USFL Week 3 Preview and Best Bets (Archive)
The start to the inaugural 2022 USFL season has been more entertaining than most expected. The refreshing rule changes and increase in offensive output in Week 2 combined for a quality viewing experience. It’s also fun to see how players evolve each week.
We’re breaking down the USFL Week 3 with previews of our favorite two games and best bets. This league can be profitable while top-rated sportsbooks are adjusting for each week of action. Our first two weeks of previews have allowed us to roll our profit into Week 3.
We’ve identified two games this week with premier opportunities to get into the action. Make sure you check out our weekly previews and best bet pieces so you stay up to date on the 2022 USFL season.
Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Michigan Panthers
Sunday, May 1, 2022 – 02:30 PM EDT at Protective Stadium
Pittsburgh
The two worst teams in the USFL also square off this week. Pittsburgh showed some signs of offensive life last week even in their 30-23 loss, but their defense remains awful. It's hard to imagine this unit shutting anyone down, even the lowly Michigan offense.
This is Pittsburgh's best chance for a win.
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Quarterback Josh Love has to find a way to increase his efficiency. He's completed 55.6 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Rusher Garrett Groshek is predictably second in the league in yards but has had to grind them out at 3.9 yards per carry. This offense needs efficiency.
Michigan
Michigan's defense isn't likely the one to provide answers. They're stingy and physical. Michigan had the chance to win both of their first two games exclusively due to the defense.
The offense has been a disaster under Shea Patterson. He's completed just 57.4 percent of his passes for 5.9 yards per catch. He's been putting the ball on the ground as well, showing major issues with ball security. A switch to Paxton Lynch may be for the best.
Simply moving to the erratic Lynch won't fully fix everything, though. The running game is also inefficient and the personnel isn't being enhanced by the scheme. There's not an answer for Michigan to suddenly improve unless the offensive scheme changes or a quarterback completely outperforms their recent form.
We saw more positives out of Pittsburgh last week than Michigan, so we'll take the chance on the underdog at least covering.
USFL Pick: Maulers +2.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
USFL Pick: Under 39 (-110)at BetOnline
New Jersey Generals vs. Philadelphia Stars
Sunday, May 1, 2022 - 08:00 PM EDT at Protective Stadium
New Jersey
The USFL's top passer, Bryan Scott, faces off against another efficient passer in Luis Perez. Both Philadelphia and New Jersey have shown some championship potential at times with an explosive offense. This week is about trying to find consistency.
The Generals are more promising on offense but have a less sure defense. Their backfield tandem of DeAndre Johnson and Darius Victor is the best in the league. With Perez healthy, the sky's the limit for the unit. Their offensive line has blazed huge rushing lanes that have allowed the backs to average 5.7 and 4.1 yards-per-carry, respectively.
Philadelphia
No other offense has matched that production. Philadelphia basically doesn't have a running game, with Darnell Holland leading the team with 48 yards. The unit rides or dies with Scott's production.
Both defenses need to unearth some playmaking and reliability as well. The Stars have former Michigan Wolverine cornerback Channing Stribling playing well with two interceptions. But the unit has also given up several scoring drives in a row.
This is a tight line to play according to USFL odds. I favor New Jersey's well-rounded offense in what should be an entertaining battle if nothing else.
USFL Pick: Generals +1 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.