MVP but has declined in productivity over the years since. It really came down to Cousins in Michigan and Ryan Fitzpatrick in Chicago. We lean towards Cousins, who may not be the flashiest passer in the league but is a pretty consistent presence, while Fitzpatrick may occasionally produce magic but is also more prone to bad games and bad throws.
HB LeVeon Bell, Michigan
No doubt about who the best back in the division is. While Eddie Lacy, Matt Forte, and Isaiah Pead make the Central one of the better run-producing divisions in the league, it is 2016 OPOTY Bell who stands head and shoulders above the rest. If Michigan will give him an even heavier load (a risk, to be sure), he could legitimately challenge Herschel Walker’s rushing record, a record that has stood since 1983.
TE Rob Gronkowski, St. Louis
Gronk is a legitimate difference maker at the TE position. We saw this in 2014 when he helped propel Arizona to its first league title. Since arriving in St. Louis, he has had solid numbers, but the Skyhawks have to start prioritizing him as a target if they are going to see his full potential at work.
WR Aaron Dobson, Chicago
Leading all USFL receivers with 105 receptions in 2016, Dobson is also able to break the big play, evident with his 13 touchdowns last year. He will get some competition from Michigan’s Cody Latimer and Ohio’s Justin Blackmon for best WR in the division this year, but we expect the consistent and confident Dobson to come out on top again.
LT Brian Bulaga, St. Louis
Our first lineman to make the list, there is no denying that Bulaga has developed into one of the league’s best pass protectors. He gave up only 1 sack last season, which is stunning when we look at how many times Josh Freeman was either pressured on the right side of the line or held onto the ball too long trying to find a receiver.
DT Marcell Dareus, Ohio
He does not get the attention of Haynesworth or Ndamukong Suh, but Marcell Dareus is a major factor for OC’s when they face the Glory. More of a space eater than a penetrating DT, Dareus makes the interior run game very challenging for opponents of Ohio, and helps Robert Quinn and Kamerion Wemberley get favorable matchups on the edge.
LB Ryan Shazier, Ohio
A disruptive force for the Glory, Shazier’s numbers have improved each of his 3 seasons in the league. He finished 2015 with 74 tackles and could well hit 100 this year. As a blitzer he is tough to deal with, but he may be his best in coverage, where he can keep pace with slot receivers on shorter routes and lay down the lumber if they do come up with the ball.
CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Michigan
In a division where we recognize 3 DBs as among the best in the division, Dre Kirkpatrick is still the king of the hill. In 5 seasons he has put up 19 interceptions and 9 defensive touchdowns. The undisputed leader of the Panther secondary, Kirkpatrick is a ball hawking corner that teams are simply starting to avoid at all costs.
CB Josh Norman, Chicago
Norman does not have the takeaways of Kirkpatrick, but what he does have is the ability to smother a receiver without drawing a DPI call. With one of the best catch-to-target ratios in the league, Norman is quickly becoming a household name in Chicago, even without the flashy pick-sixes that we see in Michigan from Kirkpatrick.
SS LaRon Landry, Ohio
A veteran of 8 seasons with the Knights/Vipers, Landry came over to Ohio last year and had an immediate impact, racking up 91 tackles and putting some backbone into a Glory secondary that had been week against the inside throw as well as the run. Landry is not afraid to come up to the line and hit a bigger back. With a game not unlike that of Arizona’s Troy Polamalu, Landry can impact the decisions receivers, backs, and the quarterback will make.
CHICAGO MACHINE
2016 Recap: The Machine had a very nice season in 2016, surpassing most expectations and clearly benefitting from Ryan Fitzpatrick’s presence. They even threw in a Wild Card win over rival Michigan to really stoke the fires.
Biggest Offseason Story: As much as the Machine want to talk about the signing of Kevin Minter or rookie receiver Kenny Galloday, the story is still the retirement of Brian Urlacher and the potential impact that will have on the Machine’s defense.
Player to Watch: Galloday is an exciting prospect. He will likely split time between the slot and the flanker position, with veteran Michael Floyd swapping positions with him as the formation dictates. We will see how often Ryan Fitzpatrick can get him the ball if Aaron Dobson insists he is open on every play.
Why Be Bullish?: The Machine have a solid base, with an improved passing game, and a lot of good parts on defense as well. They play in one of the league’s weaker divisions and they have proven they can upend the Panthers when needed.
Why Be Concerned?: In addition to missing Urlacher on defense, the decision to trade away Doug Martin, their lead rusher, is still a big head-scratcher. They really like Matt Forte, who split carries with Martin, but if he struggles, they really don’t have a plan B.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS
2016 Recap: The Panthers won the division on a tiebreaker, dropping several late season games to finish at 9-7, and were immediately bounced form the playoffs by rival Chicago. Not a great finish to a year that started with a lot of promise.
Biggest Offseason Story: Two big signings are what folks are discussing in Michigan, free agent DT Terrell Troupe is expected to line up next to Kevin Vickerson to bolster the front line on defense. Fans also hope that NFL import Martellus Bennett means more 2-TE power formations, which certainly could help LeVeon Bell get the yards he wants to rack up this year.
Player to Watch: Rookie Jabril Peppers comes down the road from Ann Arbor and is already set up as the starter at the strong safety position. He will need to learn on the fly as Michigan is counting on him to shape up a secondary that had some major gaffs last year.
Why Be Bullish?: By all accounts the Panthers have the best player in the division in Bell, they have a steady QB situation with Cousins, and they have added some support for the defense. These all may be enough to keep their position atop the Central and maybe get a few more wins as well.
