As we enter the final week of regular-season action, the USFL playoff matchups are known. Birmingham, New Jersey, Philadelphia and New Orleans will all be making the trip from Alabama to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Ohio next week.
New Jersey will face Philadelphia, while Birmingham will battle New Orleans.
However, before we reach postseason play, we have four Week 10 matchups that afford sports bettors one final shot to make financial investments on every team.
Bettors find favorites still holding a considerable edge overall posting a 27-9 straight-up mark (SU – 75%) aligned with a modest 19-17 against the spread (ATS -53%) record.
Meanwhile, in the totals markets offered by oddsmakers, backing the over maintains a slim advantage through 36 games (19-17; 53%).
The kicking game continues to be a major issue as the eight clubs are now 97 for 143 (67.8%) combined on field goals. Let’s just say it is hard to see any of these kickers earning an opportunity to play on Sundays in the fall.
In regards to two-point conversions, teams have converted 12 of 25 (48%) attempts. In Week 9, teams took less of a conservative approach after scoring touchdowns as a total of six two-point tries were attempted – the most of any individual week.
Upon a deeper dive, we find that from Week 5 through Week 8 (16 games) a total of only eight two-point conversions (4 of 8) were attempted. Overall, since Week 5 teams are considerably less than a coin flip to successfully convert two-point conversions, posting a meager 6 for 14 (42.9%) mark over 20 games.
Thus far, USFL fans have seen only one team (Philadelphia Stars, Week 2) attempt and successfully convert a three-point extra try following a touchdown. Michigan unsuccessfully complete a three-point extra try in Week 8 – leaving clubs 1 for 2.
Bet on the USFL at SI Sportsbook
Birmingham Stallions +175
New Jersey Generals +200
New Orleans Breakers +380
Philadelphia Stars +400
Week 10 Lines
Saturday, June 18
Philadelphia Stars vs. New Jersey Generals
Records: PHI (6-3 SU; 5-4 ATS) / NJ (8-1 SU; 5-4 ATS)
Spread: NJ -2.5
Moneyline: NJ (-143) / PHI (+110)
Total: 41.5
Time/TV: 12 p.m. ET/ USA
Steam: Total 43.5 down to 41.5
Tampa Bay Bandits vs. Birmingham Stallions
Records: TB (4-5 SU; 4-5 ATS) / BIRM (8-1 SU; 6-3 ATS)
Spread: BIRM -3.5
Moneyline: BIRM (-188) / TB (+138)
Total: 41.5
Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET/ Fox
Steam: TB +4.5 to +3.5
Sunday, June 19
Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Michigan Panthers
Records: PIT (1-8 SU; 4-5 ATS) / MICH (1-8 SU; 3-6 ATS)
Spread: MICH -2.5
Moneyline: MICH (-143) / PIT (+110)
Total: 42.5
Time/TV: 12 p.m. ET/ USA
Steam: MICH -2 to MICH -2.5
Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Breakers
Records: HOU (2-7 SU; 4-5 ATS) / NO (6-3 SU; 5-4 ATS)
Spread: New Orleans -3.5
Moneyline: NO (-188) / HOU (+188)
Total: 41.5
Time/TV: 8:30 p.m. ET/ FS1
Steam: Total 42 up to 41.5
These two teams met in Week 3 when New Jersey came away with a 24-16 victory as a 1-point underdog. These two teams will meet again next week in Ohio in the first game of the playoffs. Respected money in Las Vegas is backing that both clubs will play the game close to vest and not reveal any new additions to the playbook ahead of the playoff showdown. New Jersey, who possesses a league-best ground game (158.7 rushing yards per game), should eat up the clock Saturday. New Jersey will face a Stars defense that is surrendering the most rushing yards per game (148.2). On the flip side, the Generals own the league’s best rush defense, surrendering a paltry 72.4 rushing yards per game. New Jersey has surrendered the third-fewest points (159 /17.7 ppg) and have ripped off eight straight wins after losing their opening game of the season to Birmingham. After this game, the Generals will head into the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak after getting by the Stars in a low-scoring affair.
Michigan -2.5
Respected money’s second wager in Week 10 involves taking aim at a game that involves the two worst teams in the league that are a combined 2-16. Michigan, who owns the USFL’s second-best rushing attack (141.4 rushing yards per game) should move the ball on the ground against a Pittsburgh defense that is allowing the second-most rushing yards (135.3 rushing yards / per game). The wise guys in the desert believe the edge in the trenches will help the Panthers end their first season under Jeff Fisher on a winning note and avoid the worst regular-season record.
USFL RECORD: 8-8 ATS
USFL BEST BET: 5-3 ATS
USFL EXOTICS: 0-1
LEAGUE LEADERS
Passing: Kyle Slotter (TB), 1,798 passing yards
Rushing: Jordan Ellis (NO), 564 rushing yards
Rushing: Darius Victor (NJ), 9 rushing touchdowns
Receiving: KaVontae Turbin (NJ), 472 receiving yards
Receiving: Lance Lenoir Jr. (MICH), 47 receptions
Receiving: Isaiah Zuber (HOU), 5 receiving touchdowns
