In an action-packed weekend of USFL football, the Chicago Blitz dominated the Arizona Wranglers with a convincing 37-10 victory, while the Boston Breakers secured a 29-16 win over the Jacksonville Bulls. The Oakland Invaders held off the Los Angeles Express in a closely contested matchup, claiming a 21-17 triumph. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Stars showcased their dominance with a 40-28 victory over the Washington Federals.

On Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions exhibited a strong performance, defeating the Memphis Showboats by a score of 36-16. The New Jersey Generals managed to edge past the Denver Gold with a 24-20 win, and the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 17-6 victory against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Monday’s matchups saw the Michigan Panthers emerging victorious against the Oklahoma Outlaws with a 17-7 score, while the Houston Gamblers showcased their offensive prowess, cruising to a 66-35 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers.

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is coming into focus. In the Eastern division, the Philadelphia Stars have clinched their spot with an impressive 15-2 record, while the New Jersey Generals, standing at 10-7, have also secured a playoff berth. In the Southern division, both the Tampa Bay Bandits (13-4) and the Birmingham Stallions (12-5) have secured playoff spots, with the division championship yet to be decided. The Central division sees the Houston Gamblers (13-4) as the clear division champions, while the Chicago Blitz (11-6) and the Michigan Panthers (10-5) are vying for the second playoff spot. Out West, both the Oakland Invaders and the Los Angeles Express have secured playoff berths with identical 12-5 records, setting the stage for an exciting final week that will determine seeding in the postseason.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 17 (1984)

Games

Friday

Arizona Wranglers 10, Chicago Blitz 37

Jacksonville Bulls 16, Boston Breakers 29

Oakland Invaders 21, Los Angeles Express 17

Washington Federals 28, Philadelphia Stars 40

Saturday

Birmingham Stallions 36, Memphis Showboats 16

Denver Gold 20, New Jersey Generals 24

Tampa Bay Bandits 17, Pittsburgh Maulers 6

Monday

Oklahoma Outlaws 7, Michigan Panthers 17

San Antonio Gunslingers 35, Houston Gamblers 66

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. In Week 17 of the USFL season, quarterback Jim Kelly of the Houston Gamblers showcased an extraordinary performance that earned him the prestigious Offensive Player of the Week honors. Leading his team to a decisive 66-35 victory against the San Antonio Gunslingers, Kelly exhibited precision and dominance in his passing game. He completed 36 out of 45 attempts, accumulating an impressive 561 yards through the air and tossing an exceptional 7 touchdown passes. Notably, Kelly’s efficiency extended beyond passing, as he also contributed to the ground game with 28 rushing yards on four carries. His standout display underscored his prowess as a playmaker, solidifying his well-deserved recognition as the Offensive Player of the Week.

Defense: Chuck Clanton, DB, Birmingham Stallions. In a stellar Week 17 performance, Chuck Clanton, the defensive standout for the Birmingham Stallions, emerged as the Defensive Player of the Week. Playing a pivotal role in his team’s triumphant 36-16 victory over the Washington Federals, Clanton exhibited defensive prowess with a remarkable stat line. He recorded six tackles, showcasing his proficiency in stopping opposing plays. Clanton’s impact was further highlighted by his ability to disrupt the Washington offense, forcing two crucial fumbles that swung the momentum in Birmingham’s favor. The pièce de résistance came in the form of a spectacular 33-yard interception return for a touchdown, a game-changing play that not only secured the win but also earned Clanton well-deserved recognition as the Defensive Player of the Week. His exceptional contributions on the field underscored his importance in the Stallions’ success that week.

Special Teams: In a Week 17 showdown against the Houston Gamblers, San Antonio Gunslingers’ kick returner, Marcus Bonner, etched his name in the spotlight with a sensational performance. Bonner’s dynamic skills were on full display as he returned four kicks for an impressive total of 146 yards. The highlight of his electrifying performance was a jaw-dropping 91-yard touchdown return that not only showcased his remarkable speed but also proved to be a game-changer. This spectacular touchdown not only tied the game early but injected a surge of energy into the Gunslingers’ efforts against the Gamblers. Bonner’s standout performance in kick returns added an exciting dimension to the game, earning him recognition as a key playmaker for the San Antonio squad in Week 17.

