USFL Week 5 Preview: Stallions Favored Over Gamblers

The USFL Week 5 preview takes a look at the four games on the schedule for this week. The best game on the slate looks to be Houston (2-2) vs Birmingham (3-1). The Stallions will again be at home, while Michigan also gets a home game.

There have been plenty of surprises so far this year and last week was no exception. Houston thumping Philadelphia and Memphis rolling past Michigan are prime examples. New Orleans dominated New Jersey more than the final score indicates and Birmingham edged Pittsburgh.

The Breakers are the only undefeated team in the league and Birmingham is 3-1. Every other team is 2-2 or 1-3. There is definitely parity in the league. The USFL odds have this week’s games between 3.5 and 7.5 points, while totals have settled in a bit. All four games are between 42.5 and 48.

Saturday, May 13

Michigan (2-2) is favored by 3.5 over Pittsburgh (1-3) and the total is 42.5. Pittsburgh played Birmingham tough last week, losing 24-20 in a game in the Maulers had a slight yardage advantage. The Stallions made two turnovers and Pittsburgh played a clean game with no turnovers. The question here is how much the Maulers have left in the tank. The Panthers look to rebound after an ugly loss to previously winless Memphis. Michigan was -4 in turnovers and lost 29-10 despite gaining more yards. If turnovers even out, the Panthers should win this one and are the side to look at in what should be a low-scoring game.

The USFL Week 5 preview shows Birmingham (3-1) favored by 4.5 with a total of 48. If this game was held two weeks ago the Stallions would be favored by more than a touchdown. But Birmingham has come down to earth a little bit. The Gamblers (2-2) are also playing better than they did the first two weeks. Still, when it comes to top teams in the USFL Birmingham is one that comes to mind. You can’t say the same for Pittsburgh. This is a tough one to call, but it’s hard to go against the Stallions in this spot.

Sunday, May 14

The USFL Week 5 preview notes that the Philadelphia Stars (1-3) aren’t nearly the team they were last season. New Jersey (2-2) is favored here by 6.5 points and the total on the game is 43.5. Philadelphia’s offensive line has been overmatched all season. It shouldn’t be any different against the Generals’ defense. New Jersey is coming off a 20-17 loss to New Orleans and rebounded well after its first loss of the season. New Jersey is the side to look at it in this one.

New Orleans (4-0) is favored by 7.5 over Memphis (1-3) and the total is 47.5. The Memphis offense has looked a little better lately with quarterback Cole Kelley taking over the team. But the Showboats are going to have a tough time containing New Orleans quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Bethel-Thompson is leading the league in passing yards and should have another decent game here. The Breakers are going to score some points, but Memphis is looking a little better. The safest bet in this one could very well be the over 47.5.

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