The Houston Gamblers were one of six expansion teams in the USFL's second season. They got a big break when they were able to sign Miami Quarterback Jim Kelly, who despite being picked in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills chose the upstart spring league over a reluctance to play in cold weather.

Kelly would be the central part of Jack Pardee's high flying run and shoot offense. The offense was the brainchild of Offensive Coordinator Mouse Davis, which was focused on speedy outside receivers and eliminated the Tight End position in favor of a vertical fast paced attack.

The Gamblers showed early they were going to be the strongest of the USFL's new teams as they won two of their first three games on the road, before beating the New Jersey Generals 32-25 in their home opener at the Astrodome. Despite being an expansion team the Gamblers were the most exciting team in the league, as they set the USFL all-time record for points scored at 618, which was needed since their defense allowed 400 points, which was among the worst in the league.

Jim Kelly would win the USFL's MVP award with an incredible 5,219 passing yards with 44 touchdowns. Kelly also was dangerous with his feet, rushing for 493 yards with five touchdowns.

Houston had a pair of big game receivers with Richard Johnson leading the way with 1,455 yards with 15 touchdowns, while Ricky Sanders had 1,378 yards with 11 scores. The Gamblers also had a strong running attack with 1,003 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Sam Harrell running for 697 yards, with 14 touchdowns.

The Gamblers finished the season strong, winning their last seven games to post a record of 13-5, which was good enough to capture the Central Division in the Western Conference. 1984 USFL Playoffs: In their postseason debut the Houston Gamblers hosted the Arizona Wranglers who one of the USFL's best defenses.

The Gamblers jumped out early, as Jim Kelly opened the scoring with a 14-yard touchdown run. However, the rest of the way, Houston settled for Field Goals and despite being in firm control of the game, only led 16-3 in the fourth quarter.

The Wranglers would make the Gamblers pay for their missed opportunities as Dale Walters shanked two punts to set up Arizona to win the win the game 17-16, with a pair of late touchdowns.