Why Be Concerned?: We are still not very impressed by the Panther receiving corps, and while Bennett is a good receiver, a 2nd tight end does not seem to solve the issues. The Panthers are just not going to take the top off the defense, and struggle to come back if they give up an early lead.
OHIO GLORY
2016 Recap: Despite a lot of confusion at QB, the Glory had a strong second half and finished a respectable 8-8. Defense and ball control helped make that happen.
Biggest Offseason Story: The Glory did not spend big, but they did add pieces that can help Hackenberg have success in his sophomore campaign. Bringing in Richard Rodgers from Oakland gives Hack a nice safety valve. Drafting and signing Buckeye wideout Curtis Samuel gives him another speedy target, likely in the slot this year, and kicker Robbie Gould, the former Bear, could allow more drives to end with points.
Player to Watch: We think Rodgers is going to finish the season in the Top 5 in receptions and yards for a TE. He is just that essential to the offense in Ohio. Hackenberg is still going to have a questionable O-line in front of him, and he will likely be dumping down the ball quite a bit, which makes Rodgers a prime target.
Why Be Bullish?: The defense looks like it could be special. We love the trio of Ellerbe, Shazier and Laurinaitis at LB, and the Glory have a very solid, if not flashy, front 4 as well, anchored by Marcell Dareus, with Robert Quinn the primary pass rusher. Landry locks down the secondary as well. If the defense reaches its potential and the offense is even middle-of-the-pack, Ohio could be in a position to win some games.
Why Be Concerned?: One of the reasons Ohio did pursue Eli Manning was a lack of certainty about Hackenberg. What worries us most is that there is just not a lot of explosiveness in this offense. Teams can load up at the line to stifle Isaiah Pead because neither Manningham or Blackmon is likely to race past the coverage. That does make it somewhat easier to defend the Glory.
ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS
2016 Recap: To call 3-13 a nightmare season sounds about right. The collapse of the defense and the lack of consistency on offense cost Bruce Arians his job and sent the Skyhawks to the front of the line at draft time, not something fans expected at this time last year.
Biggest Offseason Story: Probably the bizarre coaching search that delayed a decision until the end of January and brought Frank Reich to the team with very little prep time before camp opened. Beyond that, and on a positive note, St. Louis did manage to rework a lot of contracts and actually participate in the offseason, bringing in NFL veterans Blaine Gabbert, Nick Perry, and Terrance Williams.
Player to Watch: NFL import Terrance Williams is getting a lot of attention from St. Louis fans, but it is really Eric Weems who we think needs to make the leap. He is the anticipated WR1 which means he has to be more reliable and more explosive. He has had some good games but this is a much bigger role for him.
Why Be Bullish?: It can’t get worse? Is that enough? OK, how about the fact that the Skyhawks have a veteran QB in place, and now have a backup with a lot of potential in Gabbert. They have a solid HB in place, and they will likely lean on him a bit more as Reich brings in a more traditional offensive mindset.
Why Be Concerned?: You also have to play defense in this league, and we are not sure St. Louis will be able to do that. By all accounts, even with the addition of Perry from the NFL, they have the weakest linebacker group in the league. They don’t have a truly dynamic pass rusher either. The secondary is better, but with limited QB pressure and a mediocre run defense, teams don’t need to worry about the secondary quite so much.
Division Prediction
It is hard not to look at this division, which was a 2-team race last year, and see the same thing this year, but we are trying and we think we have an angle that could be a legitimate insight. While Ohio has questions at QB, they also have a defense that could potentially be among the league’s best. St. Louis may not have defensive swagger, but they are one solid scheme away from having a top 5 offense, and we think Coach Reich knows how to create such a scheme. So, we are going to work from the premise that both Ohio and St. Louis will be improved this year, with the Glory potentially leaping over either Chicago or Michigan if either struggles to maintain their momentum from last year. And, once again, we will end our discussion of the division with a list of 4 bold predictions which are viable, but hardly predictable as we enter a new season.
1) LeVeon Bell will top 350 carries and that will get him within 100 yards of breaking Herschel Walker’s 1983 rushing record.
2) Ohio will figure out how to maximize pressure and that will help them hold teams below 18 points per game in 2017.
3) St. Louis will diversify its passing game without a clear number one receiver, and that will produce a 3,500 yard season for QB Josh Freeman.
4) Chicago may struggle in the run game with Doug Marting gone, but that will help Aaron Dobson become a 130 reception receiver, blowing away all competition.
The 10 Best Players in the Southwestern Division
The home to the Wranglers, the newly relocated Oklahoma Outlaws, and now to QB Eli Manning as well, the Southwest could be a very tough division to predict, and with a lot of talent spread across the 5 Southwestern teams, there is certainly good reason to think this division will be a tough one for others to knock off.
QB Joe Flacco, Oklahoma
An elite QB with a tendency to throw for big numbers. Flacco no longer has to put the team on his back, but he can when he needs to, which is a good ace to hold onto.
QB David Carr, Arizona
Arizona’s QB had never been thought of as an elite QB, but all of that may have changed with last year’s double MVP season and the amazing deep ball game that the Wranglers have developed.
QB Eli Manning, Las Vegas
One of the best QBs in the East last season timed a career year at exactly the right time and parlayed his Summer Bowl run into a big deal with the Vipers. Can he now turn them from also ran to contender?
HB Marshawn Lynch, Arizona
Arguably the toughest runner in the league to get to the ground, Lynch exploded last year and now seems ready to compete for a league rushing title as well as a league title.
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
Fitzgerald’s numbers last year were astronomical, and he is not done yet. His stated goal is to challenge Eric Truvillion’s record for yardage, and in this offense he well could do it.
WR Marques Colston, Texas
Another master of the deep ball, Marques Colston is no longer the only weapon in the Outlaw arsenal, but he is still perhaps the deadliest one.
