USFL Week 2 Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions (2023)
Week 1 of the 2023 USFL season is in the books. Unfortunately, the fans got mixed results from the opening weekend. Two of the matchups were close contests, ending in one-possession games. However, the other two matchups were blowouts where both victorious teams won their respective games by at least 16 points.
While Week 1 is in the rearview mirror, we have nine more weeks of regular season action to enjoy. Some of the Week 2 matchups aren't appealing. However, there are always bets to make regardless of the matchup, so let's look at some potential USFL bets you should make this week.
Best USFL Bets for Week 2
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Breakers
The Gamblers had a rocky opening weekend. Houston was embarrassed by the Michigan Panthers, losing 29-13. The two teams were tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter. Furthermore, Houston was up 13-9 at halftime. Unfortunately, the Gamblers didn't show up in the second half, as they were outscored 20-0 after intermission. Houston got two rushing touchdowns from T.J. Pledger, but the team averaged only 3.6 yards on their 27 rushing attempts. Meanwhile, the passing game wasn't any better, as Kenji Bahar had only 109 passing yards and two interceptions in the contest.
New Orleans got a hard-fought victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in Week 1. The Breakers were up 6-3 at the end of the first quarter and tied 9-9 at halftime. However, New Orleans put themselves up by six in the third quarter, thanks to a pair of field goals by Matt Coghlin. Then, the Maulers got back into the game on an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown by Isiah Hennie. Tied at 15, New Orleans marched downfield for the game-winning two-yard touchdown pass from McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Anthony Jones.
Last week we saw these two teams have drastically different second halves. Houston couldn't score after the break, while New Orleans put up 13 of their 22 points. Meanwhile, the margin of victory for the Breakers would have been higher if not for a lucky break punt return for a touchdown. More importantly, Orlando's offense showed the ability to march downfield and score late in the fourth quarter. I will back the team with a productive second-half offense, even with having to surrender six points.
Pick: Breakers -6 (-110)
Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions
After spending the 2022 season in Tampa Bay, the team relocated to Memphis this year. More importantly, they played well last week against the Philadelphia Stars. Ultimately, the Showboats lost 27-23 but didn't make it easy for Philadelphia. The two teams were tied up at seven to end the first quarter. While Philadelphia outscored Memphis 20-10 over the next two quarters, the Showboats made a game of things in the final frame. Alex Collins had a one-yard touchdown run with 7:30 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, making it 27-23. Unfortunately, the Showboats missed the extra point and couldn't find the end zone again in the game.
Meanwhile, the Stallions came off their 2022 championship with an impressive Week 1 performance. They defeated the New Jersey Generals 27-10 in a matchup that wasn't even as close as the final score suggested. The Stallions were up 7-0 to end the first quarter before both teams scored 10 points in the second quarter. However, New Jersey struggled in the second half while Birmingham increased their lead. The Stallions scored another 10 points in the second half, including a 29-yard rushing touchdown by Alex McGough with 9:41 to go in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Generals couldn't make it competitive in the second half.
While Memphis was competitive last week against Philadelphia, they didn't pull out the victory. More importantly, they didn't cover the 2.5-point spread. Meanwhile, Birmingham outscored New Jersey in both halves in Week 1. Furthermore, they look like the same team that won the title last season. However, the eight-point spread is too high. I'll take the Stallions to win the game but the Showboats plus the points.
Pick: Showboats +8 (-110)
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.