Stars, Breakers can clinch playoff berths in Week 8

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 1, 2022 – Two teams have punched tickets to the inaugural United States Football League (USFL) playoffs later this month in Canton, Ohio. Two more teams have a chance to lock up the final postseason spots in Week 8. 

Last weekend, North Division leader New Jersey Generals (6-1) and South Division leader Birmingham Stallions (7-0) both clinched a trip to Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for the playoff semifinals on June 25. Two more teams are poised to join them during Week 8 of the USFL regular season.

For Coach Bart Andrus and the Philadelphia Stars (4-3), it’s simple – win and they’re in the playoffs. Their North Division opponent, the Michigan Panthers (1-6) must beat the Stars on Sunday to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The playoff scenario is more complicated for Coach Larry Fedora and the New Orleans Breakers (5-2). A Breakers win on Saturday against the Stallions, combined with a Tampa Bay Bandits (3-4) loss against the Houston Gamblers (1-6) on Sunday, will clinch a playoff berth for New Orleans.

The USFL playoff road to Canton continues this weekend at historic Legion Field:

Pittsburgh Maulers at New Jersey Generals[x] (Friday, June 3 at 8:00 PM ET on USA)

New Orleans Breakers at Birmingham Stallions[x] (Saturday, June 4 at 3:00 PM ET on FOX)

Michigan Panthers at Philadelphia Stars (Sunday, June 5 at 12:00 PM ET on FOX)

Houston Gamblers[e] at Tampa Bay Bandits (Sunday, June 5 at 4:00 PM ET on Peacock)

[x] New Jersey & Birmingham clinched playoff berths

[e] Houston eliminated from playoff contention 

The inaugural USFL playoffs will begin Saturday, June 25, as the top two teams in each division face each other in the league’s semifinals. The final two teams will play in the USFL Championship Game on Sunday, July 3. Tickets for the USFL Playoffs and Championship Games in Canton are on sale through Ticketmaster at United States Football League (USFL) (hofvillage.com).