The Week 8 slate is once again replete with key late-season games that should continue to help crystallize the postseason picture. Some of the logjam in the North Division is beginning to ease, while the South contains one 5-2 squad, the Stallions, and a trio of 4-2 teams.
Each week through the USFL Championship Game in July, I’ll offer a betting prediction for each game on the schedule.
All USFL Week 8 betting odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Wednesday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
USFL Best Bets: Pittsburgh Maulers vs Houston Gamblers
Pittsburgh Maulers vs Houston Gamblers Prediction
The Gamblers came up just short of extending their winning streak to five games in Week 7, but Kenji Bahar, Mark Thompson, and company still present quite the challenge for any defense.
The Maulers managed their highest point total of the season in Week 7, but that was somewhat deceptive considering two of those scores were special-teams enabled. Pittsburgh is still averaging a league-low 16.1 points per game.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Before you make your next USFL bet, you should know that Caesars Sportsbook is among the industry’s best, offering tons of promotions and up to $1,500 in bet insurance when you use our promo code .
Read Chris Wassel’s Caesars Sportsbook review for more insight and get your welcome bonus below, or continue reading this analysis for our USFL Week 8 tipster picks.
Maulers vs Gamblers Best Bet: Gamblers -3 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Houston’s defense has tightened up, especially against the run, as the season has unfolded, while Pittsburgh has no running game outside of QB Troy Williams.
Given what I see as the Gamblers’ superiority in most phases, I like Houston to cover the modest spread for my USFL bet of the day.
USFL Best Bets: Philadelphia Stars vs Birmingham Stallions
Philadelphia Stars vs Birmingham Stallions Prediction
The Stars have bounced back to win three straight games, and QB Case Cookus seems to have largely rediscovered his 2022 form while displaying burgeoning chemistry with Corey Coleman and Devin Gray in particular.
The Stallions have put together a two-game win streak to lock in the league’s best record for the moment at 5-2, giving them sole possession of first place in the USFL Championship Odds leaderboard.
Birmingham is averaging a USFL-high 27.9 points per game, and although QB Alex McGough’s passing yardage numbers are typically modest, he has done his fair share of damage on the ground.
Stars vs Stallions Best Bet: Stars +6 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
On the other side of the ball, the Stallions have continued to tighten up against the run after getting gashed by the Breakers’ Wes Hills earlier this season. Birmingham hasn’t been as adept at getting to the quarterback as last season, however, recording a modest 11 sacks through seven games.
The Stallions do have the edge in defensive talent overall, but this is a big number and the Stars have an opportunistic secondary that’s already grabbed seven interceptions.
As such, I like Philadelphia to do enough to slide in under the robust spread.
USFL Best Bets: Memphis Showboats vs New Jersey Generals
Memphis Showboats vs New Jersey Generals Prediction
No team is hotter than Todd Haley’s Showboats, which have won four straight games after an 0-3 start. It’s been a true team effort for Memphis: getting serviceable quarterback play from Cole Kelley, getting by with a committee approach on the ground, and playing sound defense overall.
Meanwhile, the Generals are in freefall, having dropped four consecutive games after a 2-1 start. New Jersey now has quarterback concerns after De’Andre Johnson was forced from the Week 7 loss to the Panthers with a head injury in the fourth quarter.
Showboats vs Generals Best Bet: Showboats Moneyline (+110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
- 🏈 More USFL betting tips: USFL Winner Odds | USFL Betting Promos | USFL Betting Sites
The Generals are allowing only 18.3 points per game, but the Panthers of all teams in Week 7 may have somewhat exposed their secondary. Meanwhile, no team has gotten to the quarterback more frequently than Memphis (USFL-high 20 sacks), which has increasingly allowed the Showboats to short-circuit opponent drives and force turnovers (league-high nine interceptions).
Given Memphis’ recent play, I like the prospect of the Showboats covering a two-point spread at minimum. However, with the moneyline at a plus price, I’m in the camp of an outright upset.
USFL Best Bets: Michigan Panthers vs New Orleans Breakers
Michigan Panthers vs New Orleans Breakers Prediction
The Panthers may have finally broken out of their extended offensive funk in Week 7 with an impressive all-around showing against the Generals (373 total yards at 6.1 yards per play).
QB Josh Love has now thrown for just under 500 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in the last two games, while Stevie Scott and Reggie Corbin continue to churn out solid performances on the ground most weeks.
Panthers vs Breakers Best Bet: Over 43 points (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Breakers have struggled in the last three games compared to their 4-0 start. However, the offense is still loaded with talent at the skill positions, and QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson bounced back to throw for 279 yards in Week 7 after posting a season-low 179 a week prior.
RB Wes Hills should also find his fair share of success versus a Panthers team allowing 4.7 yards per carry and the second-most rushing touchdowns (nine) in the league.
With both teams having plenty of firepower at quarterback, running back, receiver, and even tight end, I can see the smallish total being exceeded.
