The 2022 USFL season has reached the end of its inaugural 10-week slate. Week 10 is upon us, and the playoffs are coming fast. We already know the exact playoff seeding, so this week is more about squeezing what we can out of the USFL as bettors.
So much continues to change on a weekly basis that we have to stay flexible with our betting picks.
Our knowledge of these rosters, coaching staff, and the league itself has allowed us to prosper thus far. Join us again for our continued USFL coverage, preview, and best bets for our favorite two games of the week.
*All odds available with FanDuel.
Michigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers
Sunday, June 19, 2022 – 12:00 PM EDT at Legion Field
Panthers vs. Maulers: The Matchup
- Finally, a battle of the league’s two worst teams for us to enjoy.
- Both Michigan and Pittsburgh tumble to a 1-8 record.
Pittsburgh Maulers Analysis
The Pittsburgh Maulers have swung back and forth with their starting quarterback over the last month after head coach Kirby Wilson took offense to Vad Lee’s “bad body language”. The decision to run with backup Roland Rivers may have cost the team at least one victory. Lee quickly won the job back after seeing Rivers play for over two weeks.
Pittsburgh does fight hard despite being undermanned and offensively challenged. Their near-win against Philadelphia last week was a good example of this. Their pass defense swarmed as both Case Cookus and K.J. Costello were rattled by the consistent pressure put upon them.
The lone saving grace for Philadelphia was rusher Matt Colburn II and the fact they forced 2 interceptions from Lee. That’s where Pittsburgh constantly falls short. The 51-yard rushing score gutted their defense, and the offense can’t avoid turnovers.
Michigan Panthers Analysis
The Michigan Panthers have their own set of issues but their own self-sabotage is headlined by turnovers. Their two-quarterback system in Week 9 failed because of a combined 3 interceptions. Their inability to run forced them to throw the ball 45 times, but at least receiver Joe Walker showed solid chemistry with Josh Love.
The Generals still won with a late touchdown because the Michigan defense has degraded into a bad unit, but the Panthers had more positives than negatives.
If Pittsburgh can’t log sacks or replicate the interceptions that New Jersey forced, the Panthers will win comfortably. Michigan can at least score, unlike Pittsburgh.
Panthers vs. Maulers: Betting Pick and Prediction
The Panthers should be able to apply pressure throughout this game and limit the scoring opportunities Pittsburgh sees.
This is the battle of futility, and we’re taking the Panthers to cover and for the aggressive total to go under.
USFL Pick: Panthers -2.5 (-110) at FanDuel
USFL Pick: Under 42.5 (-110) at FanDuel
New Orleans Breakers vs. Houston Gamblers
Sunday, June 19, 2022 – 08:30 PM EDT at Legion Field
Breakers vs. Gamblers: The Matchup
- A whopping six of Houston’s nine games have finished as close affairs.
- Their first loss by more than three points came to New Orleans in Week 4.
- The Breakers not only survived but won despite quarterback Kyle Sloter turning the ball over 4 times.
New Orleans Breakers Analysis
Therein lies the danger for the New Orleans Breakers this week. The Breakers are vulnerable to these traps more so than any other playoff participant. It’s been so bad with Sloter recently that Larry Fedora finally gave Zach Smith more snaps at quarterback last week and he responded well.
The Breakers should roll with Smith in this no-stakes game. He may give them the best chance to win in the playoffs.
We’re getting value on this line this week because of the unknown possibility of Smith playing more, but Sloter is a low-floor option and top sportsbooks aren’t seeing it that way.
Houston Gamblers Analysis
The Houston Gamblers defense has largely been solid, especially because of their ability to create impact plays. They’ve been opportunistic with their sack, forced fumble rate, and interception rate.
But the x-factor of the week is Houston’s ability to unleash Kenji Bahar. The dual-threat can replicate the success Jordan Ta’amu found on the ground against New Orleans last week.
Ta’amu racked up 86 yards on just 9 carries since his Tampa Bay team struggles to rush as Houston does.
Breakers vs. Gamblers: Betting Pick and Prediction
Ultimately, we’re going to side with the Breakers. This should not be treated as a bye week for them even if it’s tempting to experiment more than not.
The Breakers are a quarterback away from being an outright favorite, and the move to Smith might unveil that upside.
USFL Pick: Breakers -3.5 (-110) at FanDuel
