The 2023 USFL playoffs are set to begin this weekend after the final three playoff spots were clinched in Week 10. The Maulers (4-6) clinched their berth in the USFL North division championship with an impressive win over the Generals on Saturday, while the Panthers (4-6) pulled off an incredible 14-point comeback on Sunday night over the Stars to punch their ticket to the North division title. Finally, the Breakers defeated the Gamblers on Sunday afternoon to capture the final playoff spot in the South division.
The USFL playoffs begin on Saturday night with the North division championship between the Maulers and Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (8 p.m. ET, NBC). It wraps up on Sunday night with the South division championship between the Breakers and Stallions at Protective Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX).
Below, we'll break down the best bets for the USFL playoffs and give out our predictions on which teams will be playing in the USFL title game on July 1.
USFL playoff picks, predictions
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Michigan Panthers at Pittsburgh Maulers
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, NBC
- Spread: Panthers +3 (-110); Maulers -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Panthers +130; Maulers -155
- Over/Under: 38
The Panthers and Maulers punched their tickets to the postseason with impressive wins over the Stars and Generals, respectively, last weekend. Both of those teams played in the USFL North division championship game last summer, but after this weekend, either the Panthers or Maulers will be one step closer to winning a title despite having a sub-.500 record.
These two teams played each other two weeks ago when the Maulers won 19-7. Pittsburgh's defense dominated, forcing QB Josh Love into four interceptions. That's all the Maulers needed, as they won the time of possession with QB Troy Williams and leaned on kicker Chris Blewitt, who was 4-of-4 on field goals.
We should see a much more competitive game on Saturday. The Panthers have found a spark with QB EJ Perry, who made his first USFL start last weekend and executed the necessary plays to help Michigan upset Philly. The former Brown standout produced 169 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown in the playoff-clinching win. Perry's mobility brings a new element to the Panthers' offense. Pittsburgh's defense will try to force Perry into a couple of turnovers on Saturday night after finishing the regular season first in turnover margin (+8).
We don't expect Saturday's game to be high scoring, as the books have the total set for 38.5. The total points scored in the two regular-season meetings were 26 and 30, respectively. Therefore, bettors should jump on the UNDER and take Michigan to cover the spread. However, we still like the Maulers to win outright on Saturday night and advance to the USFL title game behind a late stop from their front seven.
Pick: Maulers 17, Panthers 15 (+3.5)
New Orleans Breakers at Birmingham Stallions
Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, FOX
- Spread: Breakers +3 (-110); Stallions -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Breakers +130; Stallions -155
- Over/Under: 45
To wrap up playoff weekend, we have a rematch of last year's South division title game between the Breakers and Stallions. The Stallions and Breakers split the season series, with Birmingham winning the last meeting in Week 7 (24-20). Birmingham ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak after they defeated the Showboats 27-20 in Week 10.
The Breakers' defense has the tall task of limiting All-USFL QB Alex McGough, who finds ways to keep plays alive. In their final regular season meeting in Week 7, McGough completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 176 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing touchdown. RB C.J. Marable also had 86 yards on 17 carries, and he will play an instrumental role in Sunday night's result, as the Breakers allowed 90.9 rushing yards per game during the regular season (third-fewest in the USFL).
Look out for All-USFL tight end Jace Sternberger, who will likely be matched up against Breakers LB Vontae Diggs, who had 69 tackles, three interceptions, and 2.5 sacks in the regular season. Sternberger led all pass catchers with seven touchdowns during the regular season.
As for New Orleans, it must do a better job of scoring in the red zone. In their Week 7 defeat, the Breakers were 1-for-4 inside the 20. New Orleans also had three turnovers in that game, which can't happen again on Sunday night. If QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson can take care of the ball and get time in the pocket, the Breakers will put up points with their star-studded offense.
It will be a back-and-forth contest between two big-play offenses and opportunistic defenses, but we like the Stallions to make their second-straight trip to the USFL title game. New Orleans has put up points over the last few weeks, scoring 24 per game, and has a defense that can get after the quarterback (28 sacks). However, the Stallions aren't the Gamblers or Showboats, as their QB is playing at an MVP level. Birmingham's offense can go shot for shot, and their defense can get a stop when it matters.
Pick: Stallions 27 (-3), Breakers 23
