2020 USFL Midseason Report (Week 8)
- USFL LIVES
- 2 hours ago
- 39 min read
Welcome to the Midseason Report for a season unlike any others. With all 30 USFL teams living in hotels, restricted by social distancing requirements, and playing every game to empty stadiums, it has been a surreal season, and yet, football is being played, and games are proving to be as dramatic as ever (even when the networks don’t pump in fake crowd noise). We reach the midway point of the season with 2 unbeatens, 2 coaches already let go, and changes to the schedule helping all of us catch more action, whether on network broadcasts or the highly successful streaming format. Fans are finding community online, and teams are finding ways to adapt and succeed.
In this midseason report we will break down all of Week 8’s games, give you our Stories of the Season So Far, provide the 2nd Power Rankings review, and highlight each team’s top rookie. It’s all right here, and it kicks off with our BIG STORY, our Mid-Season QB Grades for all 30 teams. Who has a franchise guy in place, who is still searching, and who needs help.
USFL Quarterback Play Defines Success
In the NFL they say that defense wins titles, and that the run game determines who can win in December or January, but the USFL is a different beast, playing its foul weather games in March (so, this year not at all) and putting a premium on the passing game as the defining trait of USFL football. Yes, the rules in place help the QBs and their receivers, and the league has always put a priority on signing top draft picks in offensive skill positions, but the key to USFL success has always been the play of the QB. So, which teams have their franchise player in place? Who has hope that they may have a guy who can get it done? And who is still searching for that special mix of leadership, decision-making, and arm talent? Here is our breakdown of where every team stands. We have placed all teams into one of 5 situations, depending on their current QB situation and the prospects for the next 5-years.
WE’VE GOT OUR GUY
Dak Prescott-TBY
The defending MVP and a clear favorite for back-to-back honors. Prescott has developed into one of the most dangerous QBs in the game and a player the Bandits have built a very dangerous offense around.
Cam Newton-BIR
The Stallions have 99 problems but a QB ain’t one. Perhaps the most physically gifted QB in the league, Newton can kill you with his arm or his legs. He has the occasional unfocused game, but more often than not, if the Stallions win it is because Newton put on the cape and played Superman.
Colt McCoy-HOU
McCoy has led Houston to 3 straight Summer Bowls and has been the trigger man on one of the best fast-strike offenses in football since taking over for Matt Hasselbeck. At only 31, McCoy should be the Gamblers’ field general for at least the next 5 years.
Kirk Cousins-MGN
Cousins is never going to wow you with his deep ball, but he will complete passes, gain first downs, and keep defenses honest, which is enough when you have the best run game in the league. The only concern is that he does sometimes disappear in the biggest games (like in the 2019 Divisional Playoff).
Geno Smith-NOR
The Breakers went hard after LSU QB Joe Burrow, but with what we have seen from Smith this year, they may well be happy they lost out to the NFL Dolphins. Smith has the Breaker passing game looking very dangerous, and he is still a young QB.
Russell Wilson-ORL
Wilson is like a miniature version of Newton. He can run the ball when needed, makes good reads, and can play hero ball when called upon. Orlando needs to build more around him, but they feel they have their guy in the former Wisconsin Badger.
Paxton Lynch-MEM
Last year was not good for Lynch, but he has rebounded well, putting up numbers much more like his strong 2018 campaign. Like Cousins, he is not a hero-ball kind of QB, but he is outstanding in play action and can beat you if given a clean pocket. Memphis is looking good at QB for the next few years with Lynch in house.
GOOD FOR NOW, BUT FOR HOW LONG?
David Carr-ARZ
The 2-time MVP is one of the elite passers in the game, but for how much longer? Carr turns 37 this year and it may be time for Arizona to start planning for the post-Carr era.
Sam Bradford-CHI
Bradfor had his first 100 QBR season last year, a 20-point improvement from 2018, and this year he is on pace to repeat. The Machine are happy they landed the former Express signal caller, but at 33, Bradford has taken a lot of hits and a lot of abuse during his career in New Jersey, LA and now Chicago.
Tom Brady-OAK
You cannot do much better than Brady for leadership and decision making. His numbers are not what they used to be, but the leadership is there, but at 44, we just cannot imagine number 12 playing more than 1-2 more years at the most, even in the shape he is in, which is amazing.
Joe Flacco-SAN
At 33, Flacco is not the oldest QB (not by a mile with Brady in the league), but no player has taken more sacks than Flacco, and his lack of mobility is an issue, especially on an expansion team with a somewhat shaky line in front of him. Could he be the Gunslingers’ QB in 2025? It just does not seem likely if he keeps taking these hits.
TOO SOON TO TELL
Justin Herbert-DAL
Two games does not make a career, but Roughneck fans are loving what they have seen so far. It is everything you expect from a top tier rookie QB, so the folks in Dallas could be very happy for a long time to come if Herbert’s early success is any indicator of his potential.
Josh Allen-DEN
We have seen some huge plays from Allen, whose physical gifts are impressive, but he has to improve his accuracy and avoid the costly turnovers that have hurt the Gold early in his career.
Kyler Murray-LA
Murray’s escapability is impressive, but he also tends to make some decisions out of panic rather than poise. LA needs to provide more inventiveness on offense to maximize his upside, but the talent is visible.
Ryan Tannehill-NEN
It is so tough to evaluate how good Tannehill can be with the expansion roster of the Steamrollers. He has had some moments, and looks the part, but he is forcing too many throws and tends to hold the ball a bit longer than is advisable.
Mason Rudolph/Jalen Hurts-OKL
The fact that we are listing both Rudolph and Hurts tells you all you need to know. Fans want to see the former OU quarterback get a shot, but Rudolph has occasional games where he seems to be the real deal, so Coach Stoops has not pulled the trigger on Hurts yet. Does Oklahoma have two good options, two mysteries, or just a mess? It is too soon to tell.
Lamar Jackson-STL
The general theory is that Jackson can be a dynamic double-threat, somewhere in the vein of Newton, Wilson, or Jake Plummer, which is saying a lot, but the Skyhawks have both mismanaged his talents and provided him with little to work with. Will a new coach bring out the best in Jackson or is he destined to be considered a bust because of mismanagement of his potential?
NOT BAD, BUT CAN HE CARRY US?
Aaron Murray-ATL
The Fire QB is having a career year, improving his QB rating considerably in the first 8 games of the season. The arrival of A. J. Green is certainly a reason for, that, but so too may be the use of a system that suits Murray’s style. We could see Murray jump into our “Elite” category if he can prove that this is not just a short-term improvement.
Jake Locker-BAL
With 13 TDs to only 6 picks, Locker may not be Ben Roethlisberger, but he is proving he can get the job done for the Blitz. But until we see him take command of the team and earn them a playoff win, there will still be questions as to whether or not he is a true franchise player.
Teddy Bridgewater-JAX
The Bulls are hardly an offensive juggernaut, but Bridgewater has shown us that he is more than talented enough to be successful, if only the Bulls would provide him with some weapons. We think they are happy with him as their guy for the foreseeable future, but they need to add some playmakers if he is ever going to turn talent into wins.
Matt McGloin-LV
After a very strong first season in the desert, Matt McGloin has had a pretty noticeable regression in year two. His stats are not horrible (12:9 TD:INT ratio, 70.7% completions) but he is not getting the job done on 3rd down and not putting points on the board. But, a lot of that may be the ability of defenses to just ignore the run game entirely.
Nick Foles-NJ
When Foles is healthy, he can be effective. But he has missed a lot of games, and he is struggling to make plays when he returns. His 66.2 rating this year is nearly 40 points lower than in 2019, and that has to make General fans worry. A fragile QB may well be a tentative QB and uncertainty is not what you want from your team’s offensive leader.
Andy Dalton-PIT
Dalton had an MVP season in 2015, putting up huge numbers, but fell hard after that year. In 2020 his numbers may not be as impressive as 5 seasons ago, but he is avoiding mistakes, not trying to be the hero, just getting the job done and helping Pittsburgh win. Unless a superstar falls in their laps in the T-Draft, we don’t see the Maulers moving on from Dalton.
Marcus Mariota-POR
The former Oregon Duck is in the middle of what could be a late-breaking career season. With 11 TDs to only 4 picks, Mariota is looking better than ever. But, injuries are still a major concern. Mariota has already missed time this season after missing 13 games last year, and 5 the year before. But, if A. J. McCarron continues to play well in relief, we could see Portland stick with the duo as a 1-2 combo for quite a while.
Christian Ponder-SD
After a 23-TD, 3,800 yard season in 2019, the 2020 version of Christian Ponder has been a huge drop off. Ponder has missed time, but when he has been in he has simply not been making plays. His QB Rating was 104.9 in 2018, 96.9 last year, but only 76.2 this season. That cannot all be about changing talent around him. Thunder fans worry that Ponder is not the player they thought, and that has led to concern that they need to look for help at the position.
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO
Mitch Trubisky-CHA
While 6 picks to 11 TDs this season is hardly the worst in the league, fans simply have no faith that Trubisky can get the job done. Statistically this has been his best year, but it may be too little, too late, and since it has not translated into wins, we expect that Charlotte will try to move on, which means that Trubisky could be moving on in the offseason.
Christian Hackenberg-OHI
The Glory’s 2018 Division Title feels 100 years ago and the team’s 29th ranked scoring offense feels very much like an indictment of Hackenberg’s development. In his 5 years as the starter in Ohio, Hackenberg has yet to top 90.0 in QB rating, which means that he may not be a bad QB but he is not going to be an elite one. Ohio needs more from the position, and if they end up with a new coach in 2021 (which feels more than likely right now), well, that is as good a time as any to make a change at QB too.
Matt Gutierrez-PHI
The fans have turned against the longstanding Stars’ QB, the coach who defended him is now gone, and ownership seems ready to blow up the entire roster, which likely starts at the QB position. We could see Ryan Lindley starting soon if the Stars keep losing and Gutierrez keeps struggling, but we certainly believe that the 2021 starter is not currently on the Stars’ roster.
Jacoby Brissett/Brett Hundley-SEA
Nowhere is the “If you have 2 QBs, you have no QB” cliché more prevalent than in Seattle. Jacoby Brissett had a very solid 2019 campaign, but was lost for the year in the season opener, the second time in 3 years he suffered a season-ending injury in the season’s first month. In stepped Brett Hundley, and the former General castoff has looked decent, throwing for 1,979 yards with a 2:1 TD:INT ratio (8:4). Hundley is completing 70% of his passes, but what is noticeable is that he is a mid-range passer at best. He is not going to deliver the deep ball, and that feels like Seattle is playing with a major USFL weapon missing from the arsenal.
Ryan Nassib-WSH
“It was the system”. That is what Federals Nation is saying about Nassib’s incredible 2018 performance in Arizona, a performance that got him the Washington starting job and a very lucrative contract. But, what have we seen since? A 117.9 QB Rating dipped to 84.8 in Nassib’s first year in D.C., and now sits at 70.9, which is a number you just don’t associate with a multi-million dollar salary and a franchise tag. The Feds are sitting at .500, but unless Nassib turns it back on “Arizona style” over the final 8 weeks of the season, we could see Washington try to deal him and the 2 years left on his deal, to another club and try to retool.
NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS 27 MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS 24 OVERTIME
Another good one out of the Southern Division as the Breakers and Showboats head to overtime to settle the battle of 5-2 teams. With sole possession of first place on the line in this one, both teams came in fired up. New Orleans, losers of two straight, feeling a lot of pressure to turn the offense back to overdrive. Memphis, who lost to the Gamblers 2 weeks ago, feeling pressure as well to assert themselves as a serious contender in perhaps the league’s best division. This one would be a battle for 60 minutes and beyond.
The first half of this one belonged to the Breakers, who not only outscored Memphis 17-3, but outgained them 202-124. But the second half would see Memphis storm back, finding their run game as Todd Gurley gained 79 of his 104 yards in the second half. In a game with no turnovers, it would be penalties in the second half that would help Memphis gain some momentum and send the game to overtime, an overtime period that would go nearly the full 15 minutes before a winner was decided,
The game started fast, with New Orleans marching down the field on the opening drive, carving up the Memphis secondary but also getting a pair of solid runs from Myles Gaskin, forced into the starting role as the Breakers had traded away Leonard Fournette only 48 hours earlier, with Denver HB DeMarco Murray not yet ready to step in. Gaskin had a 9 and a 17-yard run on the drive, helping set up the Breakers in the red zone, where Geno Smith found rookie Justin Jefferson for the opening score of the game.
But while the Breakers’ offense was finding immediate success with their gameplan, the same could not be said for Memphis. The Showboats managed only 2 first downs and a lone field goal in the first quarter, and while they had more success in the 2nd quarter a missed kick from Lewis Ward left Memphis with only 3 points at the half. New Orleans added a 2nd touchdown midway through the 2nd quarter as Geno Smith found his other favorite target, Jordy Nelson, for a 15-yard strike as the Breakers looked to be in control at the half.
But, adjustments are a part of the game, and just as New Orleans came out hot at the start of the game, a refocused Memphis offense came out with a new plan to start the second half. Switching to more 2-TE formations, the Showboat run game finally started to make some hay. It was Gurley helping the Showboats get inside the 10, and while he took a respite, backup Jacob Hester finished the job, plowing into the endzone from 3-yards out to get Memphis within one score at 17-10 early in the 3rd quarter.
Memphis responded with a drive of their own, and once again Myles Gaskin had a big role to play. Stuffed on the ground by Memphis’s front 7, he took on a role as a receiver, and when Geno Smith found him on a well-designed screen from the Showboat 23, Gaskin wove behind his blockers, eventually darting towards the center of the field and into the endzone to regain a 14-point lead for the Breakers, now up 24-10.
But Memphis would not go away, and their new focus on the run game helped Paxton Lynch avoid that tough Breaker pass rush. With time waning in the 3rd quarter, the ability to pull up the linebackers with a run fake produced Memphis’s longest play of the game, a deep shot to Devin Funchess that fell right to the speeding receiver, producing a 48-yard touchdown. As the final period began, New Orleans held a tenuous 7-point lead. With Memphis feeling good about their run defense, they used the nickel for most of the quarter, stifling the Breaker deep threats and forcing Geno Smith to be patient. The strategy worked to perfection, holding New Orleans without a score in the final 15, while the Showboat offense found the equalizer, a Todd Gurley 1-yard TD run with 3:16 left to play.
The Breakers were unable to get into range for Caleb Sturgis and both teams begrudgingly settled for overtime. In the extra period, both teams battled to get into field goal range, and both found that to be a tough task. New Orleans had what appeared to be a game-clinching deep ball that would have put the ball at the Memphis 7 yard line called back for illegal motion. That kept Memphis in it, but they simply could not get close enough for Lewis Ward. With 2:22 left to play, the Breakers got one last chance to get into field goal range, and a huge 3rd and 11 play to Coby Fleener helped them get there. The pass took New Orleans to the Memphis 41. From there a 7-yard Garner run, and a short throw to Dawson Knox that ended up going for 13 put the Breakers confidently in scoring range. On a 3rd and 3, they opted to send Caleb Sturgis out onto the field. Sturgis put the ball straight down the middle and this Southern Classic was over, with Memphis again falling just short in a key divisional game and the Breakers taking over 1st place of the division.
NEW JERSEY 20 WASHINGTON 18
The Generals recovered from their Week 7 beatdown at the hands of Tampa Bay, putting together a solid game against division rival Washington and leveling both their record and the Federals’ at 4-4 in the process. What is perhaps more impressive is that they did most of their damage with Ricky Stanzi, not Nick Foles at the helm. Foles was knocked out of the game midway through the 2nd quarter and Stanzi guided New Jersey to17 of their 20 points, including a TD toss to Odell Beckham Jr.
POTG: General WR Odell Beckham Jr.: 6 Rec, 117 Yds, 1 TD
ARIZONA 24 PORTLAND 14
The Wranglers shut down Portland’s offense in the first half, building up a 17-0 advantage over the game’s first 30 minutes. The Stags eventually found some space to operate, but by then it was too late. DE Calais Campbell, apparently miffed that we commented on his lack of multiple-sack games, took out his annoyance on Marcus Mariota, sacking the Stags’ QB 3 times on the day.
POTG: Wrangler DE Calais Campbell: 4 Tck, 3 Sck
HOUSTON 39 BIRMINGHAM 21
The Gamblers limited Cam Newton to only 37 yards rushing and the offense compensated for the absence of Carlos Hyde by having rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire and 3rd stringer Traveon Williams carry the ball a combined 32 times for 79 yards. Colt McCoy threw for 351 and 3 scores, outdueling Newton, who had 3 scores as well but also threw a pick-six to Kenny Vaccaro.
POTG: Houston QB Colt McCoy: 22/30, 351 Yds, 3 TD, 2 Int
DALLAS 20 SAN DIEGO 10
Justin Herbert is 2-0 as a starter for the Roughnecks as Dallas doubled up the spiraling San Diego Thunder. Even the return of Christian Ponder could not help the Thunder offense as they were limited to 158 passing yards and committed 3 turnovers. Herbert and the Roughnecks took advantage, putting up 17 of their 20 points after turnovers. Herbert found Sammy Watkins for a TD, one of 9 receptions for the former NFL receiver, who finished the day with 128 yards.
POTG: Dallas WR Sammy Watkins: 9 Rec, 128 Yds, 1 TD
DENVER 26 SEATTLE 31
Denver loses their 4th in a row as Seattle QB Brett Hundley throws for 433 yards and 3 scores to earn this week’s POTW. Hundley targeted former Stallion Amari Cooper 16 times, with the top target bringing in 10 for 151 yards and a score. TE Kyle Rudolph and WR Marshall Newhouse also caught TD passes from the Dragon QB. Devern mounted a late comeback, but a missed 2-point conversion meant they had to go for a TD late and the Hail Mary just did not connect.
POTG: Seattle QB Brett Hundley: 30/38, 433 Yds, 3 TD, 0 Int
ATLANTA 17 ORLANDO 27
A huge win for the Renegades as they crawl right into the SE Division race, now only a game behind Atlanta, though still 3 games behind the unbeaten Tampa Bay Bandits. The ‘Gades rushed for 176 yards, including 32 yards from QB Russell Wilson. Wilson also threw for 171 and 2 scores, but the big star of the day was the Orlando defense, which held Aaron Murray to only 190 yards and 1 TD, with A. J. Green targeted 10 times but only able to come up with 4 receptions for 48 yards as CB Dee Milliner locked him down all game.
POTG: Orlando CB Dee Milliner: 7 Tck, 6 PDef, 1 Int
CHARLOTTE 6 TAMPA BAY 52
The Bandits top 50 points for a second consecutive week, absolutely demolishing the Monarchs. Dak Prescott threw for 361 yards with 4 touchdowns, including 3 to his favorite target, NFL import Dez Bryant. The Bandit D also came up big, sacking Mitch Trubisky 6 times and forcing 2 picks as well. The Bandit D also held Charlotte without a 3rd down conversion all game, 0 for 11.
POTG: Bandit QB Dak Prescott: 13/18, 361 Yds, 4 TD, 0 Int
PITTSBURGH 18 OHIO 15 OVERTIME
The Maulers struggled a bit, but still picked up their 6th win, thanks to an Andrew Franks field goal in overtime. Ohio put up quite a fight, sacking Andy Dalton 4 times, holding the Mauler run game to only 76 yards and putting up a game-tying field goal in the final 2 minutes of regulation, but their offensive woes kept them from putting the game away in overtime, making room for Pittsburgh to get the winning kick.
POTG: Mauler DE Shaquile Riddick: 3 Tck, 1 TFL, 1 Sck, 1 FF
ST. LOUIS 41 SAN ANTONIO 34
There is something about that first game after a coaching change. Philadelphia got a win the week after Jim Harbaugh’s departure, and the Skyhawks followed suit in Dave Borgonzi’s first game in the interim position. It was quite a shootout between these two as Joe Flacco threw for 4 TDs while the Skyhawks found a run game, with Bobby Rainey scoring twice and gaining 72 yards on 14 carries while David Montgomery added another 55. San Antonio led 34-27 with 7:08 left, but the Skyhawks uncharacteristically rallied late, getting an equalizer on a 22-yard strike form Lamar Jackson to Deionte Johnson and the game winner with 39 seconds left in the game, thanks to a Bobby Rainey TD run.
POTG: Skyhawk HB Bobby Rainey: 14 Att, 72 Yds, 2 TD
LAS VEGAS 17 LOS ANGELES 29
The Express move to 6-2 thanks to another solid defensive performance, holding Las Vegas to 4 of 15 on third down and limiting their run game to only 33 total yards. Kyler Murray went 17 of 24 for 208 yards and a TD to Jason Whitten while Reggie Bush also contributed a TD run and Marquise Lee contributed with an 80-yard punt return TD for the Express.
POTG: Express CB Stephon Gilmore: 7 Tck, 1 PDef, 1 FF, 1 FR
OKLAHOMA 6 OAKLAND 16
The Invaders avoid dropping to .500 by shutting down the Oklahoma run game (only 26 total yards) and containing WR DeDe Westbrook. It was not a pretty game, but it was largely error free for the Invaders, who had no turnovers and no penalties in the game. Oklahoma simply could not get much done, finishing with only 248 yards on offense.
POTG: Invader LB Shaq Barrett: 4 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 FF
NEW ENGLAND 2 JACKSONVILLE 17
The Jacksonville D pitched a shutout, with the only Steamroller points coming on a holding call against a Bulls’ lineman in the endzone for the safety. The Bulls’ D also put 7 points on the board with CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie’s 80-yard interception return. Both teams ran the ball effectively, with Williams and Forte gaining a combined 97 yards for New England, while Jacksonville got 9100 even from their combo of Singletary and Hardesty. But, with neither QB able to secure 200 yards or more, this was a low scoring affair.
POTG: Bulls’ CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie: 5 Tck, 1 Int, 1 Def TD
BALTIMORE 27 PHILADELPHIA 24
The Stars played their division rivals tough, holding a 24-20 advantage midway through the 4th quarter, but a 2-minute drill by Jake Locker produced a 27-yard TD toss to rookie Michael Pittman Jr. and that gave the win to the Blitz, who now sit alone atop the NE Division at 5-3 while Philadelphia drops to 1-7 at the midway point of the year. Locker threw for 307 and 2 scores in the game, despite the absence of Brian Hartline. Eli Rogers stepped up with 85 yards on 5 receptions and Michael Pittman added 73 as well.
POTG: Blitz QB Jake Locker: 21/36, 307 Yds, 2 TD, 0 Int
MICHIGAN 0 CHICAGO 27
We need to start talking about Chicago’s defense more. A week after holding New Orleans to 6 points, they shut out the Panthers. Michigan still seemed shaken by last week’s injury to Calvin Ridley, and simply were not in synch as Chicago held them without a score for the first time in over a decade. Sam Bradford was not flashy for Chicago, but he put up 269 yards and threw TDs to both TE Tyler Eifert and rookie WR Chase Claypool in the dominant win, a win that creates a 3-way tie atop the division with Chicago, Michigan, and Pittsburgh now all 6-2 on the year.
POTG: Chicago LB Manti Te’o: 4 Tck, 1 Sck, 1 FF, 1 FR
Ten Big Stories of 2020 at the Midpoint of the Season
So much has happened this season, this unique, bizarre, and yet well-appreciated season. We combed through everything we have seen over the season’s first two months and came up with 10 stories that define the 2020 season at its midway point.
Chicago’s Defensive Muscle
The Chicago Machine have impressed this season, not only with their 6-2 start, but with a defense that is among the best in the league and reminiscent of some great Chicago defensive squads of the past, in both the USFL and NFL. They currently lead the league by allowing only 268.8 yards of total offense per game, including a leaguewide low of only 47.9 yards per game on the ground. They are 2nd in the league in scoring defense as well, allowing only 14.9 points per game, a number greatly aided by the past two games in which they held the Breakers’ powerful pass game to only 6 points and then shut out the Michigan Panthers.
What is most amazing about the Machine defense is that they are doing it at every level. The D-line has produced 18 sacks, led by Jason Pierre-Paul’s 7 QB captures. The linebacker group, which was thought to be a strength, has certainly proven that out, with Kevin Minter, Manti Te’o and Courtney Upshaw combining for 92 tackles and 13 TFL, leading the way in run defense, but the true revelation has been the secondary. Cornerback Josh Norman currently leads the team with 47 tackles, while also producing 11 passes defended and 2 picks. He is joined by Jordan Poyer, who has 32 tackles along with a pick and 7 passes defended. The safeties, Lano Hill and Micah Hyde have been huge as well. This is team defense at its best and it has propelled Chicago into discussions of Summer Bowl favorites.
San Diego’s Sputtering Offense
While it has all been good news in Chicago, much the opposite has been the case for the 1-7 San Diego Thunder. Expected by many to lead the Pacific Division and take another crack at a Conference Title, the Thunder have been absolutely abysmal on both sides of the ball this year. Their run game dropped from Top 10 form last year to 24th in the league, putting out only 73.5 yards per game. Their passing game is only marginally better, ranked 19th in the league, and that has helped them claim the title of the lowest scoring team in the USFL, averaging a paltry 10.8 points per game. The Thunder have been held to 10 or fewer points 5 times in 8 weeks, and there does not appear to be much help on the way.
With the trade deadline only 2 weeks away, San Diego has to give serious thought as to whether Ryan Williams still has it in him to be a lead rusher. He is averaging 3.9 yards per carry, which is solid, but is still only averaging just over 50 yards per game on the ground, not enough to keep defenses honest. Behind him are only scatback Taiwan Jones and 3rd stringer Travis Homer. The passing game should improve if Christian Ponder can stay healthy, but the Thunder need more options than Marques Colston, who, at 35, has clearly lost the once legendary speed that made him a coverage nightmare. Ronald Johnson and Chris Givens have just not given Ponder enough to work with. Barring a miraculous turnaround, this could turn out to be San Diego’s worst season since relocating from Las Vegas.
Memphis Finds Balance
Memphis is sitting at 5-3 and very much in the hunt in the Southern Division, and while we tend to praise the defense put together by Head Coach Rex Ryan, the secret to the Showboats’ success this year may well be on offense. Memphis currently ranks 2nd in rushing at 114.4 YPG and 7th in passing at 261.5 YPG, and it is that balance which is making them a tough team to defend. Paxton Lynch is bouncing back nicely after a somewhat shaky 2019 campaign. His current 103.5 QB Rating is significantly better than even in 2018 when he led the Showboats to the playoffs. He has 16 TDs to only 6 picks, a career best ratio by far, and he finally has a trio of weapons who can all turn a catch into a score in reliable possession receiver Robert Woods, receiving tight end Dallas Goedert, and breakout star of 2020, Devin Funchess, who leads the team with 781 yards. Put that together with Todd Gurley’s 671 yards rushing, and a fabulous 4.5 YPC average, and you have a very tough team to gameplan against.
Star & Skyhawk Shakeouts
When you have two coaches fired before the season reaches its midpoint, well, that is a story to follow. With both Philadelphia and St. Louis reacting to horrific starts (0-6 for Philly, 0-7 for St. Louis) by firing their head coaches, there is now pressure on both clubs to prove that they can improve with a change of leadership. Both the Stars and Skyhawks won in their first games with an interim coach, but the rest of the season will show whether a change at the top is sufficient or if a lot more has to be addressed for these two clubs to be successful.
Surprising Stags
It seems every year there is one team that no one expects much of but who prove us wrong. Last year it was Tampa Bay, going from 3-13 in 2018 to 10-6 and a division crown in 2019. This year that surprise club is the Portland Stags. At 5-3, the Stags have already won more games than in their entire 4-12 campaign in 2019. What is more, they are doing it with an offensive firepower no one saw coming. Even with Marcus Mariota missing 2 games, the Stags are in the Top 5 in scoring and passing yards, and are averaging over 28 points per outing, including impressive wins in the division, like a 38-17 drubbing of the Express and a 44-17 route of the Oakland Invaders. They still have a tough road ahead, but this is a Stags team that is gaining momentum and excitement in the Rose City.
Atlanta is on Fire
It may seem odd to praise the Fire in a week when they lost a divisional game, but since it was only their 2nd loss of the season, and since that season has included 4 games where they have scored over 30 points (3 over 40), we are still pretty impressed by what we are seeing out of the Peach State. The Fire are solid on defense (upper half of the league in every category) but where they have excelled is turning field position into points. The Fire are only 10th in total yards, but 2nd in scoring and that is because their red zone efficiency has been outstanding. In 38 red zone appearances, they have 29 touchdowns and 7 field goals, meaning that they have come away with points on 36 of 38 possessions inside the red zone, and scored a touchdown on 76% of their red zone drives. That is a stat that will win you a lot of games.
Breakers’ WR Duo Impresses
The New Orleans Breakers lead the league with 2,746 yards passing, more than 300 yards more than 2nd place Tampa Bay (who we have been praising for their offense). They have 20 passing touchdowns, and have perhaps the best 3-player receiver group in the league. No wonder they are 6-2 and sit atop the South. They have the league leader in receiving yards, Jordy Nelson, who is averaging 127 yards per game and a ridiculous 31.8 yards per reception. They have the #3 tight end in receiving yards, Coby Fleener, who trails only Tampa Bay’s Jordan Cameron and Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews, with 524 yards, on pace for 1,000 again. And they have rookie sensation Justin Jefferson, who is currently 16th in the league with 623 yards, on pace for 1,200, and averaging 24 yards per catch. Yes, the Breaker run game has been a disaster, something they hope to turn around with the acquisition of DeMarco Murray, but this passing game has been one of the highlights of the season so far.
Banditball in Full Effect
Banditball is back in Tampa Bay, defined by a high-flying offense and a no-holds-barred defense. The Bandits trail only New Orleans in passing yards, but have 3 more TD passes, with 23 over 8 weeks, nearly 3 per game. Dak Prescott has only thrown 3 interceptions and is finding deep options regularly. Both Dez Bryant and TE Jordan Cameron are on pace for more than 1,200 yards, and Ryan Grant, despite missing time to Covid-19, could still surpass 1,000 yards, oh, and they, unlike New Orleans, have a run game as well, with Dalvin Cook on pace for 1,000 yards and getting nice support from NFL import Matt Breida, who is averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Then you throw in the defense, a group allowing the fewest points in the league, 14.1 per game, and also leading the league in pass defense, and, well, you have to say that the Bandits, and Bandit Ball, is looking like a favorite to land in the Summer Bowl.
Covid-19 Remain Season’s Defining Feature
For all the great action on the field, the outstanding performances, and the big plays, we all know that the big story this year is the global pandemic of Covid-19. Just the fact that we are having a USFL season at all feels somewhat miraculous. The league had to delay the season two months to get a plan in place, we have every game played in a hub/bubble format, in empty stadiums, and we have a massive testing program in place, but so far, despite the hiccups, and there have been many, there has not been a single game cancelled or postponed, and no team has been forced to forfeit because of a widespread infection within the team. For all the annoyance of having games at 11pm (which has thankfully been solved), or listening to absolutely no roar of the crowd, or having your best player sidelined for 1-2 weeks after testing positive, the season is happening, the league is surviving, TV ratings have improved, and the game action has been as good as ever. Yes, it is weird, and we all want fans back in the stands and teams playing at home as soon as possible, but we have to celebrate the wins right now, and one of the big wins of this summer is that the USFL has been able to mount a season, one we can all enjoy while staying safe.
Denver Deals DeMarco to Desperate Breaker Squad
Midseason deals tend to fall into one of two categories: teams trying to add the one piece that can put them into playoff position and teams giving up on a season and trying to build for the future. The deal we saw between the Gold and the Breakers feels a bit like the former, but with a hint of the latter. It is just bizarre to see a team trade away their leading rusher, but to see two teams swap their leading rushers, that is a rarity indeed.
Denver had an interesting situation. They had two backs who were looking very solid, Murray with 473 yards and a very solid 4.1 YPC average and Philip Lindsay with just under 400 yards but a nice 5.0 YPC average. Both were productive, both seemed satisfied with playing in a HB-by-Committee situation, but when New Orleans came calling, Denver clearly felt that one of the two would be expendable. The Breakers were desperate to upgrade a run game that was among the league’s worst. With one of the league’s most explosive passing games and a 5-0 start, fans were not clamoring for change, but back-to-back losses showed everyone that you could play pass defense all game and the Breakers could not make you pay with their run game. So, they went searching for an option, and they found one in Denver.
So, Denver agrees to send their lead rusher, DeMarco Murray, to the Breakers in exchange for the Breakers’ disappointing draft choice Leonard Fournette and a 2nd round pick in 2021. The expectation is that the pick, and not the player, was the key for Denver. For New Orleans, they land a 29-year-old halfback who is certainly an instant upgrade at the position but may well be a short-term solution as he gets close to that nasty 30-year-old cliff. Denver gets a nice draft pick and could decide to use Fournette in a very specific role (short yardage) while Lindsay becomes a true 3-down back, used in the passing game as well as in first and second downs.
It is a trade we rarely see, two starting HBs swapped midseason, and there may be a bit of “this is not our year” thinking for Denver, but this feels like a move that makes sense for both clubs. Denver believes they will be fine with Lindsay taking on a heavier load while New Orleans now believes they can threaten teams with the run if defenses stick to the strategy of using the nickel as their primary defense against that Breaker passing game. Both players watched Week 8 action from the sideline, but we expect to see Murray starting in Week 9, with Fournette seeing spot action for Denver.
Maulers Trade for Gronk Ahead of Week 8
Now this is a trade that makes all kinds of sense. Pittsburgh is in a 3-way tie atop the Central Division, has found success on defense and has potential on offense with a balanced attack, but Andy Dalton lacked a true safety valve. We like Anthony Hill as a blocker, and he can catch the ball, but he is not going to be a weapon teams plan to stop. Enter the St. Louis Skyhawks, a team that needed 8 weeks to find a win and which is now going to be rebuilding around Lamar Jackson. To do that they need draft picks and cap space, and that means losing a good player to get both.
So, a deal is cut, even within the division, as St. Louis sends TE Rob Gronkowski to the Maulers in trade for two draft picks, TE Will Dissley, and some major cap relief. Gronkowski is a true weapon, a receiving TE who can draw safeties away from Pittsburgh’s outside receivers. He may be a step slower than in recent years, but he still has great hands and the ability to block out defenders, exactly the kind of weapon Andy Dalton lacked in the Mauler attack. And while Lamar Jackson is likely not happy to lose Gronk this year, his departure signals St. Louis’s desire to rebuild, to add more talent on both offense and defense, and to do that they need picks and cap space, and this deal gets them both. They will add a 4th rounder in 2021 and a conditional pick in 2022 as well.
Our analysis is that this move certainly helps Pittsburgh this year. It gives Dalton another weapon, and makes it tougher for teams to play the run when the Maulers are in 2-TE formations. For St. Louis, a 1-7 start and with an interim head coach, what works for 2021 is clearly not the priority. They will move ahead with Dissley and James Casey likely splitting snaps at TE, neither a major receiving threat, but they will move on to 2021 with hopes for a big offseason makeover.
A second consecutive light week for new IR placements, with only one coming from New Jersey this week, and for longer-term issues, with the rest of the injuries falling into the 1-2 Week, Doubtful or Questionable category. That is a trend we always welcome.
OUT
OT Donald Stephenson NJ Broken Leg IR
DT Damon Harrison SD Foot 1-2 Weeks
LB Manti Te’o CHI Thigh Bruise 1-2 Weeks
FS Clyde Adams NOR Neck 1-2 Weeks
SS Eric Berry LV Ankle 1-2 Weeks
LB Darryl Sharpton ORL Hand 1-2 Weeks
DOUBTFUL
LB DeMeco Ryans TBY Arm
DE Neal Beasley HOU Turf Toe
DT Cortez Broughton DEN Thigh Bruise
QUESTIONABLE
QB Nick Foles NJ Tendinitis
COVID-19 INACTIVES
CHA G Jonathan Cooper
CHA CB Ronald Darby
HOU G Jon Asomoah
NEN HB T. J. Yeldon
PHI OT Matt Kalil 2nd Week
PHI LB Jake Ryan
PIT CB Sean Smith
MIDSEASON POWER RANKINGS
We are at the halfway point of the season and so it is time to evaluate where all 30 teams stand. We have a clear Top 2, but after that it gets pretty messy, with clusters at 6-2, 5-3, 4-4, and 3-5 before we get down to the teams at the bottom of the rankings. For each club, we will give our 1-sentence evaluation of their situation and also take a look at their best performer from the Draft Class of 2020.
1—TAMPA BAY BANDITS (8-0)
Not much needs to be said when your team has the top scoring offense (33.1 PPG) and the top scoring defense (14.1 PPG) as well.
TOP ROOKIE: CB Noah Igbinoghene has started to see some action in nickel and dime situations and has 4 Pass Defenses in limited action.
2—ARIZONA WRANGLERS (8-0)
Third in scoring (28.9) and 2nd in scoring defense (15.2 PPG) is a formula to keep Arizona unbeaten and just behind the Bandits in our power ranking.
TOP ROOKIE: WR Brandon Aiyuk is making contributions on special teams and in the red zone, with 3 TDs among his 10 receptions so far this year.
3—CHICAGO MACHINE (6-2)
Back-to-back impressive games by the D and Chicago now moves to the 2nd spot, allowing only 14.9 points per game. Their offense is also, somewhat surprisingly, in the Top 10 in both yards and points.
TOP ROOKIE: An easy choice with Chase Claypool, the 2nd leading receiver on the Machine, racking up 31 receptions, 408 yards and 4 TDs so far this season.
4—PITTSBURGH MAULERS (6-2)
The Maulers are not blowing anyone out, but impressive wins over the Breakers and Gamblers help propel them to the 4-spot.
TOP ROOKIE: While Cam Akers is getting some attention, it is LG Jonah Jackson, who is having the biggest impact. He is proving to be an excellent run blocker and that has helped the Maulers create space for both Akers and Sony Michel.
5—ATLANTA FIRE (6-2)
A tough loss to Orlando breaks the Fire’s 3-game win streak, but this is still a team putting up a ton of points (30.5 per game) and their D is improving.
TOP ROOKIE: Another outstanding rookie wideout, Gabe Davis has 4 TDs and 252 yards in his first 8 games.
6—NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (6-2)
The Breakers had a rough 2-game span, including a blow-out loss to Chicago, but they got a nice divisional win over Memphis this week to reach 6-2.
TOP ROOKIE: Could it be anyone but Justin Jefferson? No. With 624 yards, 4 TDs, and a 24 YPC average, Jefferson is among the ROTY candidates we are keeping an eye on.
7—LOS ANGELES EXPRESS (6-2)
The Express still don’t scare anyone on offense (only 18.1 PPG) but their D is legit, holding teams to only 61 yards per game on the ground and only 15.6 points per game.
TOP ROOKIE: OT Austin Jackson has taken over at RT, has had some ups and downs in pass protection but is a nasty blocker in the run game.
8—MICHIGAN PANTHERS (6-2)
The injury to Ridley is still clearly affecting this team. Just no other way to explain their 27-0 loss to Chicago. If they can get refocused, there is too much talent on this team to end up outside the playoff picture.
TOP ROOKIE: With LBs Josh Uche and Casey Toohill stuck in special teams duty, the clear choice is WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, whose role will only increase with the loss of Calvin Ridley to a season (possibly career) ending injury.
9—MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (5-3)
Paxton Lynch has rediscovered his touch on the ball, leading the league in completion percentage and helping Memphis develop one of the league’s most-balanced offenses.
TOP ROOKIE: No one has busted out but the Showboats have gotten some early results from 3 defenders, DE Darrell Taylor, DT Brawian Roy, and CB Dee Alford.
10—HOUSTON GAMBLERS (5-3)
After so many playoff runs, and so many trips to the Summer Bowl, are the Gamblers now showing signs of fatigue? They just don’t seem as dominant as they have been in recent years.
TOP ROOKIE: You might expect it would be HB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but honestly, we are seeing more out of WR Denzel Mims, who already has 3 TDs in very limited action.
11—PORTLAND STAGS (5-3)
One of the surprise stories of the year, the Stags are getting results with a pass-first philosophy, even with a defense that is in the bottom third of the league in nearly all categories.
TOP ROOKIE: Fullback Mac Knapp was a late round draft pick, but he has been playing like a true-blue chipper, blowing up linebackers to help Doug Martin and Travares Cadet find room to run. He also has shown good hands in nabbing 21 passes for 210 yards and a TD in his first 8 pro games.
12—ORLANDO RENEGADES (5-3)
A big win over Atlanta this week and a clear difference when Russell Wilson is healthy. The Renegades could be a tough out if they can work their way into a playoff spot.
TOP ROOKIE: With no rookie starters, the Renegades have gotten the most out of DT Javon Kinlaw, who has 1 tackle fewer than starter Ego Ferguson.
13—BALTIMORE BLITZ (5-3)
The only team with a record over .500 in a surprisingly weak Northeast Division, Baltimore has the 2nd rated defense in terms of yards, as well as a Top 3 pass defense, and that can get you far in the USFL.
TOP ROOKIE: With the departure of Darius Heyward-Bay and the injury to Brian Hartline, both rookie wideouts are getting plenty of snaps, so we want to recognize both Michael Pittman Jr. (32 Rec, 413 Yds, 3 TD) and Quez Watkins (16 Rec, 152 Yds, 1 TD).
14—OAKLAND INVADERS (5-3)
Tom Brady may not be producing MVP numbers, but his leadership and experience is showing up in the way Oakland toughs out wins. Other than a bad performance against Portland, the Invaders have won 4 of their last 5.
TOP ROOKIE: DT Jordan Elliott is splitting time with veteran Tyson Alualu and getting results, with 13 tackles and 2 sacks so far this year.
15—DALLAS ROUGHNECKS (4-4)
Justin Herbert is 2-0 since taking over the starting gig, but the Dallas schedule gets a lot tougher over the next few weeks, with Oakland this week, then unbeaten Arizona.
TOP ROOKIE: All of the DFW Area is falling in love with Justin Herbert, who is 2-0 as a starter, but we also want to recognize rookie LG Robert Hunt, who has started all 8 games and has helped Dallas crank out 101 yards rushing per game, 10th in the league and a solid 22 yards more per week than in 2019.
16—NEW JERSEY GENERALS (4-4)
The Generals don’t seem to be able to keep Nick Foles healthy, and the higher the percentage of Ricky Stanzi games, the lower the chances of a playoff run for New Jersey.
TOP ROOKIE: All eyes were on DT Yetur Gross-Matos coming out of the draft, but it has been unheralded SS Kyle Dugger who has impressed the Generals’ coaching staff the most. In 8 weeks, he has replaced veteran Jonathan Cyprien as the starter and has 31 tackles and 4 Passes Defended.
17—WASHINGTON FEDERALS (4-4)
Federals fans are still trying to figure out why their version of Ryan Nassib looks so pedestrian. The Feds are improving on defense, but their offense is still only 27th in total yards and dead last in rushing.
TOP ROOKIE: With HB Darrynton Evans struggling (a 2.0 YPC average in 102 attempts), the honor has to go to LB Patrick Queen, currently 6th on the team with 32 tackles. He also has a sack and 5 tackles for loss playing on the weak side.
18—DENVER GOLD (3-5)
Once 3-1, the Gold have now lost 4 in a row. They just are not putting enough points on the board (15.4 per game) which has caused their defense to tire. Injuries to Bryce Hall and Shaq Thompson have certainly not helped.
TOP ROOKIE: CB Bryce Hall was looking like a star in the making until a season ending injury put him on the IR, a tough break for an early season standout.
19—SEATTLE DRAGONS (3-5)
With 3 first half wins, another late season surge could again produce a Wild Card for Seattle, but they are just so erratic on both sides of the ball it is hard to get behind that possibility.
TOP ROOKIE: Seattle has had some strong rookie outings, including FS Grant Delpit and LB Kamal Martin, but the best of the bunch has been OT Ezra Cleveland, who has swung between LT and RT as needed and has yet to give up a sack in over 150 snaps.
20—OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS (3-5)
The Outlaws dropped their last 2 and now sit 2 games under .500. If they lose another, we could see Jalen Hurts get his shot. Their next 2 games are huge, facing off against 2-6 Las Vegas and 3-5 Seattle.
TOP ROOKIE: We know fans want to see Jalen Hurts get a chance, but they should be celebrating just how good former Miami Hurrican DeeJay Dallas has been, leading the team in rushing yards despite having fewer carries than starter Justice Hill. We think DeeJay could be starting for the Outlaws by season’s end if he can just improve his pass blocking.
21—JACKSONVILLE BULLS (3-5)
After looking absolutely moribund their first 3 weeks, the Bulls’ offense has picked up a bit over the last 5, though it is the defense that got them their last 2 wins, 10-3 over Orlando (without Wilson) and 17-2 over expansion New England.
TOP ROOKIE: Rookie WR Tee Higgins has been a huge hit in Jacksonville, with 522 yards on 33 receptions to lead the club, Higgins should be in the ROTY running with his production for a club without many other weapons.
22—BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (2-6)
29th in pass defense, 27th in total defense (yardage), and dead last in scoring defense (28.4 PPG), it is no surprise why Birmingham has only 2 wins, and both of those were basically Cam Newton carrying the team over the finish line.
TOP ROOKIE: The rookie WR group is just stacked all across the league, but the current frontrunner for ROTY has to be Stallion wideout Henry Ruggs, with 34 receptions, 759 yards (a 22.3 YPC average) and 8 touchdowns. He has become Cam Newton’s favorite teammate for sure.
23—CHARLOTTE MONARCHS (2-6)
Averaging only 186 yards passing per game and having lost 4 of their last 5, the time may be now for Charlotte to end the Mitch Trubisky experiment and try someone else under center. But is Kyle Boller really going to fare much better?
TOP ROOKIE: Not a lot has gone right for the 2-6 Monarchs this year, but with 28 tackles and 2 sacks, rookie DT Leki Fotu has been a bright spot in a tough first half to the season.
24—LAS VEGAS VIPERS (2-6)
The Vipers cannot stop the pass, and with one of the league’s worst run games, they cannot shorten games by controlling the clock either. That is a combo that is sure to produce losses, and that is what we have seen.
TOP ROOKIE: Fans of the Vipers have been very critical of their past few drafts, but FS Julian Blackmon has proven to be a solid pick, with 25 tackles, 3 takeaways (1 int, 2 FF) and some highlight reel hits to his credentials so far.
25—OHIO GLORY (2-6)
You are not going to win a lot of games when you score 13 points per game. Ohio has a solid defense, capable of keeping teams in the teens, but they have shown absolutely no ability to make big plays and that has caused them to lose a lot of low scoring games.
TOP ROOKIE: Both LB Malik Harrison and CB Damon Arnette have seen quite a bit of action this year, and while neither has huge numbers, they both have also not been liabilities on a team with a lot of liabilities.
26—NEW ENGLAND STEAMROLLERS (2-6)
No one knew what to expect from this expansion club in their first year. What we are seeing is that they can run the ball (Kerwynn Williams is on pace for 1,000 yards) and they play pretty good pass defense. Now, if they could get a bit more explosive in the passing game, they could muster a few more wins this year.
TOP ROOKIE: We expect a lot of rookies to see the field with an expansion team, and that has been the case, but none has had a steady starting job except for OT Matt Peart. The UConn product has started at RT for all 8 games, helping New England produce the 5th best run game in the league.
27—PHILADELPHIA STARS (1-7)
Harbaugh is gone after 15+ seasons, the team seems ripe for a complete overhaul. Keep Derrick Henry and swap pretty much everything else out.
TOP ROOKIE: As happy as Star fans have been with WR K. J. Hamler, they are still upset he is the team’s leading receiver with 37 receptions and 455 yards, mostly because that means that Randall Cobb and the rest of the veterans have not been performing. We cannot say that we blame them.
28—SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS (1-7)
Going with veterans on offense seems to have not worked the way owner Red McCombs wanted. Joe Flacco is getting sacked like potatoes, and while Marshawn Lynch is doing pretty well for a back in his mid-30’s, that is not enough to win games in this league.
TOP ROOKIE: With only 13 receptions, many are saying that TCU wideout Jaelen Reagor has been a disappointment. We think he just has not gotten the snaps to make a bigger impact behind LaFell, Goodwin, and McKenzie.
29—ST. LOUIS SKYHAWKS (1-7)
A week after firing Frank Reich, the Skyhawks get their first win, but don’t expect too many more from a team averaging only 15.1 points per game while giving up nearly 26.
TOP ROOKIE: Iowa rookie Tristan Wirfs started the first 3 games at LT, but struggled to protect Lamar Jackson’s blind side, so he was swapped to RT and that has been a much better fit for him.
30—SAN DIEGO THUNDER (1-7)
Absolute and total collapse. That is the only way to describe what has happened in San Diego this year. After 4 consecutive playoff seasons, the Thunder are looking like a team that has hit a wall, dropped off a cliff, and needs a total reboot.
TOP ROOKIE: As you might expect of a 1-win team, the 2020 rookie class has not had any difference makers emerge yet. WR Laviska Shenault has 11 receptions but has been unable to get more than 10 snaps per game for a passing attack that has struggled.
We kick off the second half of the season with a Friday night lineup that features a make-or-break game for the Denver Gold as they take on the unbeaten Arizona Wranglers. Dropping to 3-6 would be a disaster for the Gold, but they face a rival that has been playing as well as anyone in the league all season long. The 9pm start is also a really intriguing matchup as the 6-2 Panthers face the 5-3 Gamblers at TDECU Stadium.
Saturday’s slate is almost entirely divisional games in this division heavy weekend. The best of the matchups features the league’s other unbeaten squad as the 8-0 Tampa Bay Bandits face the Orlando Renegades in a Florida Derby. We also get Memphis v. Birmingham, a rivalry that this time will miss a lot of its charm as the pre-game tailgating is not on the agenda for a game with no tickets sold.
Sunday we get 5 more divisional games including the Portland Stags taking on division-leading Los Angeles at Wynn Arena. The Stags can get right back into the thick of the division race with a win in this one, while LA can try to put some space between themselves and the rest of the division with a win. The rest of the games on Sunday are potential trap games with 6-win Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Chicago facing off against St. Louis, Jacksonville, and Ohio. Is there an upset on the table in one of these games?
FRIDAY
8pm ET Washington (4-4) @ Philadelphia (1-7) Orlando NBC
8pm ET Denver (3-5) @ Arizona (8-0) Glendale ABC/FOX
9pm ET Michigan (6-2) @ Houston (5-3) TDECU ESPN/EFN
SATURDAY
1pm ET San Antonio (1-7) @ New Orleans (6-2) NRG ABC
4pm ET Oklahoma (3-5) @ Las Vegas (2-6) Glendale FOX
4pm ET Seattle (3-5) @ San Diego (1-7) Las Vegas ABC
8pm ET Charlotte (2-6) @ New Jersey (4-4) Gainesville NBC
8pm ET Tampa Bay (8-0) @ Orlando (5-3) Tampa ABC/FOX
9pm ET Memphis (5-3) @ Birmingham (2-6) Rice ESPN/EFN
SUNDAY
1pm ET St. Louis (1-7) @ Pittsburgh (6-2) NRG FOX
4pm ET Oakland (5-3) @ Dallas (4-4) Glendale ABC
4pm ET Portland (5-3) @ Los Angeles (6-2) Las Vegas FOX
8pm ET Jacksonville (3-5) @ Atlanta (6-2) Orlando ABC
8pm ET New England (2-6) @ Baltimore (5-3) Tampa FOX
9pm ET Ohio (2-6) @ Chicago (6-2) TDECU ESPN/EFN
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