Week 16 Recap: Playoff Picture Tightens as USFL Season Nears Conclusion
With just two weeks left in the 1985 USFL season, Week 16 delivered thrilling finishes and critical results in the playoff race. The Houston Gamblers solidified their reputation as the league’s most electrifying team, outlasting the Arizona Wranglers in a 43-38 shootout. Jim Kelly was once again unstoppable, throwing for 385 yards and five touchdowns to lead Houston to its league-best 14th win. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Outlaws stunned the Oakland Invaders 13-9 in a defensive masterpiece, keeping their postseason hopes alive and derailing Oakland’s playoff aspirations.
On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers demolished the Washington Federals 56-27 behind an offensive explosion from Bobby Hebert and John Williams, combining for six total touchdowns. The Philadelphia Stars also shined, rolling past the Tampa Bay Bandits 33-10 thanks to a dominant defensive effort that held Tampa Bay scoreless in the second half. Sunday’s slate was equally intense, with the New Orleans Brass eking out a 21-19 win over the Los Angeles Express, marking their fourth straight victory and strengthening their grip on a playoff berth. In contrast, the Birmingham Stallions’ clutch 20-17 win over the Chicago Blitz came courtesy of a late touchdown drive orchestrated by Cliff Stoudt, keeping Birmingham firmly in the postseason conversation.
Other games saw the Boston Breakers reignite their offense in a 42-30 victory over the Las Vegas Ace, with Marcus Dupree accounting for three touchdowns in a breakout performance. The Denver Gold edged the Jacksonville Bulls 27-24 on a last-second field goal by Ralf Mojsiejenko, while the New Jersey Generals stayed steady with a 21-10 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers, powered by Herschel Walker’s 127 rushing yards. Lastly, the Memphis Showboats continued their ascent with a 52-31 dismantling of the Pittsburgh Maulers, led by Greg Boone’s three-touchdown outburst. As Week 17 looms, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams jockeying for playoff positioning in a competitive USFL season.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 16 (1985)
Results
Saturday
Tampa Bay Bandits 10, Philadelphia Stars 33
Washington Federals 27, Michigan Panthers 56
Houston Gamblers 43, Arizona Wranglers 38
Sunday
Birmingham Stallions 20, Chicago Blitz 17
Denver Gold 27, Jacksonville Bulls 24
San Antonio Gunslingers 10, New Jersey Generals 21
Pittsburgh Maulers 31, Memphis Showboats 52
Los Angeles Express 19, New Orleans Brass 21
Oklahoma Outlaws 13, Oakland Invaders 9
Boston Breakers 42, Las Vegas Ace 30
Standings
USFL Playoff Picture After Week 16 (1985)
Players of the Week
Offense: Bobby Hebert, QB, Michigan Panthers. Hebert put on a show against the Federals. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 433 yards and 7 touchdowns. The performance helped to keep Michigan in the running for a higher playoff seed.
Defense: Pat Brackett, DT, New Jersey Generals. Brackett sacked the quarterback 3 times, caused a fumble, and recorded 4 tackles. His performance helped the Generals stay alive for the division title in the Atlantic division.
Special Teams: Lonnie Harris, KR, Arizona Wranglers. Harris returned 6 kicks for 216 yards, including an electrifying 94 yard touchdown to answer the Gamblers and keep the Wranglers in the game.