The UFL playoff picture is starting to take shape.
There was some talk of changing the playoff format, but that failed.
That means that the top two USFL teams will qualify for the playoffs. The race for those two spots is a lot closer than it looked a few weeks ago.
USFL Standings
After week 4, the standings looked like this:
- Birmingham (3–1)
- Michigan (3–1)
- Houston (1–3)
With the Stallions already owing a win over Houston and Michigan looking stronger by the week, the Roughnecks’ chances didn’t feel all that great.
But, they had other plans.
The standings today feel much different.
The Roughnecks are only one game back, and their remaining games include the Stallions and the Panthers (x2).
With the Stallions and Panthers also having one game remaining against each other, the entire USFL Conference is up for grabs.
Houston Roughnecks
After a 1–3 start, the Roughnecks have bounced back with 2 wins in a row.
While it’s fair to point out that all three wins have come against 1–4 opponents, that doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Roughnecks’ pair of 1-point wins over the Showboats shows a level of grit that can’t be counted out.
Games Remaining
- Stallions (4–2)
- Panthers (4–2)
- Defenders (4–2)
- Panthers (4–2)
The remaining schedule is tough. But it includes 3 games against USFL opponents. If they win those, they will be in the playoffs.
Houston is probably the least likely of the three to make the playoffs, but I’m not ready to count them out just yet.
Michigan Panthers
The Panthers have looked good all season, but their most recent win over the Defenders sent shockwaves through the league.
They not only beat a tough D.C. team, but they dominated from start to finish.
The Panthers have the #1 scoring offense, an MVP candidate at QB, and a solid defense. That combination makes them serious contenders.
Remaining Games
- Renegades (3–3)
- Roughnecks (3–3)
- Stallions (4–2)
- Roughnecks (3–3)
If Michigan takes care of business against the Roughnecks, they have a great shot at the playoffs.
Birmingham Stallions
After a shocking loss to Memphis, the Birmingham Stallions managed to get back in the win column against the Brahmas.
The biggest news coming from the game was how well Case Cookus played. Cookus struggled quite a bit in his first start of the year.
He looked much better against the Brahmas:
- 16–23 passing
- 166 yards
- 2 td
- 0 int
With the #1 scoring defense in the league and strong special teams play, the Stallions don’t need their offense to carry them. As long as the offense plays ok, the Stallions have a shot.
Remaining Games
- Roughnecks (3–3)
- Battlehawks (4–2)
- Panthers (4–2)
- Showboats (1–5)
The remaining schedule is tougher than it looks on paper.
- Two teams with winning records (Panthers and Battlehawks).
- One game against a team that they struggled to put away in their first matchup (Roughnecks).
- One team that already beat them (Showboats).
If the Stallions play up to their potential, they should have no problem making it to the playoffs. If they don’t, anything can happen.
My Prediction
I expect the Michigan Panthers and Birmingham Stallions to be in the playoffs.
But, the Stallions have had serious injury issues, particularly at the QB position. And, it’s impossible to count out a team as gritty as Houston, so anything can still happen.
Regardless of who makes it in the end, the USFL Conference will be fun to watch down the stretch.
