The Thanksgiving weekend is a time for feasting, football, and fun. Find out which UFL stars feasted and which teams endured a turkey of a football game.
Detroit Lions v. Green Bay Packers
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (Michigan Panthers)
The Detroit Lions are one of the teams whose Thanksgiving weekend did not go as planned. Detroit’s second-year place kicker Jake Bates, has been perfect over the past two weeks with three field goals and 7/7 extra points. On Thanksgiving, he converted on his only field goal from 31 yards and made all three extra points. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome four Jordan Love touchdown passes and a dominant effort from the Packers’ defense. The Lions lost a critical division game 31-27 with Green Bay sweeping their two-game series. The former Michigan Panthers star kicker converted 16 of 20 field goals for an 80% average, along with 40/42 extra points for 95.2% this season.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks and All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylor had four kick returns for 92 yards. Averaging 23 yards per carry, his longest was for 25 yards.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside was waived this week to make room for the IR return of cornerbacks D.J Reed and Khalil Dorsey.
Next up, the 7-5 Detroit Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4th, for Thursday Night Football.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
Daniel Whelan had a relatively quiet afternoon punting only three times for 164 yards, including a 65-yard punt as his longest.
Lucas Havrisik, Green Bay Packers kicker (San Antonio Brahmas)
With Green Bay’s veteran kicker, Brandon McManus, resuming kicking duties, former San Antonio Brahmas kicker Lucas Havrisik was released this week.
Dallas Cowboys v. Kansas City Chiefs
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin had another big game for Dallas with a huge 25-yard rushing play, plus two other carries for a total of 33 yards. Turpin had two receptions for 28 yards, including a 19-yard play, five kick returns for 118 yards, with his longest, a 26-yard return. Although Turpin fumbled for the second game in a row, this time he was able to recover the ball without it leading to a turnover.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
With a 91.67% field goal rate, Dallas Cowboys elite kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to be one of the top kickers in the NFL. On Thursday night, the Cowboys upset the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 31-28. Aubrey had a perfect outing, converting 3/3 field goals (longest of 49 yards) and 2/2 extra points. Connecting on 22 of 24 field goals this season, Aubrey looks to be headed to a third Pro Bowl.
Perrion Winfrey, Dallas Cowboys (Birmingham Stallions)
Former All-UFL and Birmingham Stallions DT Perrion Winfrey was inactive for the Chiefs’ game.
Next week, the 6-5-1 Cowboys travel to the Motor City for a Thursday night showdown against the 7-5 Detroit Lions that could have playoff implications for both teams.
Los Angeles Rams v. Carolina Panthers
Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon by a score of 31-28. Former Birmingham Stallions‘ “Thiccer kicker,” Harrison Mevis, was perfect on the day, kicking 4/4 extra points. The Panthers’ upset victory was a stunning loss for the Los Angeles Team. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is one of the leading MVP candidates. The loss now ties the Rams for the NFC’s top spot with the surging Chicago Bears.
Next week, the 9-3 Rams will travel to Glendale, AZ, to play the 3-9 Cardinals.
Cleveland Browns v. San Francisco 49ers
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The Cleveland Browns lost a brutal 26-8 contest on Sunday afternoon to the struggling San Francisco 49ers. Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt had a quiet outing with zero field goal attempts or extra points. After the Browns’ lone touchdown was scored, the team elected to go for a 2-point conversion instead of the extra point.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper ( San Antonio Brahmas)
Cleveland Browns long snapper Rex Sunahara ( San Antonio Brahmas) didn’t have to assist on any field goals or extra points, but snapped the ball 4 times for Corey Bojorquez, who averaged 44.5 yards per punt.
Next week, the 3-9 Browns hope to secure their fourth win of the season when they host the 1-11 Tennessee Titans.
Atlanta Falcons v. New York Jets
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
The Atlanta Falcons lost a close 27-24 game to the New York Jets on Sunday. Former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London contributed two assisted tackles in the upset loss. London has a total of 11 solo tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble for the season.
Next week, the 4-8 Atlanta Falcons hope to get back on track with an upset win against the 9-3 Seattle Seahawks.
Minnesota Vikings v. Seattle Seahawks
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
Speaking of the Seattle Seahawks… the team notched their 9th win with a lopsided 26-0 shutout of the Minnesota Vikings. Former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond did his best to give the Vikings a chance to compete. Redmond had three tackles with two solo, and recovered a Seahawks fumble. But the Vikings’ offense, operating under rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, appearing in his first game, couldn’t capitalize. Playing in relief of injured starter J.J. McCarthy and backup Carson Wentz, Brosmer passed for 168 yards with four interceptions.
Next week, the 4-8 Vikings will have a chance to get back on track against the 3-9 Washington Commanders.
New Orleans Saints v. Miami Dolphins
Kevin Austin, Jr., New Orleans Saints WR (Birmingham Stallions)
Recently activated former Birmingham Stallions wide receiver Kevin Austin, Jr. has yet to record his first target or reception in the last two games.
Next week, the 2-10 New Orleans Saints will face the NFC South division leader, the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Denver Broncos v. Washington Commanders
Denver Broncos LB Dondrea Tillman (Birmingham Stallions)
Pulling off a crazy 27-26 overtime victory, the Denver Broncos outlasted the Washington Commanders. Helping the team earn its ninth consecutive victory, former Birmingham Stallions linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed four tackles (one solo) and sacked veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. In his second season for Denver, Tillman continues to be an impact player with 30 tackles (nine solo), 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
In Week 14, the 10-2 Broncos will travel to Allegiant Stadium to take on the 2-10 Las Vegas Raiders.
Practice Squad Players:
Brandon Smith, New York Jets wide receiver (D.C. Defenders)
Kohl Levao, New York Jets guard (San Antonio Brahmas)
Liam Fornadel, New York Jets guard (D.C. Defenders)
Kaden Davis, Cleveland Browns WR (Michigan Panthers)
Jonathan Garvin, Chicago Bears DE (Birmingham Stallions)
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
Peter Bowden, Los Angeles Chargers LS (Michigan Panthers) Note: Bowden’s current status is unknown, and he may have been waived this week.
Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are in NFL Week 14.
