After two weeks of action, just three undefeated teams remain (Stallions, Breakers, and Panthers) in the USFL. The Breakers opened up Week 2 last weekend with a high-scoring 38-31 win over the Gamblers, while the Stallions dominated the Showboats 42-2 behind another stellar performance from QB Alex McGough, who was named the USFL's Offensive Player of the Week. Finally, the Panthers defeated last season's runner-ups, the Stars, 24-10, to put a bow on Week 2.
From a betting perspective, the favorites got the job done, going 3-1 against the spread and 3-1 straight up on the moneyline. The Panthers (+3) were the only underdog to win outright in Week 2, and they continue to look like a brand-new team under head coach Mike Nolan.
Week 3 begins with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. ET between the Breakers and Stallions on USA, which could be the best game of the weekend. After that, the Showboats and the Gamblers will face off as one of these teams will win their first game of the season. Then on Sunday, the Detroit hub will officially open up as the winless Maulers will take on the Stars at noon ET (NBC), followed by the Generals taking on the Panthers at 4 p.m. ET (FOX) to end Week 3.
Below, we'll break down the best Week 3 bets and give out our predictions on how things could shake out in the USFL:
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USFL Week 3 picks, predictions
All odds courtesy of BetMGM
New Orleans Breakers at Birmingham Stallions
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, USA
- Spread: Stallions -6
- Moneyline: Breakers +200, Stallions -250
- Over/Under: 48.5
Birmingham did not skip a beat in their 40-point win over the Showboats last week, even though they were missing a few key starters on both sides. QB Alex McGough is playing like one of the best signal callers in the league, completing 21-of-28 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 32 yards on the ground.
Speaking of the running game, the Stallions were without RB Bo Scarbrough (knee), but that did not stop them from rushing for 172 yards, led by ZaQuandre White (72 yards, two TDs) and C.J. Marable (68 yards). They will need this duo to have another great outing against the Breakers, who allow 90.5 rushing yards per game (fourth fewest in the USFL). New Orleans is coming off a high-scoring 38-31 win over the Gamblers that saw RB Wes Hills produce 110 yards and three TDs on 18 carries. If the Breakers can be successful on the ground against a Stallions' defense that allows 130 rushing yards per game (second most), New Orleans keep it close.
This will be a good test for the Stallions, who have steamrolled the competition thus far. If the Breakers can create some turnovers, which they had three last week against Houston, and are successful on the ground, I like their chances to cover and win outright.
Pick: Breakers 27 (+6.5), Birmingham 24
Memphis Showboats at Houston Gamblers
Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, FOX
- Spread: Gamblers -4.5
- Moneyline: Showboats +170, Gamblers -210
- Over/Under: 43.5
The Showboats got embarrassed by the Stallions in Week 2, while the Gamblers came up short against the Breakers. If Houston QB Kenji Bahar doesn't throw three interceptions, it might win that game as Bahar threw. Between these two winless teams, I trust the Gamblers more because they have an identity on offense despite Bahar's turnover issues.
Houston will throw the ball around with Bahar but can also run the ball with TJ Pledger, who had 94 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries last week. It wouldn't be a shock to see Pledger have another solid outing, as the Showboats' defense allows a league-high 133 rushing yards per game through two games. The Gamblers allow the second-most passing yards per game (236), which is good news for Memphis QB Brady White, who needs a major bounce-back performance. However, we like Houston to cover the spread and win its first game on Saturday night.
Pick: Gamblers 27 (-4.5), Showboats 20
Pittsburgh Maulers at Philadelphia Stars
Sunday, noon ET, NBC
- Spread: Stars -6.5
- Moneyline: Maulers +220, Stars -275
- Over/Under: 42.5
After getting punched in the mouth by the Panthers last week for their first loss, the Stars will look to bounce back against the winless Maulers. Philadelphia QB Case Cookus was under constant pressure, leading to four sacks and two interceptions. The Stars' pass protection, which was an issue last season, must improve this week against a good Pittsburgh front seven. If Philly can keep Cookus upright and do better inside the red zone (1-for-4 in Week 2), they should roll against the Maulers.
Defensively, the Stars got two interceptions last week off of Panthers QB Josh Love but gave up 131 yards and two touchdowns to Reggie Corbin. The good news for Philly is that Pittsburgh's offense is stuck in neutral and hasn't found its footing with QBs James Morgan or Troy Williams. Take the Stars and the points.
Pick: Stars 28 (-6.5), Maulers 13
New Jersey Generals at Michigan Panthers
Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, FOX
- Spread: Panthers -4.5
- Moneyline: Generals +165, Panthers -200
- Over/Under: 42.5
In the final game of Week 3, the undefeated Panthers will host the Generals at Ford Field. Michigan is coming off a terrific win over the Stars and is a contender in the USFL's North division. Panthers QB Josh Love did not play well in Week 2, but Reggie Corbin (131 rushing yards and two touchdowns) and the defense shined (two turnovers and held Philly to 1-of-4 in the red zone).
The Panthers also had another player win Defensive Player of the Week, as linebacker Frank Ginda had 10 total tackles and an interception. Ginda, Noah Dawkins, and Terry Myrick will have the tough task of keeping De'Andre Johnson and Dakota Prukop in the pocket and slowing down the Generals' running game. New Jersey picked up their first win last week because of their defense, which held Pittsburgh to 166 total yards, and recorded four sacks and three turnovers. The Generals will need that same defensive intensity against the Panthers, who have shown through two weeks that they can score points.
Pick: Generals 21 (+4.5), Panthers 18
