2023 USFL Playoffs: Maulers, Stallions Favored

The 2023 USFL playoffs begin Saturday, as a pair of 4-6 teams battle for the right to appear in the championship game. Both Pittsburgh and Michigan saw some ups and downs this season, but all can be forgiven with a berth in the title game. Pittsburgh was the most impressive of the four teams last week. The Maulers were on the right side of the USFL scores, thumping New Jersey 26-6. The other games were decided by a touchdown or less.

Birmingham and New Orleans meet in Sunday’s South Division championship game. They were the two best teams in the USFL this season. The teams should be playing for the title, but that’s not how it worked out.

Saturday, June 24

The 2023 USFL playoffs begin with the two teams from the North Division. Pittsburgh is favored by 3 points and the total is 38. The USFL schedule had these teams meeting twice during the regular season. Pittsburgh won both games, taking 19-7 and 23-7 decisions. Not much has changed since they last met two weeks ago. But the Maulers had a 4-0 turnover advantage in that game. Michigan held a slim edge in yardage. But the Maulers were more concerned with moving the clock. Not moving the football, and Pittsburgh had over 37 minutes of possession time in the game.

The first game saw the Maulers completely dominate the Panthers. Pittsburgh held a 299-152 yardage advantage and hold Michigan to 18 yards rushing. The Maulers have allowed the fewest points in the USFL. The Panthers have scored the fewest. The under-38 looks to be the way to go in this spot.

The second game of the 2023 USFL playoffs features 7-3 New Orleans against 8-2 Birmingham. The Stallions are favored by 3 and the total on this one is 45. The teams split during the regular season, with New Orleans winning 45-31 in Week 3. The Stallions came away with a 24-20 victory in the rematch.

New Orleans completely outclassed Birmingham in the first meeting. The game wasn’t as close as the 45-31 final score indicates, as the Breakers outgained Birmingham 483-253. The Stallions returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but New Orleans was unstoppable on the day.

The rematch saw the Breakers control the stats, holding a 370-261 yardage advantage. But three New Orleans turnovers were too much for the Breakers to overcome. The Stallions got the stops they needed in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory.

The point spread seems a little bit cheap here. The Stallions are playing in their home city and had a better record. You would think Birmingham would be closer to 4- or 4.5-point favorites. That’s enough reason to give pause on betting on Birmingham. The Breakers outplayed the Stallions in both meetings during the season, so would lean towards the underdog in what could be an entertaining contest.

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