Here is this weeks best bets for the upcoming week 5 games in the USFL. Last week my only miss was on an over under, which I will be staying completely away from this week. While they aren’t my favorite thing to bet anyway, this league is just to inconsistent to really get a good feel for that. Every team has had problems moving the football and scoring, so it really just doesn’t seem worth it. Let’s get right to this weeks winners.
Michigan Panthers vs Tampa Bay Bandits
Spread: Tampa Bay -2
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -130, Michigan +110
Over/Under: 33.5
The lines being so close in this game comes as no surprise, both teams have been inconsistent and downright bad at times. Michigan lost a close game last week to Philadelphia, but didn’t play particularly well. Shea Patterson threw three interceptions, a few of which were really bad. Patterson and Reggie Corbin were able to move the ball on the ground well with a combined 231 yards and two touchdowns.
Tampa Bay is also coming off a loss, losing 16-10 to the undefeated Birmingham Stallions. They played them very tough though, Jordan Ta’amu threw for 125 yards with a touchdown and 34 yards rushing. He just really seems to have a lack of weapons outside of tight end Cheyenne O’Grady.
I think the best bets here are going to be Tampa Bay moneyline and to cover the two points. Michigan has shown to be just too bad to put money on.
New Orleans Breakers vs New Jersey Generals
Spread: New Orleans -3
Moneyline: New Orleans -155, New Jersey +135
Over/Under: 37
This game is the premier matchup for week 5 with both teams being 3-1 on the season. New Orleans is the league’s top passing team while New Jersey is the top rushing team. New Orleans looks to have a slight edge statistically on defense over the Generals, but both have played extremely well this season. There is not much to say here other than this game is going to be downright fun between two of the leagues top three teams.
While New Jersey does a great job of controlling the clock and tiring out the defense, I think New Orleans is just too overwhelming right now on offense, and their top rush defense could slow up the Generals. Just like the game above, I think the best bets here are New Orleans moneyline and to cover.
Birmingham Stallions vs Philadelphia Stars
Spread: Birmingham -6
Moneyline: Birmingham -250, Philadelphia +200
Over/Under: 36
Birmingham is the last undefeated team in the USFL, and should still be after this week. Philadelphia will still be missing their star quarterback Brian Scott, although Case Cookus looked great in his first start where he threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns. The Stallions are just too good though and have that home field advantage, another reason why they are this week’s heaviest favorites against the scrappy Stars.
Philadelphia has proven to be able to run with anyone, and their only two losses are to the Breakers and Generals in one possession games. So for this game I am going to say stay away from the -6 because that is a lot in this league and stick with the moneyline on Birmingham.
Pittsburgh Maulers vs Houston Gamblers
Spread: Houston -5.5
Moneyline: Houston -235, Pittsburgh +190
Over/Under: 34
This is another one of those games that I would primarily recommend staying away from. Houston has talent on the roster for sure, have made some really big plays, and hung with some of the better teams in this league. Still though they find themselves having only one win, really inconsistent quarterback play, and on the outside looking in as far as playoffs are concerned.
My best bet here is going to be another moneyline, taking Houston. Pittsburgh appears to be the worst team in the league, so Houston should still win. As far as taking a spread though, I don’t like it. Houston hasn’t proven enough to justify taking them as the favored team.