DE Von Miller, Denver
We picked Miller to challenge Calais Campbell last year, which just made Calais angry. But maybe this year, after a strong 2016, Miller might just have a shot.
LB Leonard Floyd, Dallas
An underappreciated but highly effective player. Dallas needs to surround Floyd with more talent or he could see his strong play hidden by the inconsistency of the defense as a whole.
CB Willie Middlebrooks, Las Vegas
Absolutely great in zone coverage and improving in man-to-man, Middlebrooks is poised to break out this season. He will need to turn more pass defenses into picks if he wants to get his name on people’s lips, but is well known to offensive coordinators already.
SS Troy Polamalu, Arizona
An absolute monster at the safety position. Faster than some corners but stronger than many linebackers. No one wants to see themselves targeted by him. Better to just get out of bounds now.
ARIZONA WRANGLERS
2016 Recap: The Wranglers were about as dominant a team as we have seen in a decade or more. They took control of the division early on and swatted away most challenges on their path to a 2nd title. It was a scary sight for the rest of the division and maybe the league as well.
Biggest Offseason Story: The lack of stories was the story. Most league champions see teams pick their rosters apart in free agency, but Arizona had nearly everyone under contract and so they lost no one of real concern. They also did not feel the need to spend to add players, focusing on re-signing DT Glenn Dorsey. In the draft they added depth, with punter Matt Haack from ASU the only likely rookie to see starting time. So, a solid “keep the band together” offseason.
Player to Watch: We all know who we need to watch this year. It’s going to be about Fitzgerald on offense, and Polamalu on defense, two of the best at their positions and two players on a mission to turn this Wrangler team into a USFL dynasty.
Why Be Bullish?: This is such a solid team, with great veteran leadership, strong coaching, and a “come and get us” swagger. After their last title there was a little bit of a hangover, but that does not seem to be happening this year.
Why Be Concerned?: Other than a spate of injuries, overconfidence may be the only weakness in the Wranglers’ plan for 2017. Oklahoma is no slouch in their division, Las Vegas and Denver could also be improved, so the road might be just a bit bumpier.
DALLAS ROUGHNECKS
2016 Recap: A hot prospect for a playoff run in 2016, the Roughnecks disappointed everyone with a disjointed season and a truly distressing defensive collapse. They finished at 6-10, but could have easily been in the 3-4 win range.
Biggest Offseason Story: The Roughnecks had a lot of cap space and went into the offseason ready to spend. They signed 4 free agents, the best of whom are DE Connor Barwin and OT Andrew Whitworth ,both formerly of Chicago. They added NFL import DT Domato Peko and Charlotte QB Brandon Wheedon late, with Wheedon possibly as a pressure valve for Manziel, who could be facing suspension once the league finishes their investigation of a DUI situation in the offseason, and they drafted and signed 2 of 3 halfbacks targeted.
Player to Watch: The story at tailback has been fascinating. Trying to respond to the retirement of Rashad Mendenhall, the Roughnecks drafted 3 backs who were all Top 10 prospects at the position, signing both Longhorn Donte Foreman and OU’s Samaje Perine. Right now it looks like the two will rotate in the backfield, but we expect one will emerge quickly as the primary back.
Why Be Bullish?: The offseason spending spree should help build a little more muscle on defense. New Roughnecks Connor Barwin (DE), Domato Peko (DT), and rookie FS Jamal Adams are all slated to join the starting lineup, which is a solid infusion of talent. On offense, if either HB pans out, they have a solid base offense to build on.
Why Be Concerned?: Even with the additions on defense, the team has to prove it can stop the explosive offenses within its own division. Dallas now seems to have unquestionably the worst QB in the division, with Manziel far less productive than Carr, Flacco, Manning, or Leinart, and now possibly facing suspension as well. And, do we really like a WR group of Tim Wright, Tiquan Underwood and Geronimo Allison?
DENVER GOLD
2016 Recap: Denver did what Denver always seems to do, stick around and somehow get into the mix. Their eventual 9-7 record was better than most predicted, and they knocked off Arizona in Glendale, which was impressive. No playoffs, but a good season all in all.
Biggest Offseason Story: The move that is getting headlines is the Kelvin Benjamin deal, which now gives Denver a speedster to go along with their quality possession receivers. But our favorite move was adding OT Ronnie Stanley in a trade. He is not a huge name, but acting as a swing tackle means that starters Ryan Clady and David Bakhtiari can get some spells and that will help this Denver O-line stay aggressive.
Player to Watch: Benjamin’s arrival means that Michael Crabtree’s role will change a lot. He can still swap in for either Benjamin or Tate, but we think it signals that Denver will use a lot more 3-receiver sets. Not great for fullback Derrick Coleman or TE Delanie Walker, but possibly a very good move for Matt Leinart and for DeMarco Murray, who may see far fewer 8 and 9 man fronts.
Why Be Bullish?: Denver is never a flashy team, but they are solid on both sides of the ball. If the Benjamin signing can spark a few more big plays, and if Von Miller can continue to make life tough for opposing QB’s, this Denver club could make a run at Oklahoma and Arizona.
Why Be Concerned?: No one seems to want to say it out loud in Denver, but we are beginning to wonder if Matt Leinart is not really a top tier starter. We don’t even mean elite, we mean generally capable. Why would we say that? Well, 15 picks last year, a QB rating that dipped to 80.2 in 2015 and 75.8 last year, and as much as folks complain about a lack of explosiveness in the receiver group, if Leinart cannot use Benjamin to that end this year, it may be time to go another route.
