The Houston Gamblers are looking to continue their winning streak as they take on the Memphis Showboats.
Last week’s 16-10 win over the New Jersey Generals was not the prettiest win with quarterback Kenji Bahar returning, but the defense shined once again. The defense of Houston allowed just 231 yards and created one turnover in the win. Running back Mark Thompson continues to be the dominant force on offense rushing for 82 yards and one touchdown as he makes his mark as one of the best running backs in the USFL.
Houston’s win last week gave them their fourth straight win of the season and already beating their win total from last season. They currently hold a 4-2 record and are tied for first in the South Division with the New Orleans Breakers and the Birmingham Stallions. Right behind them though is the Memphis Showboats who are on a three-game winning streak themselves sitting at a 3-3 record on the season.
Game Preview
Line: Gamblers -3, O/U 43.5
Date/Location: Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee
Kickoff Time: 1:30 pm CST
Weather Forecast: Mostly Sunny, 80 degrees, precipitation 6%, humidity 43%, wind 7 mph
TV/Streaming: USA Network
Gamblers Injury/Inactive Report
Two players on the Gamblers are listed as out with injuries this week with defensive tackle Julian McCleod and tight end Brandon Barnes will not play. McCleod is dealing with a left hamstring injury as he has only played in one game this season. Barnes is out with a left-hand injury as he has only two catches for seven yards this season.
Bahar’s ankle injury has been a focal point the last few weeks after injuring it against the Philadelphia Stars but was listed as probable to play. Receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams popped up on the report with a left knee injury, but that will not hold him back from playing.
Gamblers Depth Chart
Houston’s depth chart didn’t change from last week as they should have all their starters back for this week against Memphis. Keep an eye out on the rotation at receiver as Gamblers’ fans got to see more of Isaiah Zuber in the game last week so he should continue to see a bigger role in the offense.
Gamblers Signings
Earlier in the week, the Gamblers signed defensive end Guy Thomas to a contract but was placed on the inactive list as he is expected to not play. Thomas played three seasons with Colorado in college recording 71 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He declared for the NFL Draft this year where he went undrafted.
Gamblers-Showboats Preview
Both teams are coming in red hot with Memphis’ defense helping them out the last three weeks where Houston has leaned on their explosive offense to get the job done. Bahar was off last week for Houston, but Thompson sure carried the load in the backfield. As Bahar continues to deal with the ankle injury, look for receivers like Justin Hall and Ratliff-Williams to get some quick screen/short passes to use their speed to produce yards.
Houston’s defense has been stellar the last four weeks especially when getting to the quarterback. They have a different challenge this week dealing with Cole Kelley who is a big, mobile quarterback so it will be on the linebackers to watch for his scrambling abilities. Expect Khalan Tolson and J.T. Tyler to come up big at linebacker and create plays stopping the run as well as the pass.
In a critical divisional game like this one, Houston can’t afford to take a step back with how deep the division is. Any team right now can make a run for the playoffs so winning divisional games is imperative to the team’s chances of a playoff spot. The last time these two teams played, both teams were off to slow starts on the season and it was Houston who got the win and upstarted their four-game winning streak. The Gamblers can’t take a step back and with how explosive this offense is and the improvement of the defense, Houston could see a fifth win on the horizon.
Prediction: Houston Gamblers 33, Memphis Showboats 26
