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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 /
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Apr 17, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers running back Mark Thompson (7) carries the ball against Michigan Panthers during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers running back Mark Thompson (7) carries the ball against Michigan Panthers during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Houston Gamblers

Record: 4-3
Week 7: 23-20 loss to Memphis Showboats
Week 8: Saturday noon ET @ Pittsburgh Maulers

The Gamblers are on the doorstep of contention but haven’t crossed over yet. After suffering losses in their first two games, Houston won four games in a row. Their win streak ended last week after a narrow defeat in their game against Memphis.

Houston has talented playmakers on both sides of the ball, which have helped to propel the team’s success.

Specifically on offense, Mark Thompson is the best pure rusher in the USFL this season. Thompson leads the league in rushing yards per game and leads the league in rushing touchdowns despite having missed the first two games of the season due to injury. Receiver Justin Hall has also demonstrated considerable playmaking with the football in his hands and sits fourth in the league in receiving yards per game.

Where Houston has suffered the most is with respect to turning the ball over. The Gamblers are last in the league in turnover differential. While quarterback Kenji Bahar has helped lead what is one of the league’s most fluid offenses, he also leads the league in interceptions.

Houston will face the league’s best rushing defense this week, so Bahar will be the x-factor in the team’s week-eight matchup and it’ll be interesting to see how he responds to the added burden.

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