After an unpredictable Week 4 that saw the Gamblers destroy the Stars, the Showboats grab their first win, and underdogs go 3-1 against the spread, we look ahead to what should be an entertaining Week 5 in the USFL.
Week 5 starts on Saturday with a doubleheader at 12:30 p.m. ET between the Maulers (1-3) and the Panthers (2-2) on USA. After that, the Gamblers (2-2) will try to win their third-straight game against the Stallions (3-1) at 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox. On Sunday, the Generals (2-2) will face off against the Stars (1-3) at noon ET on NBC in a rematch of last season's North Division title game. The final game of Week 5 will feature the Showboats (1-3) taking on the undefeated Breakers (4-0) at 3 p.m. ET on Fox.
Below, we'll break down the Week 5 odds and give out our predictions on how things could play out.
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USFL Week 5 picks, predictions
All odds courtesy of BetMGM
Pittsburgh Maulers at Michigan Panthers
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, USA
- Spread: Maulers +3.5 (-110); Panthers -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Maulers +145, Panthers -175
- Over/Under: 42
For the second-straight week, the Panthers' offense struggled to put up points, managing just 10 against the formerly winless Showboats. Michigan QB Josh Love didn't play well, completing 10-of-15 passes for 58 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Love also had a fumble late in the fourth quarter that was returned for a defensive score, sealing the game for Memphis. The Panthers' running game was solid, but it didn't matter, as they had too many turnovers on offense and special teams.
They will try to turn it around this week against the Maulers, who suffered a four-point loss to the Stallions last week. Pittsburgh's defense forced Birmingham QB Alex McGough into two interceptions, but the offense again had issues in the red zone. It wouldn't be a surprise if this is the lowest-scoring game of the weekend, as the Panthers' (18.5) and Maulers' defense (19.8) allow fewer than 20 points per game. Neither team's offense is great at the moment, but if we had to give an edge, we'll take the Panthers and the points. This season, the Panthers' offense has scored five more TDs than the Maulers.
Pick: Panthers 21 (-3.5), Maulers 15
Houston Gamblers at Birmingham Stallions
Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, FOX
- Spread: Gamblers +4.5 (-110); Stallions -4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Gamblers +165, Stallions -200
- Over/Under: 46.5
The Gamblers look like a force to be reckoned with after their performance last weekend against the Stars. Houston dominated Philadelphia on both sides of the ball and got another ridiculous outing from RB Mark Thompson, who posted 134 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries. QB Kenji Bahar also played well, completing 15-of-21 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Bahar will not play this weekend due to an ankle injury, which means dual-threat QB Terry Wilson will get the start. If Wilson can settle in under center and Thompson can make some noise against a Stallions' run defense that allows 139.8 yards per game this season, Birmingham might be on upset alert.
Birmingham did not play their best last week but found ways to win. McGough threw two interceptions early in the game but rebounded in the second half, and the Stallions got another kick return touchdown from Deon Cain late in the fourth quarter. Birmingham also held firm in the red zone, forcing the Maulers to settle for field goals. However, unlike Pittsburgh, Houston has a budding offense that's starting to figure out its identity, and it's the Stallions' kryptonite. With Houston playing well, it's easy to understand why they are 4.5-point underdogs, but we like the Stallions and the points.
Pick: Stallions 27 (-4.5), Gamblers 20
New Jersey Generals at Philadelphia Stars
Sunday, noon ET, NBC
- Spread: Generals -6.5 (-110); Stars +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Generals -250, Stars +200
- Over/Under: 43.5
The Stars got embarrassed last week, with the Gamblers doing whatever they wanted and making life miserable for QB Case Cookus. Things do not get any easier for Philadelphia this week, as it will face one of the best defenses in the league. New Jersey leads the league in sacks (12) and gives up the fewest points (15.8). This is a recipe for disaster for Philadelphia, as Cookus has been sacked a league-high 19 times.
If this was the same Stars' team we saw last season, I'd say 6.5 points is a lot. However, if they cannot run the ball with Matt Colburn II or protect Cookus, it will be hard for them to score on Sunday. Also, we saw them give up a ton of yards on the ground last week, and now they face Darius Victor and De'Andre Johnson. Take New Jersey and the points.
Pick: Generals 27 (-6.5), Stars 17
Memphis Showboats at New Orleans Breakers
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, FOX
- Spread: Showboats +7 (-105); Breakers -7 (-115)
- Moneyline: Showboats +240, Breakers -300
- Over/Under: 47
In the final game of Week 5, the undefeated Breakers will host the Showboats, who are coming off their first win of the season. Memphis QB Cole Kelley didn't throw a touchdown in last week's win, but he found the end zone twice with his legs and pushed the ball down the field with his arm. It seems like the former SELA standout has a firm grasp on the starting job, but he will need to throw some touchdowns against the Breakers for Memphis to pull off the upset.
Meanwhile, the Breakers passed another test in their quest to win the USFL title, as they defeated New Jersey 20-17 last week. RB Wes Hills had 159 yards of total offense and two scores on 33 touches. Hills is the best RB in the league, and even though the Showboats played well last week, this will be a tough matchup. If Memphis can't get to McLeod Bethel-Thompson, we will see a lot of points from New Orleans. Take the Breakers and the points if you can get it at seven.
Pick: Breakers 30 (-7), Showboats 17