LAS VEGAS VIPERS
2016 Recap: 6-10 was largely the result of Cody Pickett going down to season (and career) ending injury. The Vipers actually had some nice moments, and even backup Jeff Tuel proved he could win a game or two, but it was too little to win consistently.
Biggest Offseason Story: Hmm…what happened this offsesason in Las Vegas. Oh, yes, they signed Eli Manning after one of the most chaotic piranha attack free agent situations in recent memory. Pretty much the entire rest of the Viper offseason has been hidden by this front page story.
Player to Watch: Let’s not say Manning. So, how about HB Jeremy Hill. The lead rusher for the Breakers the past few years would have normally been a big story this offseason but was totally overshadowed. Hill will start the season sharing carries with Hardesty, but we think he will end up a true lead back (something he rarely had in N’awlins) by season’s end.
Why Be Bullish?: This will be a new offense. They have a QB coming off a very strong 2016, a new halfback, and a decent set of wideouts. They also brought in a former QB to be their new head coach, so the odds are that we are going to see some offense out of the Vipers this year.
Why Be Concerned?: It is a lot of new pieces, in key places, and we are just not sure how all of them will fit together. Throw in the history of Manning pre-2016, and the uncertainty about Hill, and well, it is just a lot of optimism that could be unrealistic in the long run.
OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS
2016 Recap: The Outlaws started off strong in their “vagabond season” but it wore on them over the long haul, with more losses at season’s end and no playoff spot. 9-7 was the final result and a disappointment for Texas fans as their team packed up for a new home.
Biggest Offseason Story: Honestly, the relocation to Oklahoma and the warm welcome the team has gotten in the Sooner State. Yes, Reynaldo Wynn’s retirement and losing Terrell Troupe in free agency will be negatives, but this is a team that believes they are ready for a bounceback season now that they have a home again.
Player to Watch: With a very quiet offseason overall, the two big names we look at as potential impact makers are free agent WR Percy Harvin and rookie WR Dede Westbrook. Harvin will take over the slot position from day one, while Westbrook is seen as a challenger to Marquise Goodwin’s position, potentially offering more than straight line speed.
Why Be Bullish?: You have Joe Flacco, Marques Colston, and Marshawn Lynch on your offense, and you just added a very shifty slot receiver. This is an offense that can be a league leader, and could, with more stability all around them, help Oklahoma be right there challenging the Wranglers.
Why Be Concerned?: The biggest offseason hits happened on defense. Reynaldo Wynn will be missed, to be sure. We look at Chris Harrington and Jordan Willis and wonder if either can reach 10 sacks, much less 20. The LB group still has some talent in Greenway and Burfict, but other than Pacman Jones, we are not sure the secondary can hold up without more pressure up front.
Division Prediction
It is very hard to envision scenarios where the Wranglers don’t maintain their position atop the division. They have serious repeat and dynasty vibes going on and basically lost nothing from their dominant 2016 season. Behind them is where it gets interesting, because we fully expect the Outlaws to rebound after their turbulent 2016 campaign, to enjoy what could be a rabid home advantage, and because they still look more complete than any of the other clubs. Denver is always just Denver, in the mix, but not quite a dominant team. Las Vegas should be a more competitive team this year, and we are just not sure if Dallas rebounds or flounders, but either way, they could find it difficult to make ground in this division. What about bold picks, in a division we are largely expecting to maintain the same 1-5 standings? Well, here goes.
1) Just like LeVeon Bell pursuing Herschel Walker’s rushing record, Larry Fitzgerald will make a serious attempt to surpass Eric Truvillion’s receiving yards record, which means he is shooting for 2,000. He could actually reach it.
2) While he won’t have the big yardage of a Marques Colston or Larry Fitzgerald, we think Percy Harvin catching balls from Joe Flacco could be seeing a lot of action, so we are going to say that he finishes the year in the top 5 for receptions.
3) Dallas has two rookie back, Perine and Foreman. We are not sure who will come out on top, but we do think the combo could be very good as a tandem, so we are going to say that their combined yards as rookies will top 1,200.
4) Eli Manning brings a whole different skillset to the QB position from former Vegas starter Cody Pickett. We know he won’t go for as many deep balls, but he has the accuracy to push his receiver’s catch total up. So, our prediction for Las Vegas is that WR Denarius Moore finishes in the Top 8 in both yards and receptions.
The 10 Best Players in the Pacific Division
Los Angeles surprised many last year, but in the often-unpredictable Pacific Division, we need to be ready for anything. It is a division without a dominant QB, and that means that any team can get hot and rise to the top.
QB Joey Harrington, Oakland
The best and most established of the Pacific QBs, Harrington is typically not considered elite, but is about as consistent as they come. In a division with a lot of upheaval at QB, that is good enough to win a lot of games.
HB Reggie Bush, Los Angeles
Bush came on last year and that helped spark the Express to rattle off 7 season-ending wins and rise up to claim the division title. He is not going to pound out 3-yards, but when it comes to the inside-outside game, Bush can do both.
HB Ryan Williams, San Diego
Williams moved from Oakland to San Diego last year and we saw the Thunder suddenly competing for the division. That is how important a consistent playmaking back can be to a team.
WR Chad Johnson, San Diego
He is not the speed demon he used to be, but the former “Ochocinco” still has great hands, outstanding body control and the ability to go up and bring down contested throws.
OT Michael Oher, Portland
Portland did not have a lot to celebrate last year, but tackle Michael Oher is certainly deserving of some praise. He is about as good a 3-down tackle as we have in the game, able to bulldoze defenders in the run game or block out edge rushers on passing downs.
LB Bobby Wagner, Oakland
One of our favorite players, if we are allowed to say that. Look at the film and see if you can find a time when Wagner was not both in the right place and providing a hit. He is just about the smartest linebacker and the most instinctive in the league.
