The USFL kicks off its season this weekend, giving football-starved fans a new round of spring and summer action to feast on before the NFL gets back in action in the fall.
If you’re old enough, or if you’re a history buff, you may remember the USFL from it’s brief existence in the mid-1980s as sort of an alternative to the NFL. However, while the team names are the same, this version will look slightly different to anyone who’s mostly been on a steady diet of NFL games. There are some different rules that could make wagers on the games a lot more interesting, and harder to predict. For instance, teams can go for one-, two- or three-point attempts after a score, making for a potential nine-point play on a touchdown.
The USFL also features an alternative to onside kicks, giving teams the option to take the ball on fourth-and-12 from the 33-yard line. They can keep the ball if they get a first, but if they come up short the other team gets possession. And if a team’s quarterback gets sacked on one of those plays, their opponent would get the ball at the 10-yard line.
At any rate, it should be a fun weekend of football. All games during the USFL regular season will take place in Birmingham, Alabama.
Here’s our full list of odds heading into Week 1 of the USFL season available on DraftKings Sportsbook.
New Jersey Generals vs. Birmingham Stallions
Point spread: Stallions -3
Total: 42.5
Moneyline: Generals +145, Stallions -165
Houston Gamblers vs. Michigan Panthers
Point spread: Panthers -3
Total: 43.5
Moneyline: Gamblers +145, Panthers -165
Philadelphia Stars vs. New Orleans Breakers
Point spread: Breakers -2.5
Total: 44.5
Moneyline: Stars +130, Breakers -150
Tampa Bay Bandits vs. Pittsburgh Maulers
Point spread: Bandits -4
Total: 41.5
Moneyline: Bandits -195, