Fansided

USFL Power Rankings week 8: Who is ready for the playoff push?

By John Miceli

Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 8
Next
Apr 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Pittsburgh Maulers linebacker Reuben Foster (10) works past New Orleans Breakers tackle Paul Adams (77) during the first half of a USFL football game at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; Pittsburgh Maulers linebacker Reuben Foster (10) works past New Orleans Breakers tackle Paul Adams (77) during the first half of a USFL football game at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

With the playoffs just a few weeks away, we take a look at where each team stands in the week eight USFL power rankings. 

The USFL season has been intriguing and unpredictable. League-wide parity is high. Five of the league’s eight teams are within a game of .500. The season is poised for an exciting finish.

USFL teams play a total of ten games and four teams make the playoffs. The playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, June 24 with the season culminating in the championship game, set to be held Saturday, July 1.

Here’s how the best teams in the USFL stack up right now:

8. Pittsburgh Maulers

Record: 2-5
Week 7: 37-31 loss to Philadelphia Stars
Week 8: Saturday noon ET vs. Houston Gamblers

Head coach Ray Horton faced an uphill battle attempting to turn around the Maulers after they finished 1-9 in 2022. One thing is clear, though, he has had success.

What their 2-5 record doesn’t reflect is that the former NFL defensive coordinator is leading Pittsburgh to boast the best defense in the USFL this season. The Maulers’ defense sits fourth in points against and first in yards against and is led by the most talented player in the league — Reuben Foster.

The Maulers’ struggles have come on the offensive side of the ball. Troy Williams does seem to be finding his stride as the team’s starting quarterback and is a big upgrade from the last year’s quarterback Vad Lee and this year’s early starter James Morgan.

However, overall the team’s offensive play has just been inconsistent. In week seven, they put up 31 points in a loss. The week prior, they didn’t notch a single point.

The Maulers get a favorable, winnable matchup in week eight, but it remains to be seen whether their offense can string together two good outings in a row.

Home/NFL