LB Clay Matthews, Los Angeles
In a division with a lot of strong linebackers, Clay Matthews makes our list for his consistency, his leadership, and his ability to sniff out the dirctoin of a run and block the gaps in the line.
LB Shantee Orr, San Diego
Another solid linebacker, Orr impresses us with sideline-to-sideline pursuit. No play is not in his sphere of influence.
LB Khalil Mack, Seattle
Not the player in space that some of our other linebackers here are, what makes Mack so dangerous is his burst. He is perhaps the best pure pass rusher among the Pacific linebackers and that comes, in part, from his ability to get past the blocker faster than anyone else.
CB Richard Sherman, Seattle
Seattle found a defensive QB when they signed Sherman. He is shrewd, can lure a QB into making a bad throw, and deceptively fast when running with the league’s elite receivers. In other words, he is a complete package.
LOS ANGELES EXPRESS
2016 Recap: After a 4-5 start, the Express rattled off 7 consecutive wins to finish the season at 11-5, not only winning the division, but a bye week as well. In the playoffs, however, they were upended by a feisty Chicago club, a disappointing end to a surprising season.
Biggest Offseason Story: While the retirement of DE Keneche Udeze started the offseason as the big story for the Express, the team made a huge signing right before camp opened, bringing NFL cornerback Stephon Gilmore over to the teams, and that has become the focus as fans get excited about the Express this year.
Player to Watch: Aside from Gilmore, which seems obvious, we are looking at Sam Bradford. The Express brought in a true deep threat in Demaryius Thomas, and they convinced Jason Whitten to stick around at least one more year, so there are some weapons there, and we just want to see if Bradford can take a step towards being an elite QB in the league after flirting with everything from greatness to abject failure over the years.
Why Be Bullish?: This defense is going to be stacked. Chris Jones has quickly become a very tough DT to deal with, the LB group is solid from end to end, and the secondary just got a huge boost with Gilmore joining Jamr Taylor, Kevin Seymour and safeties Morgan and Mills. This could be a very tough team to score on.
Why Be Concerned?: While the Express certainly improved on offense over 2016, they were still not what we would call a particularly dynamic or threatening offense. We need to see the talent on this squad shift from long meticulous drives to quick strike capacity. They need to be harder to predict and harder to contain.
OAKLAND INVADERS
2016 Recap: It is beginning to become a trend. Oakland started fast, faded down the stretch, reached the playoffs and immediately exited. Coach Green has to find a way to break that pattern this year.
Biggest Offseason Story: The exodus on offense was stunning, with Oakland losing three of their top 4 receivers. Only Davante Adams remains, and the receiver group does seem like a downgrade with Taylor Gabriel, Davone Bess, and Zach Ertz replacing Keenan Allen, Pierre Garçon and Richard Rodgers. But…
Player to Watch: All eyes will be on Christian McCaffrey as he joins the Invaders after a stellar career at Stanford. McCaffrey could be as important to the passing game as he is running the ball, and fans are hoping he is able to keep Oakland afloat until they can sign a few more weapons in the receiver group.
Why Be Bullish?: Coach Green is nothing if not practical, and so we fully expect this team to look different from 2016, and hopefully to play with more intensity, especially in the final 4-6 weeks of the year. The D is still very solid, and the offense has potential.
Why Be Concerned?: As much as we want to jump on the CMC bandwagon, a team also needs receivers, and while Joey Harrington has a solid line in front of him, he cannot simply dump the ball off to his back every play. We worry teams will shut down McCaffrey and that will be all Oakland has.
PORTLAND STAGS
2016 Recap: Disaster. That was the story. After surprising almost everyone by snatching away the division title on the final week of the 2015 season, they Stags could not build on that and fell hard. Marcus Mariota in particular struggled to take over on offense, which is an issue that will have to be addressed this year.
Biggest Offseason Story: We are not sure why Chicago gave up on Doug Martin, but the Stags were willing and able to take on the 1,000-yard back. His presence is expected to return Portland to a run-first offense, though with Coach Hamilton, expect a few wrinkles as well.
Player to Watch: Outside of Martin, we are keeping an eye on this LB group. They look strong on paper with Channing Crowder and Nico Johnson inside and Kiko Alonso and Lance Briggs outside, but can they develop the kind of rapport that turns a squad into more than the sum of its parts.
Why Be Bullish?: Of course Stag fans are hoping to see a 3rd year bump for Mariota, as the game hopefully slows down for him as well. More play action with the run game will certainly help. There is also hope that the front 7 can improve in their pass rush capacity, which would make the secondary happy.
Why Be Concerned?: Last year the Stags could not get a sack even when they bought groceries. They had no pressure at all up front and that devastated their pass defense as a whole. We are worried that they really did not address that in the offseason, so how can it get any better?
SAN DIEGO THUNDER
2016 Recap: The Thunder were expected to bring up the rear but spent most of the season in first place until LA caught them at the end. Still, a Wild Card and a 10-6 mark was a clear net positive for San Diego.
Biggest Offseason Story: The Thunder had about as quiet an offseason as a team can have. They added some depth,particularly on the O-Line with NFL center J. C. Tretter coming over and on the D-line with rookies Damontae Kazee and Takkarist McKinley coming through the T-Draft, but overall this will be very much the same squad we saw in 2016, which may be exactly what Coach LeBeau wants, continuity.
Player to Watch: If San Diego is going to compete for a playoff spot, the one player who will need to step up is DE Lamarr Houston. Houston had 12 sacks in 2016, his second 10+ sack season with the club, but now the Thunder need him to take another step and get into the 16-20 range, among the league elites. That will make life so much easier for the secondary.
