It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the fourth week of the inaugural USFL season. Last week, we saw the leagues first shutout, the Panthers first win and a potential season ending injury to Stars QB Bryan Scott.
For the first few weeks the USFL has hosted special event nights during their showcase broadcasts on Saturday night. This week is no different. At the conclusion of Saturday nights matchup between the Bandits and Stallions there’s going to be a firework show.
Tickets are affordable, and children are free, so if you’re in the area you have another incentive to check out the USFL.
Saturday night is Fireworks Night in Birmingham! 🎇🎆
Bring the family and join us as the @USFLStallions take on the @USFLBandits and stay after the game for an unforgettable fireworks show! 🙌
Get tickets ➡️ https://t.co/HOSnH5ICUo pic.twitter.com/OlE0OZzk5m
— USFL (@USFL) May 4, 2022
Philadelphia Stars (1-2) at Michigan Panthers (1-2)
Friday – 10PM EST – FS1 – Stream – Tickets
The first matchup of the night is the leagues latest game to date. Kickoff takes place at 10pm ET on FS1, and could prove to be an interesting game to watch. Last week the Michigan Panthers secured their first win of the season, but Paxton Lynch is still listed as inactive. Lynch got his first start of the season against the Maulers, and scored two touchdowns before coming out of the game with an ankle injury.
On the other side of the field, the Stars were looking good last week until Bryan Scott suffered an injury of his own. He has since released a statement saying he is heading home to recover, and his season is in doubt. Case Cookus will get his first start for Philadelphia this week, but this could prove to be Michigan’s chance to get another win.
New Jersey Generals (2-1) at Pittsburgh Maulers (0-3)
Saturday – 2:30PM EST – Peacock – Stream – Tickets
Pittsburgh is coming into this game hoping to finally get in the win column. They’ll have quite the task on their hand with the New Jersey Generals coming in after back-to-back wins. Had it not been for a few missed plays in week 1, we may be looking at an undefeated New Jersey franchise.
Coach Riley has been using a dual quarterback system so far this season, but after De’Andre Johnson’s performance last week, it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with that approach. Perez has had success for the Generals, but never seems to completely find his rhythm without getting a full game behind the ball.
This is also the second Peacock exclusive game of the season, so if you’re not subscribed you may want to get that taken care of early so you don’t need to worry about it on gameday.
Tampa Bay Bandits (2-1) at Birmingham Stallions (3-0)
Saturday – 7PM EST – FOX – Stream – Tickets
The Birmingham Stallions are still on a roll with their undefeated streak intact. The highly anticipated matchup against the Breakers started slower than most expected, but J’Mar Smith and the Stallions ultimately pulled it out.
Last week the Bandits came into the game against the Gamblers hoping to rebound off their big loss to the Breakers. They trailed Houston a majority of the game, but Tyler Rausa came in clutch knocking in the game winning field goal with 14-seocnds remaining in the game. In a season full of kicking woes, it’s nice to see the kicker get the W.
This could prove to be a tight game, and if the Stallions don’t watch out they could lose their first game of the season.
Houston Gamblers (1-2) at New Orleans Breakers (2-1)
Sunday – 3PM EST – NBC & Peacock – Stream – Tickets
Wrapping up the action this week are two teams that are hoping to turn things around. The New Orleans Breakers suffered their first loss last week against the Birmingham Stallions. Kyle Sloter was still nursing a groin injury, so we’ll need to wait until this weekend to see how much he’s been able to recover in the off time.
The Gamblers looked like they were going to pull it out against the Bandits in week 3, but things fell short in the second half. Clayton Thorson looked much better on the field, but his receivers and defense will need to play a full game if they want to get a win over the Breakers.
Which USFL matchup are you looking forward to the most in week 4? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
