USFL week 10 is finally upon us, the conclusion of the inaugural season is here. Last week the New Orleans Breakers claimed the final playoff spot when they took out the Tampa Bay Bandits.
Initially, there was nothing on the line going into week 10. That was until Daryl Johnston made an announcement earlier this week. With the unique situation of having two 1-8 teams playing each other this week, the league has decided to awards the winner the 1st pick in next years USFL draft.
This won’t just be the 1st overall pick, rather the 1st pick in every round.
The 1st overall pick in 2023 draft ✅
The 1st pick in EVERY round of 2023 draft ✅This Sunday, the WINNER of the game between the 1-8 @USFLPanthers & @USFLMaulers will be awarded the 1st pick in each round of the 2023 Draft.
EVP of Football Ops @DarylJohnston breaks it down ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/geApPz7GM0
— USFL (@USFL) June 17, 2022
New Jersey Generals (8-1) at Philadelphia Stars (6-3)
Saturday 6/18 – 12PM EST – USA – Stream – Tickets
The first game up this weekend is a preview of the northern semi-finals matchup next weekend. The New Jersey Generals will be taking on the Philadelphia Stars.
Both teams pulled out narrow wins last week, and this week both will look to win without showing their cards. We expect to see a lot of backups playing in this game, but it should be a fun one none the less.
Birmingham Stallions (8-1) at Tampa Bay Bandits (4-5)
Saturday 6/18 – 4PM EST – FOX – Stream
Next up is the Birmingham Stallions and the Tampa Bay Bandits. Last week the stallions took their first lose of the season, with the Houston Gamblers squeaking out a win. On the other side of the field, Tampa Bay was eliminated from the USFL Playoffs after once again failed to beat a winning team.
This week the Stallions will most likely look to stay healthy, and the Bandits will hope to move to .500 on the season.
Not to mention, this is the Stallions final game in Birmingham this season. So, they may want to go out with a bang.
Michigan Panthers (1-8) at Pittsburgh Maulers (1-8)
Sunday 6/19 – 12PM EST – USA – Stream
Going into this game, many considered this to be the tank bowl. Essentially each team trying their best to lose to secure the 1st overall draft pick next year. Well, that changed when the USFL came in to adjust the rules to award the winner of this game the #1 pick.
Both teams share a 1-8 record, but we’d say there’s a clear distinction between the two. The Maulers will look to grab their second win after coming close last week. But, we think that Coach Fisher and the Panthers should be able to come out on top here.
New Orleans Breakers (6-3) at Houston Gamblers (2-7)
Sunday 6/19 – 8:30PM EST – FS1 – Stream
Wrapping up the inaugural USFL season is the New Orleans Breakers battling the Houston Gamblers.
Week 9 saw the Gamblers secure their second win and the Breakers clinch their spot in the playoffs. This week we expect New Orleans to allow Sloter to nurse his injuries before heading to Canton, OH.
Coach Sumlin and company are going to try and grab a third win on the season, and if their defense keeps it up, we think they will probably get it done.
Which USFL matchup are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
