There was plenty to be excited about during the opening week of the USFL season.
For starters, Michigan's loaded defense flexed its strength as the Panthers cruised to an easy victory over the Gamblers. There were a number of standout passing performances as well; Chase Cookus and Josh Love each threw for three touchdowns to lead their squads to victory.
In all, Week 1 was a welcome sight for the league, which has gained a cult following. It may not be the highest form of football, but it is perhaps the grittiest as players desperate for their one chance at the next level slug it out.
MORE: Watch USFL games live with Fubo (free trial)
The league has some name recognition, too. Players like Bo Scarborough and John Franklin III drew plenty of attention during their time in college. Now, they're hope to use lower-league success to propel them to the big time: a spot on an NFL roster.
It happened to reigning league MVP KaVontae Turpin. All they need is a chance.
With that, here's what you need to know as Week 2 of the 2023 USFL season kicks off.
USFL schedule Week 2: What games are on today?
Saturday, April 22
| Matchup | Kickoff time (ET) | Location | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Breakers | 12:30 p.m. | Birmingham | USA, Fubo |
| Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions | 7 p.m. | Birmingham | Fox, Fubo |
Sunday, April 23
| Matchup | Kickoff time (ET) | Location | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Generals vs. Pittsburgh Maulers | 1 p.m. | Canton | NBC/Peacock, Fubo |
| Michigan Panthers vs. Philadelphia Stars | 7 p.m. | Canton | FS1, Fubo |
MORE: USFL teams, rosters, schedule, rules & more to know about the league
Week 2 USFL games TV channels, live streams
Each of this weekend's four USFL games will air nationally. Saturday's contests will be shown on USA Network and Fox, respectively, while Sunday's games will be split between NBC/Peacock and FS1. Streaming options for all the games include Fubo, which carries each of the aforementioned networks and also offers a free trial.
Saturday, April 22
Gamblers vs. Breakers
- Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: USA
- Live stream: Fubo
McLeod Bethel-Thompson put the league on notice with a 303-yard passing effort to lead the Breakers past the Maulers in Week 1. Now, he awaits the Gamblers, a team that Josh Love torched for 215 yards and three touchdowns. This one could get ugly.
Showboats vs. Stallions
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: Fubo
The Stallions enter Saturday's game in good stead, having nabbed a victory over the Generals in Week 1. Bo Scarborough and Thaddeus Moss hold the reins of an explosive offense that can cause problems both in the air and on the ground. Standing in their way in Week 2 are the Showboats, who fell just short against the Stars in their season opener.
MORE: USFL Draft results: Complete list of picks, headlined by Malik Cunningham, Adrian Martinez
Sunday, April 23
Generals vs. Maulers
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Fubo
The Generals and Maulers dropped their season openers to the Stallions and Breakers, respectively. Both teams struggled to find pay dirt, combining for just 25 points in Week 1. Perhaps they can find more success while playing in the shadow of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Panthers vs. Stars
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo
Fueled by a stout defense, the Panthers cruised to a Week 1 victory over the Gamblers. Breeland Speaks racked up three sacks, showcasing the skills that made him such an attractive proposition to the Chiefs when they took him with the No. 46 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Stars escaped their duel with the Gamblers 27-23, taking advantage of a three-touchdown performance by Chase Cookus.
