USFL Week 3 Betting Odds, Previews, Picks (2022)
After splitting my four top picks in Week 1, I tightened things up in Week 2, nailing two of my three top picks. So, let’s keep it rolling in Week 3.
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Top Bets
Pittsburgh Maulers Win (+130)
Michigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers Under 39.5 Points (-110)
The Maulers were thoroughly outclassed by the Bandits in Week 1, getting beaten 17-3. However, I applaud their first-time head coach Kirby Wilson for an improved game plan and showing in Week 2. Yes, they lost 30-23 to the Stars. Nevertheless, it was a competitive contest where Wilson called for more passing attempts.
In Week 1, they attempted only 26 passes versus 32 rush attempts. However, in Week 2, they attempted 39 passes against 28 rush attempts. Moreover, he wisely used only Josh Love at quarterback after Kyle Lauletta vomited all over himself in Pittsburgh’s opener. As a result, I think the Maulers are stepping in the right direction.
I can’t say the same for the Panthers. The Jeff Fisher-led club lost 17-12 in Week 1 before regressing to an uglier 10-6 loss in Week 2. So, scoring 18 points in offensive coordinator Eric Marty’s “Tight End Driven Multiple Gun Offense†hasn’t cut it.
Seriously, Michigan’s offense has been comically bad. In addition, it has been extremely run-heavy. They’ve attempted only 59 passes through two games compared to 74 rush attempts. Good lord, they’re not operating a modern offense.
The Maulers are coming off a better showing than the Panthers, and their trajectory is superior. Yet, they’re underdogs. It doesn’t make sense.
However, I also love the under. Playing against a run-heavy offense, I expect Wilson to get sucked into a more run-heavy approach in an ugly contest. Both teams love to run on early downs.
Additionally, Fisher’s tendencies so far indicate he will stick to Boomer Ball until he’s in a deep hole.
This game looks like one to bet and check back to see you won. But, unfortunately, it’s going to be ugly.
Philadelphia Stars Win (-105 PICK)
The Stars and Generals square off for the North Division lead. Both teams won in Week 2. However, the Stars have the superior quarterback. According to Fox Sports, Bryan Scott leads the USFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Further, he’s done well, relatively speaking, in Completion Percentage Over Expected and Expected Points Added, per Anthony Reinhard.
New Jersey’s speedy quarterback, De’Andre Johnson, has bested Scott in EPA. However, he’s part of a two-headed quarterback carousel with Luis Perez. As a result, Johnson has attempted only 14 passes compared to 37 for Perez. Until I see evidence to the contrary, I expect head coach Mike Riley to continue using the tandem-quarterback system.
Thus, Scott and the Stars have the quarterback advantage in this game. Additionally, the passing attack can be even more potent this week if receivers Chris Rowland and Devin Gray return from their Week 2 absences with injuries.
I have more faith in Philadelphia’s modern pass-happy offense than New Jersey’s run-heavy approach. And if the Generals fall far enough behind to the point of leaning on Perez in predictable passing situations, I struggle to envision him succeeding.
NFL Win Totals: BettingPros Staff Early Picks >>
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.