Week 16 in the USFL showcased intense matchups and pivotal moments as teams battled for divisional supremacy and playoff contention. In the Atlantic Division, the Philadelphia Stars continued their dominant run, securing a convincing 31-18 victory over the Denver Gold. Philadelphia’s high-powered offense, led by their star quarterback, displayed remarkable efficiency, while their defense made crucial stops to maintain their commanding position atop the division. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals secured a narrow 23-21 win over the Boston Breakers, bolstering their playoff aspirations and adding another layer of competitiveness to the Atlantic Division.

In the Central Division, the Houston Gamblers continued their stellar season with a resounding 50-28 triumph over the Chicago Blitz. The Gamblers’ dynamic offense, spearheaded by their prolific quarterback, propelled them to a 12-4 record, securing the top spot in the division. Additionally, the San Antonio Gunslingers notched a 26-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers, showcasing a strong defensive performance and providing a glimpse of their potential in the late stages of the season. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, the upcoming weeks promise even more thrilling matchups and intense competition across the USFL.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 16 (1984)

Games

Friday

Jacksonville Bulls 24, Arizona Wranglers 34

Philadelphia Stars 31, Denver Gold 18

Saturday

Memphis Showboats 10, Tampa Bay Bandits 36

Michigan Panthers 42, Oakland Invaders 20

Sunday

Chicago Blitz 28, Houston Gamblers 50

Los Angeles Express 30, Oklahoma Outlaws 14

Boston Breakers 21, New Jersey Generals 23

Washington Federals 18, Birmingham Stallions 17

Monday

San Antonio Gunslingers 26, Pittsburgh Maulers 7

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Gordon Banks, WR, Oakland Invaders. In a standout performance during Week 16 of the USFL replay, Gordon Banks emerged as the Offensive Player of the Week, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional contributions. The talented wide receiver showcased his prowess with an impressive 11 receptions, amassing a staggering 203 yards and averaging an outstanding 18.5 yards per catch. Banks’s remarkable display of skill and agility was instrumental in securing two crucial touchdowns for his team, making him a pivotal force in their offensive strategy. As the regular season heads towards its climax, players like Gordon Banks continue to elevate their game, setting the stage for an exciting and highly competitive playoff run in the USFL.

Defense: In a defensive showcase during Week 16 of the USFL replay, Mike Mitchell stood out as the Defensive Player of the Week, leaving a lasting impact on the game with his exceptional performance. The seasoned defender displayed his prowess with an impressive 12 tackles, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Mitchell not only demonstrated his tackling prowess but also proved to be a force to be reckoned with by forcing two crucial fumbles, creating turnovers that undoubtedly swung the momentum in favor of his team. Additionally, Mitchell showcased his ball-hawking skills with two interceptions, further solidifying his role as a defensive standout. As the USFL replay heads into its final stretch, players like Mike Mitchell continue to play a pivotal role, setting the stage for intense playoff battles and memorable moments on the defensive end.

Special Teams: In Week 16 of the USFL replay, Lonnie Harris emerged as the Special Teams Player of the Week, leaving a significant impact with his stellar contributions in the return game. Harris showcased his explosiveness and playmaking ability on special teams, returning six kickoffs for an impressive 142 yards. His ability to navigate through opposing coverage teams not only provided valuable field position for his squad but also injected a dynamic element into the game.

