USFL Week 1 Lines, Betting Tips, Picks, and Predictions

Week 1 of the 2022 USFL season kicks off on Saturday and continues into Sunday. The debut for all eight teams is the latest attempt at a successful spring league. 

We’re just happy football is back for now. The 10-week season is another opportunity for football bettors and DFS players to get in on some action while college football and the NFL are in their offseason. Sportsbooks like Caesars, FOX Bet, and FanDuel all have Week 1 USFL lines available, and PrizePicks even has USFL player props.

There’s many unknowns about how the new teams will play out but we’ve done our best to use what we do know about each team to predict the Week 1 best bets and picks.

Don’t forget to check out our 2022 USFL betting guide for all of the information you’ll need for the season.

Birmingham Stallions vs. New Jersey Generals (+3.5, O/U 42.5)

Saturday, April 16 at 7:30pm on Fox, NBC, Peacock

Birmingham is one of preseason favorites of any of the USFL teams. Head coach Skip Holtz favors an aggressive spread passing game and wisely picked up a quality quarterback in Alex McGough. The Stallions lack speed, though, so watch for more of a methodical passing game that takes advantage of the slot-type receivers that are throughout the roster. 

The lack of explosiveness is a concern for Birmingham, especially in this matchup. Mike Riley and the Generals have an uncertain passing game with dual-threat De’Andre Johnson slated to start, but their rushing game will be powerful. Johnson is a 4.3 runner and former Ohio State star Mike Weber will be lined up behind him.

Johnson needs to prove he can throw the ball competently, or else former AAF quarterback Luis Perez is right there behind him. The quarterback will have plenty of speed to throw to between J’Mon Moore and KaVontae Turpin. 

With so much uncertainty, though, I think 3.5 points is too much even if Birmingham has the recipe to methodically pick apart most defenses. New Jersey can limit possessions and has some solid upside with the unknown factor that Johnson brings as a rusher and passer. 

Pick: Generals +3.5 (-105)

Houston Gamblers vs. Michigan Panthers (-2.5, O/U 42.5)

Sunday, April 17 at 12pm on NBC, Peacock

This game features two of the least interesting quarterbacks in the league. Michigan grabbed Shea Patterson first overall in the USFL Draft for some reason, and Kevin Sumlin selected Clayton Thorson to run his Air Raid attack. 

These were strange decisions based on the offenses they run and the skill sets of each quarterback. Both passers would actually benefit from a trade for one another.

Regardless, Houston has the stronger team profile. The Gamblers may not get high-level quarterbacking but rusher Mark Thompson was an excellent bruiser in JUCO. How his physicality and athleticism translates could land him a spot in the NFL.

Michigan is among the favorites to win the USFL despite my skepticism on Patterson’s fit into a run-first offense. Head coach Jeff Fisher did fill out a strong rest of the roster around Patterson, though. Expect low-scoring affairs throughout Michigan’s season. 

I feel more confident in the under than the spread. Both teams will take some time getting used to their unique surroundings, especially since both defenses have some solid trench players that can disrupt the other offense.

Pick: Houston +2.5 (+105) and Under 43.5 (-120)

Philadelphia Stars vs. New Orleans Breakers (-2.5, O/U 44)

Sunday, April 17 at 4pm on USA

The Philadelphia Stars-New Orleans Breakers game should be the game of the week. The offensive potential between these coaches and rosters is unparalleled. The Stars have an especially unique claim for that early crown.

Head coach Bart Andrus has previously coached quarterback Bryan Scott in The Spring League, and has worked in almost every spring league before this one. He’s built a fast roster between the pass-catching backs and outside receivers. If Scott is what Andrus is banking on, this offense will fight to become the best in the league.

New Orleans will also make their claim to that honor though. Larry Fedora runs an exciting offense and has added players who were accomplished playmakers in college and NFL draft picks. The offensive core of quarterback Kyle Slot, rusher T.J. Logan, and receivers Johnnie Dixon and Taywan Taylor have an insanely high upside with their speed and pedigrees.

The over on points is a no-brainer considering all of the offensive talent in this game. I like the Breakers’ potential more so I’ll also take them to cover a close spread.  

Pick: New Orleans -2.5 (+100) and Over 44 (+100)

Tampa Bay Bandits vs. Pittsburgh Maulers (+4, O/U 41.5)

Sunday, April 17 at 8pm on FS1

Pittsburgh is facing more questions than any other USFL team. Their staff has a run-heavy background, but quarterback Kyle Lauletta functions best out of spread looks. Hopefully head coach Kirby Wilson can have variety in the scheme in order to get the most out of the former Browns’ practice squander and rusher Garrett Groshek alike.

The lack of speed in Pittsburgh is concerning. Watch for tight end Matt Seybert to be a focal point of the unit. The rest of the receiving group is highly questionable. 

Tampa will take the opposite approach with Todd Haley and Jordan Ta’amu manning the offense. Powerful rusher B.J. Emmons will complement the pass-heavy attack, hopefully taking advantage of lighter boxes as the defense is geared towards three and four receiver sets. The individual talent at receiver for Tampa is also impressive.

Four points is the largest line of the week because it’s easier to see the plan for the Bandits. I like taking the safer pick between the two to start the year. 

Pick: Tampa Bay -4 (-110)