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It’s rare to see one spring/summer professional football league flourish yet here we are with two competing at the same time. The United States Football League (USFL) beat the odds with the completion of the 2022 season. The league is back for another go with opening day on Saturday, April 15. There are a few changes worth noting. First, seven of the eight teams that competed last year return with the Tampa Bay Bandits the exception. The club was put on hiatus and replaced with another 1980s USFL franchise the Memphis Showboats. And Memphis will have home field advantage in its first season with the city serving as one of four hubs. Last year every regular season game was played in Birmingham, but this year four cities will host two teams for the entire campaign.
Ford Field in Detroit will serve as host for home games played by the Michigan Panthers and Philadelphia Stars. The defending champion Birmingham Stallions will once again play their regular season home games at Protective Stadium in the city joined by the New Orleans Breakers. The Liberty Bowl in Memphis will be the home venue of the league’s newest team along with the Houston Gamblers. The New Jersey Generals and Pittsburgh Maulers will play their home games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, which hosted Birmingham’s win over Philadelphia in last year’s championship and will again entertain the title matchup.
After finishing last season 9-1 then disposing New Orleans in the division championship and Philadelphia in the title game, the Stallions are the preseason favorite on the USFL futures board. New Jersey is a close second after going 9-1 during the regular season but falling short of the championship with a loss to Philadelphia. The clubs face each other on Saturday in Birmingham with the Stallions a 4-point favorite on the USFL betting line at BetRivers sportsbook.
USFL Week 1 Schedule
Philadelphia Stars at Memphis Showboats
Date and Time: Saturday, April 15, 4:30 p.m. ET
Opening Odds: Stars -2.5, O/U 38.5
Stars at Showboats TV Coverage: FOX
The city of Memphis wanted a team and the league delivered the Showboats. Plenty of ties to Tampa remain, though, especially with the coaching staff as Todd Haley and his two coordinators made the move following a 4-6 campaign. Haley and the league have a potential gold mine in Brady White, who was named the Week 1 starter. The former Memphis Tigers signal-caller had a prolific career throwing for nearly 10,700 yards and 90 TDs in three seasons. He also has familiarity with the system. Philadelphia boasted the USFL’s highest scoring offense last season with the emergence of Case Cookus, who took over early in the year throwing for 1,340 yards and 12 touchdowns. An injury in the title game may have cost the Stars a ring but will serve as motivation with a good number of players returning.
USFL Prediction: Stars -2.5 / OVER 38.5
New Jersey Generals at Birmingham Stallions
Date and Time: Saturday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. ET
Opening Odds: Stallions -4.5, O/U 40
Generals at Stallions TV Coverage: FOX
They got last season started with a dramatic game and most felt they were destined to play once again the championship. After losing the opener 28-24, the Generals won their final nine regular season games. However, they were upset by Philly in the semifinals in what was an unceremonious ending. There is uncertainty at QB and Mike Riley has yet to name a starter. We could see the run game become a big part of the offense in the meantime with leading rusher Darius Victor back. Birmingham is set at QB with J’Mar Smith and Alex McGough returning, and they’re loaded everywhere on the field. Birmingham has what it takes to repeat and opening with a win puts them in that direction.
USFL Prediction: Stallions -4.5 / UNDER 40
Michigan Panthers at Houston Gamblers
Date and Time: Sunday, April 16, 12 p.m. ET
Opening Odds: Gamblers -1, O/U 39
Panthers at Gamblers TV Coverage: NBC
Both teams have a different look making it harder to assess them. Michigan was the biggest disappointment in 2022 opening as the championship favorite but winning just two games. Jeff Fisher is out replaced by Mike Nolan and Josh Love looks to have the inside track at QB1. Injuries limited the former Mountain West POY, but he’s healthy now giving the team stability at the position. Kenji Bahar is Houston’s new dual-threat QB and should make the offense better. Losing several key pieces on defense will hurt, though, making Michigan the USFL pick against the spread.
USFL Prediction: Panthers +1 / UNDER 39
Pittsburgh Maulers at New Orleans Breakers
Date and Time: Sunday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. ET
Opening Odds: Breakers -4, O/U 38
Maulers at Breakers TV Coverage: FS1
With a pair of USFL rookie quarterbacks getting back to the playoffs might be a tough task for New Orleans. New coach John DeFilippo will lean on McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Aqeel Glass and likely a potentially stingy defense to try and win games. At least early in the season we could see low scoring affairs with the Breakers. When you have the worst record, worst defense and lowest scoring offense, changes are in order. Are the Maulers better after overhauling the roster? New coach Ray Horton thinks so, but until they prove it on the field I’m fading Pittsburgh.
USFL Prediction: Breakers -4 / UNDER 38
Check out the latest USFL betting odds at BetRivers.