Why Be Bullish?: Dick LeBeau is not about flash, he is about substance, and the Thunder have the capacity to be good at almost everything, though perhaps not great at any one thing. They can run, have solid receivers, and a more than suitable defense, but can any unit improve and become elite this year?
Why Be Concerned?: We have two concerns, is good at everything actually good enough to do more than eke into the playoffs? Don’t you need to be able to be better than your opponents at something? And we are still not sure the Thunder have a QB. Joe Webb and Christian Ponder both got starts last year, until Ponder’s injury that is, but would you back either of them as a possible All-USFL candidate? We did not think so.
SEATTLE DRAGONS
2016 Recap: Three wins in 16 attempts pretty much tells you what you need to know. Add to that the quick decline and eventual retirement of longstanding starting QB Byron Leftwich and an offense that simply could not put points on the board and you know why this team is in a bit of turmoil right now.
Biggest Offseason Story: Retirements and defections. From Byron Leftwich and Nate Burleson to DT Alan branch and even kicker Dave Rayner. It was like rats leaving a sinking ship. And that is the mood Mike Riley inherits along with this roster, which is just not good enough right now.
Player to Watch: Seattle brought in both DE Muhammad Wilkerson and DT Josh Boyd vis trade, and both are expected to start on the revamped D-Line. If these two new faces can help that front 4 make some stops in the run game and get to the QB in the passing game, well, the defense could be decent, if not actually good. Now, what about that offense?
Why Be Bullish?: Jacoby Brissett played a little more than half the season and he did seem to be getting better over time, so perhaps in his 2nd year he will emerge as a solid pro QB. If he cannot, then getting a QB in place will become job one of Mike Riley’s tenure.
Why Be Concerned?: There is some talent around Brissett, but no one we would call top tier at their position. This team has the potential to again finish dead last in scoring, which almost certainly means a roster overhaul by Riley for year 2, because he may need it to have any chance at a year 3.
Division Prediction
This is by far the most topsy turvy division in the league. Portland was on top in 2015 and collapsed in 2016, LA was a non-factor 2 years ago, and last year stormed up the standings to win the division. So, who do we see on top this year? Honestly, we are going to go with ol’ reliable, the Oakland Invaders. Yes, they lost 3 of their 4 top receivers, but we are believing the hype about rookie HB Christian McCaffrey, and if anyone can find a way to be creative with his skill set, it is Dennis Green. We are going to put LA in 2nd place, just based on their defense adding one of the best NFL corners in Stephon Gilmore. We think San Diego stays in the mix but struggles a bit more at QB and that causes them to drop back to .500. Rising up we think Portland gets a much stronger year from Marcus Mariota and benefits from landing Doug Martin in that trade with Chicago. And that leaves Seattle, 2nd year QB Jacoby Brissett and new coach Mike Riley bringing up the rear. And, to wrap up the last of our division predictions, here are the 4 bold picks about the Pacific.
1) If Oakland wins10 or more games, that means the McCaffrey hype is not hype. So, we predict that if Oakland picks up 10 or more games, McCaffrey also finishes the year over 1,600 yards from scrimmage.
2) The Stags used to run Jonathan Stewart into the ground. We think they do the same with Doug Martin. We predict Martin will lead the league in carries, even with LeVeon Bell looking to break the rushing record.
3) We think Sam Bradford is just beginning to come into his own, so we are going to predict that he finishes with the best QB Rating of any Pacific Division QB.
4) OK, most of our bold predictions have leaned towards positive results. This last one is going to be a big downer. We predict that Seattle does not have their QB of the future, and that they will finish the season with both the league’s worst scoring offense and the league’s fewest passing yards. Sorry, Jacoby. Guess you have to prove us wrong.
Eight Games not to Miss in Weeks 9-16
Back to our review of the upcoming season’s 16 weeks of football action. In our Eastern Preview we picked out a game a week through Week 8. Now we are going to continue at Week 9 and run through until the season finales. What games should you circle on your calendar and invite the guys over for? How about these ones:
WEEK 9: Philadelphia @ New Jersey
We cannot pass up this rivalry game, and while the game in New Jersey could be a very tough one for Philly to pull out, you know that despite each team’s midseason record, they will be up for this one.
WEEK 10: San Diego @ Los Angeles
The newest of the California Derby games, this one provides fans from both cities the chance to get into it with each other as it is an easy commute to either stadium. We think this one could be pivotal in the Pacific race as well as a fun game in almost certain perfect weather.
WEEK 11: Baltimore @ Orlando
It’s the unstoppable force against the immovable object, USFL style. Baltimore’s high-flying offense vs. Orlando’s soul-crushing defense. That should be fun.
WEEK 12: New Orleans @ Memphis
This game, 4 weeks from the season finale, could well be the lynchpin in either team’s push for a division title. If both are in the hunt, this will be one seriously intense game.
WEEK 13: Oakland @ Los Angeles
A rivalry that dates back, in one form or another, all the way back to 1983. We are picking Oakland to reassert themselves in the division. This game could be the place and time to do it.
WEEK 14: Memphis & Houston
Back to the Southern Division with another potential playoff-impacting slobberknocker. Houston could be on their way to a title, but Memphis is not going to concede the division without a fight.
WEEK 15: Houston @ Arizona
Could we have a Summer Bowl preview only 2 weeks before the playoff start. We just pray that both teams have something to play for in Week 15, because it would be a shame to see the backups in this matchup.
WEEK 16: Denver @ San Diego
It is impossible to tell which games will have high playoff impact in the season finale, but we all looked at this one and said that these look like two clubs who could be playing a “win & in, lose & you are out” scenario. It just feels like a game that will lead to a Wild Card and a team sitting at home.
