Week 4 of the 2022 USFL season is already upon us. After learning about how the inaugural season of the startup spring league, we’re now into a solid groove as the midway point of the 10-week season nears.
We’re here to preview and unearth the best bets for Week 4 of the USFL season. Last week’s action helped clear up some uncertainties about how the eight teams would fare this season.
We saw Birmingham survive against the favorite New Orleans Breakers, becoming the long 3-0 team. However, Pittsburgh was mauled against Michigan and dropped to 0-3.
Our knowledge of these rosters, coaching staff, and the league itself has allowed us to prosper thus far. Join us again for our continued USFL coverage. See our Week 4 preview and best bets for our top two games of the week.
USFL Week 4 Matchup Analysis
Tampa Bay Bandits vs. Birmingham Stallions
Saturday, May 07, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Protective Stadium
Would J’Mar Smith Be Capable Against the Breakers
Birmingham was not given any favors when schedule makers gave them New Orleans and Tampa Bay in back-to-back weeks.
Though the Stallions have clearly played well and are a force thanks to dual-threat quarterback J’Mar Smith, trying to follow up their comeback win against the Breakers will be difficult.
Some of that is due to the unsustainably poor passing of Smith. He’s completing just 51 percent of his passes despite ranking second in the league in yards.
He’s not the only one with a low completion rate, which has been an issue for the league thus far, but the consistency is an issue when also coupling this with the poor run game.
What Is CJ Marable’s Average ?
CJ Marable is averaging just 3.4 yards per carrying and under 45 yards per game. Tampa Bay must limit their turnovers to win this one.
That’s how Birmingham has created easier scoring opportunities for themselves thus far. The Stallions have four interceptions and two forced fumbles thus far.
I like Tampa’s chances with quarterback Jordan Ta’amu getting back on track last week in a win.
Neither team has a good offense though, so I’m taking the points and the under in a close game that comes down to the wire.
I’m not so bold to take the Bandits outright, but this is a good value game to take the moneyline of the underdog if you’re wanting the maximum value.
USFL Pick: Bandits +3.5 (-110) at Caesars
USFL Pick: Under 41.5 (-110) at Caesars
Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Breakers
Sunday, May 08, 2022 – 03:00 PM EDT at Protective Stadium
What Is Breakers’ Biggest Limitation
The mighty fell last week as New Orleans succumbed to a late set of mistakes that gave the game to Birmingham.
The Breakers are explosive and have a quality play on both sides of the ball. But their biggest limitation might be with quarterback Kyle Sloter not being a good player under pressure despite leading the league in passing yards.
We’ll see how he can bounce back. Sloter fits Larry Fedora’s offense well because he immediately finds the open man.
The negative is that the average per catch is among the worst in the league, so big plays aren’t happening nearly as much as they could with this playmaking corps.
What Would Take Houston To Win?
Houston desperately needs to notch a win, so they should pin their ears back and try to force turnovers.
Quarterback Clayton Thorson has been underwhelming as expected in Kevin Sumlin’s offense, showing poor accuracy and being unable to push the ball downfield often. He also lacks the receivers he needs to prop him up.
I simply don’t see the Gamblers having the personnel needed to pull the upset or even cover. New Orleans will clean up their messy play and take this one over.
USFL Pick: Breakers -5 (-110) at DraftKings