Week 15 of the 1984 USFL season featured thrilling matchups that further intensified the competition as teams jockeyed for playoff positions. The Philadelphia Stars continued their dominant run, securing a 31-23 victory against the Pittsburgh Maulers, maintaining their top spot in the Atlantic Division with a stellar 13-2 record. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals faced a setback, falling to the Tampa Bay Bandits with a final score of 21-14. In the Central Division, the Houston Gamblers secured a narrow 48-45 win over the Denver Gold, solidifying their leadership with an 11-4 record. The Birmingham Stallions and Los Angeles Express also emerged victorious, defeating the Arizona Wranglers (38-7) and Washington Federals (31-20), respectively. The Michigan Panthers triumphed over the San Antonio Gunslingers with a convincing 31-12 score. Notably, the Oakland Invaders showcased their dominance with a resounding 55-14 win against the Jacksonville Bulls. The Chicago Blitz secured a 35-14 victory over the struggling Oklahoma Outlaws, further solidifying their playoff aspirations. As the regular season winds down, the intensity and drama of the 1984 USFL season are reaching a fever pitch, setting the stage for an electrifying postseason.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 15 (1984)

Games

Friday

Michigan Panthers 31, San Antonio Gunslingers 12

Boston Breakers 31, Memphis Showboats 34

Saturday

Oklahoma Outlaws 14, Chicago Blitz 35

Jacksonville Bulls 14, Oakland Invaders 55

Sunday

Arizona Wranglers 7, Birmingham Stallions 38

Houston Gamblers 48, Denver Gold 45

Los Angeles Express 31, Washington Federals 20

New Jersey Generals 14, Tampa Bay Bandits 21

Monday

Pittsburgh Maulers 23, Philadelphia Stars 31

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Mike Kelley, QB, Memphis Showboats. In a standout performance during Week 15 of the 1984 USFL season, Memphis Showboats’ quarterback Mike Kelly delivered a stellar showing to earn the title of Offensive Player of the Week. Kelly completed 28 of his 37 pass attempts, amassing an impressive 317 yards and throwing two touchdowns without any interceptions. His exceptional quarterback rating of 104.5 reflected his efficiency and effectiveness on the field. The Memphis Showboats secured a crucial 34-31 victory against the Boston Breakers, and Mike Kelly’s outstanding contributions played a pivotal role in their success, earning him well-deserved recognition as the Offensive Player of the Week.

Defense: Secondary, Los Angeles Express. In an electrifying defensive showcase during Week 15 of the1984 USFL season, the Los Angeles Express secondary rose to the occasion, earning the prestigious title of Defensive Players of the Week. The dynamic duo of Carson and West led the charge, showcasing their ball-hawking skills by returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Their remarkable ability to not only secure interceptions but turn them into immediate scoring opportunities proved instrumental in the Express’ success on the defensive front. Moreover, they weren’t satisfied with just two touchdowns; they also recorded two additional interceptions, further solidifying their impact on the game. The Los Angeles Express secondary’s exceptional performance played a pivotal role in their team’s 31-20 victory over the Washington Federals and rightfully earned them the honor of Defensive Players of the Week.

Special Teams: Tony Good, KR, Boston Breakers. In a standout performance on special teams during Week 15 of the 1984 USFL season, Tony Good showcased his remarkable skills as a return specialist, earning him the well-deserved title of Special Teams Player of the Week. Good’s impact was felt on kick returns, where he amassed a total of 181 yards on seven returns, averaging an impressive 25.9 yards per return. His explosive speed and elusiveness were on full display, with a long return of 46 yards. Good’s contributions played a crucial role in providing favorable field position for his team and adding an exciting dynamic to the game. His exceptional performance was a key factor in the success of the special teams unit, earning him the distinct honor of Special Teams Player of the Week.

The USFL witnessed another exciting week of football in Week 13, with teams battling fiercely for divisional supremacy and playoff contention. Let’s dive into the notable matchups and how they influenced the standings.

Philadelphia Shines, Jacksonville Struggles

In a Saturday clash, the Philadelphia Stars demonstrated their dominance by defeating the struggling Jacksonville Bulls with a convincing 30-9 victory. The Stars’ performance solidified their leading position in the Atlantic Division, boasting an impressive 11-2 record. Meanwhile, Jacksonville faced challenges, now standing at 4-9 for the season.