Our 2017 playoff predictions
We have reviewed the divisions, previewed all 28 teams, so where do we see this season going? Well, that depends on who you ask. We have a lot of opinions among our staff, but there is one constant. Arizona will be good. So, let’s start with the playoff teams we see emerging out of each conference. In the East we are picking Baltimore, Orlando, and Houston to be the division winners, with New Orleans, New Jersey, and Washington snagging the Wild Cards. In the West it is Arizona, Oakland, and Michigan atop their divisions, with Oklahoma, Los Angeles, and surprise team Ohio getting into the mix.
So, who emerges from each conference? As much as we want to pick a lot of underdogs, we know that there are teams ready to make a run and others who have done well just to make the postseason. We are going to go with the two 1 seeds to make it all the way to the Summer Bowl. That means it is Arizona vs. Baltimore for the title. We have not seen a repeat champion since 2002-2003, the only one in league history but we think Arizona is on a mission to be the second, and they have the best combination of offensive firepower and defensive muscle to make it happen. It has historically been nearly impossible, but we are going to say that the Wranglers pull it off, becoming the 2nd team in league history to go back-to-back, and the 3rd title in 5 years for that Dynasty moniker to take hold.
Our 2017 Award Winner Picks
With the season we are envisioning, which individual players will dominate the headlines and earn a shot at the league’s most prestigious awards? We have a mix of old familiar faces and some new up and comers in the mix. Here is our best guess at the 5 USFL Honors at the end of our season.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Even with an Arizona back-to-back title predicted, we are not going to go with David Carr again. We do think a Wrangler will be in the mix, but that Wrangler is WR Larry Fitzgerald. But, despite his push for the receiving yards record, we don’t think he will garner MVP. It tends to be a QB award, and we see two frontrunners in that race, Baltimore’s Ben Roethlisberger and Oklahoma’s Joe Flacco. If we had to pick today, we think Big Ben is in for a big year and that could put him back on top with another MVP award.
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Both Fitzgerald and Michigan HB LeVeon Bell say a league record is their target for the season, and if either can pull it off, they are a lock for the OPOTY. If those goals tend to inspire defenses to shut them down, they could fall short, and if that happens, someone who is not getting that attention could surpass them. The most likely dark horse candidates in our estimation are Houston HB Carlos Hyde and Philadelphia HB Derrick Henry.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
In what could be called the Calais Campbell Invitational, it is all about who, if anyone, can put up numbers or have an impact comparable to Campbell’s consistent dominance. Just for the sake of argument, let’s say Campbell has a down year, who is positioned to step in if that were to happen? Well, the two most likely are two edge rushers who impressed us last year as they chased the big man: Denver’s Von Miller and New Jersey’s Vic Beasley. If Campbell falters and one of these two win the sack title, well, then they almost certainly have a shot. Outside of edge rushers, our deep dark horse is a corner, New Orleans’s Patrick Peterson, who we expect to have a big year with the Breakers.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
We could be wrong, but we see the ROTY as a race between three halfbacks who are already seen as not only starters but as central figures in revamped offensive schemes. The three to watch are Oakland’s Christian McCaffrey, New Orleans’s Leonard Fournette, and Tampa Bay’s Dalvin Cook. We see Cook as the dark horse, along with Charlotte QB Mitch Trubisky, because we are not sure their clubs are ready to win a lot of games, while the Invaders and Breakers could be serious playoff contenders. If that plays out as we expect, then it is a matter of who has the bigger games, best highlights, and greatest impact.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Lots of contenders here, with 5 new head coaches in the league and plenty of possibility for a team to overachieve. Do you like former QB Rick Neuheisel’s chances in Las Vegas now that Eli is there? How about June Jones bringing the Run & Shoot to Tampa Bay? Bruce Arians trying to build a new culture in Atlanta? In our playoff picks, we had only 1 non-participant in the 2016 playoffs showing up in the 2017 postseason, the Ohio Glory. If they make a run and get past Chicago to make the Wild Card, then don’t be surprised if Tom Coughlin gets the nod. That’s a big if because Ohio has a tough road, but if they do it, he will have earned an award.
The Preseason Power Rankings
Every 4 weeks of the USFL season we rank where the teams are, who is rising, who is falling, who looks like a real contender and who may be running out of steam. We start with our preseason ranking, where we try to figure out who we see as powerhouses, contenders, hopefuls, and rebuilders. This is a very fluid ranking, so expect a lot of shifting after Week 4, but for now, this is how we see it.
POWERHOUSES
1) ARIZONA
We said it earlier, this is a team that has its eyes set on a repeat and a dynasty.
2) HOUSTON
Coach Phillips believes in Colt McCoy, and we believe in this team as a true contender.
3) BALTIMORE
If they can get a mid-level run game to go with the passing attack, they could go all the way.
4) LOS ANGELES
We love the defense, and the offense is growing on us. Stephon Gilmore was a huge get.
5) NEW ORLEANS
If Leonard Fournette can be in N’awlins what he was in Baton Rouge, watch out.
6) ORLANDO
The defense is solid, the run game solid, now we just need Russell Wilson to take the next step.
7) NEW JERSEY
We love the D-line, and the 1-2 punch of MJD and OBJ, but Hundley still scares us a bit.
CHALLENGERS
8) OAKLAND
So much hinges on how Oakland builds a passing attack with fewer high quality targets.
9) MEMPHIS
Paxton Lynch may have more pressure on him than any other QB in the league.
10) SAN DIEGO
This team could contend while also being in the midst of a QB competition, a rare feat.
