We’ve already reached the halfway point of the 2023 USFL season, and there are a pair of elevated favorites this week as oddsmakers increasingly get a feel for the haves and have nots of the league. A couple of those underdogs are viable this week as part of our recommended wagers.
Each week through the USFL Championship Game in July, The Game Day will offer a betting prediction for each game on the schedule.
USFL Week 5 Predictions & Best Bets
Maulers +3.5 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Maulers vs Panthers Betting • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Maulers have shown signs of life despite their 1-3 record, with two of their four losses coming by a combined 11 points.
Quarterback Troy Williams is also coming off his best game of the season by far – he combined for 280 total yards and also recorded a rushing touchdown in Week 4 against the Stallions – and the defense is allowing the second-fewest total yards per game (274).
In contrast, the Panthers have fallen by 15 and 19 points after opening the season 2-0, and the quarterback situation looks as tenuous as ever with both Josh Love and Carson Strong failing to grab the reins of the offense despite repeated opportunity.
While Michigan isn’t devoid of talent by any stretch, its biggest strength, a Stevie Scott and Reggie Corbin backfield, could have an uphill battle against Pittsburgh’s No. 2-ranked rush defense (79 RYPG allowed).
As such, I’m in the camp of the Maulers sliding Under the number, if not pulling an outright upset, for my USFL pick of the day.
Over 48 points (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Gamblers vs Stallions Betting • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Gamblers have boasted one of the league’s most prolific offenses over the last three games, racking up 102 points over that span.
Not only has Kenji Bahar’s play at quarterback been a major factor, but bruising running back Mark Thompson has complemented him perfectly with 34 carries for 215 yards and five touchdowns over just two games.
- Check on the latest USFL winner odds.
Meanwhile, the Stallions are getting some solid play from signal-caller Alex McGough, and the running back duo of C.J. Marable and ZaQuandre White has been effective, as well.
The Stallions’ defense has been one of the league’s better units thus far, but it’s been more vulnerable than last season in the last two games by allowing 65 total points during that span.
Houston’s unit has been much more giving overall, especially through the air, where the league-high 231.2 passing yards per contest the Gamblers have given up have helped lead to them tying with Memphis and Philadelphia for a USFL-high 27.2 points per contest surrendered.
Given the offensive firepower and defensive vulnerability, I like the Over in this spot.
Generals -6.5 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Generals vs Stars Betting • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Stars have shockingly fallen apart after a narrow Week 1 win over the Showboats, losing their next three games by a combined score of 86-39.
Philadelphia may also be without quarterback Case Cookus this week after he appeared to suffer an arm injury in the Week 4 loss to the Gamblers. Pass protection has been a constant thorn in the side of the Stars’ air attack, and that weakness could certainly be exploited by a talented Generals defense.
New Jersey’s offense also seems to be hitting its stride, with quarterback De’Andre Johnson throwing three touchdowns without an interception in the last two games and lead back Darius Victor averaging an elite seven yards per carry on 41 rush attempts.
The Generals are simply the superior team at present and the Stars could be down their starting quarterback, putting me in the direction of a Generals cover.
Showboats +7 (-105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Showboats vs Breakers Betting • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Showboats finally broke through with a win in Week 4, toppling the Panthers by a 29-10 score that featured what was arguably Todd Haley’s squad’s best all-around game yet.
Memphis’ attempt to generate a successful encore hits a big wall in the form of the undefeated Breakers, which are currently boasting a clean sweep in terms of the league’s offensive leaderboards – quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (1,115 passing yards), running back Wes Hills (389 rushing yards) and tight end Sage Surratt (351 receiving yards) all pace the USFL.
Nevertheless, New Orleans’ defense, which is surrendering 23.5 points per game, has helped teams stay close at times, with three of the team’s first four wins coming by seven points or fewer.
Memphis has shown some offensive stability with Cole Kelley at quarterback, while its defense appeared to make some solid strides in Week 4. Expect the Showboats to come in Under the big number.
