The USFL playoffs begin with the 2 semifinal games Saturday. The 1st matchup features the top 2 North Division teams: the New Jersey Generals (9-1) and the Philadelphia Stars (6-4). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (FOX) from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Stars vs. Generals playoff odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Stars basically clinched a playoff spot behind a 4-game win streak between Weeks 6 to 9. They were under .500 after 5 weeks at 2-3, which included a 24-16 loss to the Generals in Week 3.
The Generals actually swept the 2-game regular-season series vs. the Stars, also prevailing 26-23 in Week 10. But with both teams already locked into their playoff spots, there wasn’t much to play for.
New Jersey enters the postseason on a 9-game win streak. Yep, the Generals lost their season opener and then won 9 in a row.
The Birmingham Stallions (9-1) and New Orleans Breakers (6-4) will meet in the South Division semifinal on this same field at 8 p.m. ET (NBC). The 2 semifinal winners will face off in the championship game Sunday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX), also in Canton.
Stars vs. Generals 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 at 3:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Stars +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Generals -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Stars +4.5 (-110) | Generals -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)
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Stars vs. Generals key injuries
Stars
- LB Te’Von Coney (ankle) questionable
- WR Brennan Eagles (knee) out
- OL Jahair Jones (ankle) out
- LB Avery Roberts (leg) out
- OL Gunnar Vogel (knee) out
- DB Evan Worthington (shoulder) out
Generals
- OL Garrett McGhin (ankle) probable
- OL Robert Myers (knee) probable
- DB DeJuan Neal (hamstring) doubtful
- DL Deyon Sizer (ankle) questionable
Stars vs. Generals picks and predictions
Prediction
Generals 34, Stars 24
Money line
As mentioned, the Generals have won 9 in a row and beat the Stars in both regular-season matchups.
They allowed the 3rd-fewest points in the USFL this season, yielding 18.2 points per game.
The Stars won 4 of their final 5 games and scored the most points (262) in the league. However, all 6 of their wins came against teams that finished with losing records, while they went 0-4 against the other 3 playoff teams.
The Generals (-200) will win this game, but it’s a PASS as there’s no value in a -200 money line.
Against the spread
Three of the Stars’ 4 losses were by 6 or more points.
Five of the 9 Generals’ victories were by 5 or more points.
The Stars were tied for last in the league in points allowed (243) and face the league’s No. 3-scoring offense.
Take the GENERALS -4.5 (-110).
Over/Under
In their 2 regular-season matchups, the totals were 40 and 49 points.
After their Week 3 game, 5 of the Stars’ final 7 games had more than 47 points with another at exactly 47.
The Generals are more than capable of putting up points but also have one of the stingiest defense in points allowed. They had 4 games of more than 47 total points.
Take OVER 47.5 (-105).
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