11) CHICAGO
Still baffled by the HB decision to cut Martin loose, but a lot of good pieces are in place.
12) OKLAHOMA
With a new home, a stable base of operations, and both Flacco and Lynch healthy, this team could be a juggernaut.
13) MICHIGAN
Bell will get his yards, but Michigan needs to find a way to turn yards into points.
14) WASHINGTON
Nice additions in Merriman and Keenan Allen. Is it enough to get over the hump?
THE HOPEFUL
15) DENVER
If we pick them to be within a game of .500, we would almost always be right.
16) PHILADELPHIA
They look good on paper, but do they have the spark to get past so many tough divisional foes?
17) OHIO
The defense could be special, the offense could be special ed. That is a problem.
18) LAS VEGAS
Eli Manning hopes he can do this year what he did for Memphis last year. It is a tough division to turn a team around, but there is hope.
19) PITTSBURGH
The Maulers will prove this year whether 2016 was a fluke, or if it was 2015 that was not a true representation of who this team is.
20) CHARLOTTE
A rookie QB and a geriatric HB. That could be a huge issue, or it could be just fine. We have no idea.
21) JACKSONVILLE
We really thought the Bulls would add a lot more on offense to help out Robert Griffin III, but we did not see it.
THE REBUILDERS
22) DALLAS
The Roughnecks brought in Brandon Wheedon, which tells us that they have real concerns about Johnny Manziel.
23) BIRMINGHAM
Is this the year that Cam, T.J. and Amari put it all together or will Stallion fans again be underwhelmed by what they put out there?
24) ATLANTA
Rarely does a team go into Week1 with no clue who will be QB in week 2, but that is how it feels in Atlanta where you have 3 QBs who all think they should start, but maybe none of them should.
25) PORTLAND
It is about Mariota being better. It is just that simple. Having Doug Martin behind him is a huge start.
26) ST. LOUIS
Bruce Arians is gone, and Frank Reich joins the team on the fly. Not sure that is a formula for quick success, so hopefully Reich is talking about baby steps with the owners.
27) TAMPA BAY
Coach June Jones wants to turn the Bandits into a spread, run & shoot team, but we are just not seeing the players in place yet to make that work.
28) SEATTLE
New coach, uncertain QB situation, aging receivers, but they do have a good looking rookie in John Ross, and the defense has some muscle to it. Are we being unfair putting them in the last position? They can prove we are with one simple thing, win some games.
Get your tailgating gear ready, put on your team gear, get the menu set, get the gang all together, it is time for football once again. Week One and a whole season of possibilities in front of us. We kick off the year with the first of the new Friday Night Doubleheaders and then full slates of games on Saturday and Sunday. Every game a chance for a team to set the tone on a new year. Let’s break them down. Here is your Week 1 schedule.
FRIDAY 7pm ET Washington Federals @ New Jersey Generals NBC
We kick the season off with a divisional rivalry and our first look at Keenan Allen with the Federals.
FRIDAY 9pm ET Denver Gold @ Arizona Wranglers ABC
The defending champs and their arch rival headline the first late Friday game. Can the Gold get an early upset under their belts?
SATURDAY 12pm ET New Orleans Breakers @ Pittsburgh Maulers ABC
Leonard Fournette makes his USFL debut as the Breakers head to Pittsburgh to face a Maulers’ squad hoping for a rebound season.
SATURDAY 12pm ET Birmingham Stallions @ Memphis Showboats FOX
Memphis and Birmingham kick off their season with a huge rivalry game. It might be a bit cold for the massive tailgate this game usually gets, but you know the grills and smokers will keep people warm.
SATURDAY 4pm ET Oakland Invaders @ Seattle Dragons ABC
Two clubs trying to get a bad taste out of their mouths after last season, so who will start the year with a win?
SATURDAY 4pm ET Baltimore Blitz @ Portland Stags FOX
Can Portland slow down that Blitz offense? And just how much of a difference will Doug Martin make for the Stags run game?
SATURDAY 7pm ET Ohio Glory @ Michigan Panthers NBC
Another rivalry game pushed to the season opener. Ohio and Michigan always rile up the fanbases for this one.
SATURDAY 9pm ET Los Angeles Express @ San Diego Thunder ESPN/EFN
The California Derby kicks off with the Express making the short trip down the coast to face the Thunder.
SUNDAY 12pm ET Charlotte Monarchs @ Atlanta Fire ABC
Man, we have a ton of rivalry games for Week 1, guess the schedulemakers wanted to start with a bang. So, will it be Mitch Trubisky’s first win as a pro or will Atlanta burn him?
SUNDAY 12pm ET Tampa Bay Bandits @ St. Louis Skyhawks FOX Regional
Two teams hoping they can get the season started right, and that their new coaches have figured out how to turn things around and get more W’s in the future.
SUNDAY 12pm ET Jacksonville Bulls @ Philadelphia Stars FOX Regional
This one could be a defensive slugfest. Can either team unleash their big offensive weapons in a Week 1 clash?
SUNDAY 4pm ET Orlando Renegades @ Chicago Machine ABC
Talk about defensive showdowns, and the chance of snow as well. This one cold be a 3-0 defensive showcase.
SUNDAY 4pm ET Las Vegas Vipers @ Dallas Roughnecks FOX
Two SW Division clubs hoping they can be the Cinderella this year. Eli Manning gets his first start in a Vipers’ uniform, while Dallas unveils their new run game.
SUNDAY 7pm ET Oklahoma Outlaws @ Houston Gamblers ESPN/EFN
Not an in-state rivalry any longer, but the Outlaws and the Gamblers don’t need that to hate each other. Expect fireworks in this one as both offenses expect to light things up.
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