New Jersey Extends Winning Streak, Pittsburgh Falters

Monday night showcased a commanding performance by the New Jersey Generals, securing a 23-3 win against the Pittsburgh Maulers. New Jersey’s victory, coupled with a six-game winning streak, places them in a solid position within the Atlantic Division with a 7-6 record. On the flip side, Pittsburgh continues to struggle, with only three wins in the season.

Tampa Bay and Birmingham Maintain Southern Dominance

In the Southern Division, both Tampa Bay and Birmingham held their ground with impressive performances. Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 51-41 victory against the Boston Breakers, maintaining their position atop the division with a 10-3 record. Birmingham Stallions faced a tough challenge against the Chicago Blitz, succumbing to a 42-28 defeat but still holding a strong 9-4 record for the season.

Chicago Reigns Supreme, Oklahoma Continues to Struggle

The Central Division saw the Chicago Blitz extending their dominance with a 42-28 triumph over the Birmingham Stallions. Chicago’s 10-3 record keeps them at the top of the division. On the flip side, the Oklahoma Outlaws faced another tough loss, falling 42-30 to the Houston Gamblers. Oklahoma’s struggles persist, with a challenging 1-13 record for the season.

Los Angeles Express Edges Out Michigan Panthers

In the Pacific Division, the Los Angeles Express secured a narrow 15-14 victory over the Michigan Panthers. This win places Los Angeles at the top of the division with a 10-3 record, while Michigan stands at 7-6, facing a more challenging path to the playoffs.

Playoff Picture Takes Shape

As the regular season progresses, the playoff picture is slowly coming into focus. Standout performances and unexpected upsets continue to shape the fate of each team. The battle for divisional supremacy and playoff berths intensifies as the USFL heads into the crucial final weeks of the regular season.

Stay tuned for more gridiron action in Week 14 as teams jockey for position and aim to secure their spot in the postseason. The USFL drama unfolds as teams push to make their mark in football history.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 13 (1984)

Week 13 Games

Friday

Birmingham Stallions 28, Chicago Blitz 42

Saturday

Denver Gold 48, Arizona Wranglers 31

Jacksonville Bulls 9, Philadelphia Stars 30

Memphis Showboats 27, Oakland Invaders 10

Sunday

Michigan Panthers 14, Los Angeles Express 15

Boston Breakers 41, Tampa Bay Bandits 51

Oklahoma Outlaws 30, Houston Gamblers 42

San Antonio Gunslingers 28, Washington Federals 38

Monday

Pittsburgh Maulers 3, New Jersey Generals 23

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Sam Harrell, RB, Houston Gamblers. Houston Gamblers’ running back, Harrell, claimed the coveted Player of the Week title with a remarkable ground performance. Carrying the ball 18 times, Harrell bulldozed through the opposition, accumulating 109 yards with an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. What set him apart was his nose for the end zone, scoring an exceptional four rushing touchdowns.

Defense: Richard D’Amico, LB, San Antonio Gunslingers and John Bungartz, LB, Denver Gold. In a stunning display of defensive prowess, two standout players have emerged as this week’s co-Defensive Players of the Week. D’Amico, with a remarkable performance in Game 2, showcased his tenacity with 10 tackles, including a crucial tackle for loss, and an impactful forced fumble. His disruptive presence on the field undoubtedly influenced the course of the game. On the other side, Bungartz, in Game 6, demonstrated his defensive excellence with 10 tackles, a pivotal sack, and a forceful forced fumble. Bungartz’s ability to penetrate the opponent’s offensive line and disrupt plays made him a formidable force on the field.

Special Teams: Tony Good, KR, Boston Breakers. In an electrifying performance on special teams, Tony Good emerged as the clear standout and earned the title of Special Teams Player of the Week. Good showcased exceptional skills in kick return, tallying an impressive 177 yards on nine returns, with an average of 19.7 yards per return and a long of 31 yards. His ability to navigate the field with speed and agility played a crucial role in providing favorable field position for his team.