UFL and Spring Football Stars Triumph In Crazy NFL Week 17 Upsets

Dallas Cowboys v. Washington Commanders

It’s been a frustrating season for the Dallas Cowboys, whose season ended prematurely last week when they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Nonetheless, on Christmas Day, the Cowboys rallied to beat the Washington Commanders by a score of 30-23.

Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (Birmingham Stallions)

Santa came early for former Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey. He was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl, and in doing so, became the first NFL kicker to achieve this feat. 

On Christmas Day, Aubrey made three of four field goals, converting from 42, 52, and 51 yards but missing on a 58-yarder. He also made three of three extra points, raising his season total to 45 of 46 PATs.

KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)

Santa showed up with a lovely present for Cowboys wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin. The former USFL New Jersey Generals MVP caught only one reception, but it was a doozy: a blistering 86-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott. It was Turpin’s second touchdown of the season, with his previous touchdown in Week 2 against the New York Giants. Turpin had five kickoff returns for 115 yards and two punt returns that were fair catches.

Perrion Winfrey, Dallas Cowboys DT (Birmingham Stallions)

Former Birmingham Stallions DT Perrion Winfrey was inactive for the game against the Commanders. The former UFL standout has appeared in only one game since returning from injured reserve a month ago.

Next week, the 7-8-1 Cowboys will close out their season with a trip to New York to take on the 3-13 Giants. Both teams have already been eliminated from postseason action.

Minnesota Vikings v. Detroit Lions

A year ago, the Detroit Lions were the reigning NFC Champions with a league-best 15-2 record. But on Christmas Day, the team was decimated by a ferocious Vikings defense that sacked quarterback Jared Goff five times and forced six turnovers. The 23-10 loss eliminated the Lions from playoff contention.

Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (Michigan Panthers) 

Under exceptionally heavy pressure, Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions’ offense struggled to mount an offensive attack. Former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates converted his only field goal, a 48-yarder late in the game, along with one extra point.

Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks) 

With Kaliff Raymond and Tom Kennedy handling punt and kickoff returns, former St. Louis Battlehawks and All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylors didn’t record any stats on 18 special teams snaps.

Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)

Former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside spent most of Christmas Day on the sidelines, playing only four special teams snaps.

Next Sunday, the 8-8 battered Detroit Lions will close out their disappointing season when the team travels to take on division rival, the 11-5 Chicago Bears.

Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)

Despite a less-than-impressive game from backup rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, who scored 3 net passing yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions, the Vikings’ defense is among the NFL’s best in the latter part of this season. Former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond had another impressive outing, delivering a solo tackle for a loss, a PBR, and recovering a fumble late in the game.

Next week, the 8-8 Vikings close out their season with another division battle against the 9-6-1 Green Bay Packers.

Denver Broncos v. Kansas City Chiefs

Santa was very good to the AFC-leading Denver Broncos on Christmas night, gifting the team with a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. With an injured Patrick Mahomes and several other starters ruled out of the contest, the Broncos had an easy time of it.

Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos DT (Birmingham Stallions)

Former Birmingham Stallions‘ linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed two tackles (one solo), one TFL, and was credited with half a sack. He now has 38 tackles (13 solo), 4.0 sacks, three pass defenses, and two interceptions on the season.  

Michael Bandy, Denver Broncos WR (Houston Roughnecks)

Appearing in only his 4th game this season for Denver, former Houston Roughnecks wide receiver Michael Bandy contributed two receptions for 14 yards in the win against the Chiefs.

Next week, the 13-3 Broncos will host their division rival, the 11-5 Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have already clinched playoff berths. However a Broncos win coupled with a New England Patriots loss could result in Denver earning the number one seed.

Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)

Saturday night, the Green Bay Packers lost to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 41-24. It was the third consecutive loss for the playoff-bound team. Former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan didn’t punt once during the contest. His only role was as holder for kicker Brandon McManus, who converted a 24-yard field goal and three extra points.

Next week, the 9-6-1 playoff-bound Packers hope to rebound with a win when they travel to take on the 8-8 Minnesota Vikings.

New Orleans Saints v. Tennessee Titans

Kevin Austin, Jr., New Orleans Saints wide receiver (Birmingham Stallions)

Recently elevated from the practice squad, formerBirmingham Stallions wide receiver Kevin Austin, Jr.. contributed to the Saints’ victory with four passes for 52 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown. He now has nine receptions for 103 yards, including a 36-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Shough and one touchdown.

Next week, the 6-10 Saints will close out their season when they travel to take on the 7-9 Atlanta Falcons. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Cleveland Browns v. Pittsburgh Steelers 



Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)

The Cleveland Browns pulled off an impressive upset 13-6 victory over the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Steelers, who are now clinging to a slim lead for the AFC North Division title. If they lose to the Baltimore Ravens next week, the Steelers will miss the playoffs.

Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt made both of his field goals, including a stunning 50-yard boot, and a 33-yard kick along with one extra point. Szmyt continues to be a bright spot in the Browns’ season, converting 22 of 25 field goals, including a 55-yarder as his longest, and 23 of 24 extra points.

Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)

Cleveland Browns long snapper Rex Sunahara (San Antonio Brahmas) had a busy afternoon, snapping the ball for Szymt’s two field goals and his extra point along with kickoff, and punt duties. Corey Bojorquez punted four times for 228 yards.

Next week, the 3-12 Cleveland Browns will host the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Los Angeles Rams v. Atlanta Falcons

In a stunning upset, the Atlanta Falcons’ defense nabbed three interceptions off MVP Candidate Matthew Stafford to defeat the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 27-24. Down at the half by a score of 21-0, the Rams mounted an imppressive comeback but couldn’t stop Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who totaled 229 yards from scrimmage, including a 97-yard touchdown.

LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons DT (St. Louis Battlehawks)

Former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London contributed four tackles with one solo tackle, bringing his season total to 26 tackles (16 solo), 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Chris Blair, Atlanta Falcons WR (D.C. Defenders)

Recently elevated from the Falcons’ practice squad, Atlanta Falcons and former D.C. Defenders wide receiver Chris Blair played a total of nine offensive snaps but was not targeted and didn’t record any stats.  

 
In Week 18, the 7-9 Falcons hope to end their season with another victory when they host the 6-10 New Orleans Saints.   

Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams kicker (Birmingham Stallions)

Former Birmingham Stallions “Thiccer kicker,” Harrison Mevis, converted his only field goal attempt from 35 yards and three of three extra points on Monday night.

Next week, the 11-5 playoff-bound Rams will close out the regular season, hosting their division rival, the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals.

Practice Squad Players:

Jashaun Corbin, New England Patriots RB (D.C. Defenders)
Kohl Levao, New York Jets guard (San Antonio Brahmas)
Liam Fornadel, New York Jets guard (San Antonio Brahmas)
Kaden Davis, Cleveland Browns WR (Michigan Panthers)
Jonathan Garvin, Chicago Bears DE (Birmingham Stallions)

Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are in NFL Week 18.