The USFL makes its return this weekend. The 8-team league has 4 games this weekend to open its 10-week season. The first game Saturday has the New Jersey Generals taking on the Birmingham Stallions. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Generals vs. Stallions odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Generals are coached by Mike Riley and the starting quarterback is expected to be Luis Perez. Defensively, they are led by former Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals cornerback De’Vante Bausby.
The Stallions are coached by Skip Holtz and former Florida International QB Alex McGough will lead the offense. The Stallions are the only team that will have a true home-field advantage. All 40 USFL games this season with be played in Birmingham.
Generals at Stallions odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:26 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Generals +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Stallions -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Generals +2.5 (-110) | Stallions -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Generals at Stallions key injuries
Generals
- OL Calvin Ashley (knee) doubtful
- RB Mike Weber (knee) questionable
- WR Darrius Shepherd (hamstring) probable
- TE Nick Truesdell (groin) questionable
- OL Garrett McGhin (calf) probable
Stallions
- OL O’Shea Dugas (lower back) out
- RB Jordan Chunn (hamstring) out
Generals at Stallions picks and predictions
Prediction
Stallions 24, Generals 20
Money line
Bet STALLIONS (-150).
Without having anything to go on in terms of trends and judging only on the talent on the roster and the coaching staffs, the one thing that could make a difference is the true home-field advantage that Birmingham has.
The Generals have the longest odds (+750) in the league to win the championship this season, so they are expected to be the worst team.
The Generals’ Riley is the more decorated coach, but their quarterback situation is not as solid as the Stallions. At least as a guide for the first week before we see any play on the field, go with the better quarterback and the home field. Take the STALLIONS (-150).
Against the spread
The Stallions are given a basic 2.5-point advantage in the opener.
The USFL has standard scoring opportunities but do offer one thing that could mess with spreads. They have a 3-point attempt that teams can run after a touchdown from the 10-yard line, so teams can potentially score 9 points in a possession.
That said, the spread is a better value for you than the money line if you like the Stallions to win. Take the STALLIONS -2.5 (-110).
Over/Under
This first game sets the tone for the entire league and season. We hope there is plenty of scoring. As it has been hard for most any offseason football league to maintain the attention of NFL fans, the way to do that is to put points on the board.
This first game’s total is staying on the low side. I anticipate each team reaching the 20s.
Take OVER 42.5 (-110).
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