We’re already at Week 7 in the USFL, and the stakes continue to increase as teams in both divisions attempt to separate from the logjam in the standings. With no club more than one game away from first place and plenty of matching records, this Memorial Day slate should be another hard-fought one.
Each week through the USFL Championship Game in July, we’ll offer a betting prediction for each game on the schedule.
USFL Week 7 Predictions & Best Bets
Under 45.5 points (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Stallions at Breakers • WAGER: 1 unit
The Stallions got back into the win column in Week 6 by upending the lowly Panthers, but the caliber of the competition receives a significant bump this week.
The Breakers have lost two straight, but they still sport a standout defense allowing the second-fewest total yards per game (214.3). New Orleans also has the ground game weapons to capitalize on a Birmingham defense, surrendering 129.2 rushing yards per game.
In fact, New Orleans power back Wes Hills has a big hand in that figure, having racked up 191 rushing yards and three TD in the Breakers’ 45-31 Week 3 win over the defending champs.
Nevertheless, a team with the talent the Stallions have on defense will undoubtedly make some adjustments to ensure nothing resembling that performance happens again. And they might pick up some pointers on film from the Generals and Showboats, which limited Hills to a combined 3.2 yards per carry in the last two games.
As much of an offensive showcase as the first meeting was, both clubs tightened up much more in this rematch based on what they know about each other.
I’m going with the Under for my USFL bet of the day.
Maulers ML (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Maulers vs Stars • WAGER: 1 unit
The Stars were able to even their record at .500 in Week 6 with a gritty 16-10 win over the Breakers. However, Philly’s offense, one of the league’s best a year ago, continues to struggle – the Stars are averaging a league-low 197.2 total yards per game, including just 43.7 rushing yards per contest.
The lack of a consistent ability to keep defenses honest is taking a toll on QB Case Cookus, who’s thrown for under 200 yards in the last two games while taking 10 sacks.
The Maulers have struggled offensively at times themselves, but their run defense has been outstanding (71.7 RYPG allowed), and they’ve yielded just 18 points per contest. And Pittsburgh has the second-most sacks (15) through six games.
- Keep tabs on our USFL Champion Odds report.
Meanwhile, Philly has been the league’s worst team at applying pressure on the quarterback (USFL-low six sacks) and is conceding a league-high 5.4 yards per carry and the second-most rushing touchdowns (eight).
The latter vulnerability could undoubtedly give the Maulers’ typically moribund ground game – and mobile quarterback Troy Williams – a chance for some success, and with the game already at a Pick ‘Em and with identical -110 odds, going with the better defensive squad for an outright win is the path I’m taking.
Showboats +3 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Showboats vs Gamblers • WAGER: 1 unit
This matchup of the two hottest teams in the league could ultimately be the week’s best.
The Gamblers have won four straight and got starting quarterback Kenji Bahar back from an ankle injury last week. Meanwhile, running Mark Thompson already has nine rushing touchdowns through four games.
The Showboats are getting solid play from young signal-caller Cole Kelley and have a good running game even with Alex Collins (side) on injured reserve.
However, Memphis’ defense has arguably been the most impressive aspect of its team during its three-game winning streak. After allowing 99 points over the first three contests – all losses – the Showboats have bounced back to surrender a miserly 20 in the next three weeks.
Todd Haley’s club has been especially good at pressure, tying for the league lead with 16 sacks. Two of the team’s first three losses of the season were also by just a combined eight points, while three of Houston’s four wins have come by a combined 17 points, including a four-point victory over Memphis in Week 3.
Given Memphis’ recent play, I like the prospect of them covering and perhaps even pulling the upset.
Generals -6.5 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
Generals vs Panthers • WAGER: 1 unit
The Panthers simply can’t get much going on offense despite two impressive backs in Stevie Scott and Reggie Corbin.
Michigan is averaging a league-low 16 points per contest and is facing a Generals defense that co-leads the league with 16 sacks while allowing a USFL-low 17.2 points per game on a league-low 210.8 total yards per contest.
New Jersey is trying to piece together a workable passing game between Kyle Lauletta and De’Andre Johnson, but the real advantage here is for the Darius Victor-led ground attack.
The Panthers surrender 124.5 rushing yards per game at 4.8 yards per carry and have given up a USFL-high nine rushing TDs.
New Jersey should have a chance to run a balanced attack and play ball control here while also likely causing at least a couple of turnovers, thanks to its relentless pressure, putting me in the camp of a cover.
