Week 3 USFL Recap: Offensive Explosions and Statement Wins Highlight Wild Weekend
The USFL’s third week delivered fireworks across the league, headlined by the Houston Gamblers’ 50-48 Monday night thriller over the Los Angeles Express in a game that set offensive records. Quarterback Jim Kelly efficiently managed Houston’s explosive run game (306 yards, 4 TDs), while LA’s Frank Seurer threw for a staggering 541 yards and 6 touchdowns in a losing effort. Other high-scoring affairs included Oakland’s 52-21 demolition of New Orleans behind John Williams’ 206 rushing yards, and New Jersey’s 39-13 rout of Chicago where Herschel Walker dominated with 188 rushing yards and 3 TDs. The weekend proved particularly brutal for winless teams, as Memphis (0-3), Chicago (0-3), and Las Vegas (0-3) all suffered double-digit losses while being outscored by a combined 92-40 margin.
Several contenders made strong statements, with Boston improving to 3-0 behind Matt Dunigan’s 4-touchdown performance against Memphis, and Birmingham remaining perfect (3-0) thanks to Joe Cribbs’ 210-yard rushing day in a 29-17 win over Washington. The Michigan Panthers announced their arrival as a Central Division force with a 44-17 thrashing of Denver, showcasing a balanced attack that racked up 456 total yards. Perhaps most impressive was Oakland’s complete dismantling of New Orleans, as the Invaders scored touchdowns on all six red zone trips while limiting the Brass to just 45 rushing yards. The week also featured surprising defensive stands, including Philadelphia’s 20-17 road win over Las Vegas where the Stars intercepted Cunningham twice despite being outgained 325-293.
As the season reaches its quarter pole, clear divisions are emerging between contenders and pretenders. Birmingham, Boston, New Jersey, and Oakland all sit at 3-0 with legitimate championship aspirations, while Houston (2-1) and Michigan (2-1) have shown explosive potential. At the other end of the spectrum, Memphis, Chicago, and Las Vegas remain winless with mounting concerns on both sides of the ball. Week 3’s offensive explosion – seven teams scored 30+ points – suggests the USFL’s pass-happy, high-scoring identity is taking hold, setting up intriguing matchups in Week 4 as the playoff picture begins to take shape. The Gamblers-Express shootout may have stolen headlines, but several teams made statements that could reverberate throughout the season.
Week 3 Games
Friday
Oklahoma Outlaws 30, Arizona Wranglers 26
Saturday
Washington Federals 17, Birmingham Stallions 29
New Jersey Generals 39, Chicago Blitz 13
Sunday
Memphis Showboats 10, Boston Breakers 35
Michigan Panthers 44, Denver Gold 17
Pittsburgh Maulers 16, San Antonio Gunslingers 38
Philadelphia Stars 20, Las Vegas Ace 17
New Orleans Brass 21, Oakland Invaders 52
Monday
Houston Gamblers 50, Los Angeles Express 48
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Herschel Walker, RB, New Jersey Generals. Herschel powered the Generals to another big win with 27 rushes for 188 yards and another 3 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 66 yards.
Defense: Charles Armstead, CB, San Antonio Gunslingers. Armstead intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and recorded 8 tackles in the Gunslingers win over teh Maulers.
Special Teams: This week saw three kickoffs returned for touchdowns (Albert Bentley, Michigan, 4-169 with a long of 95), Bruce Hill (91 yards), and George Taylor (2-113 with along of 89).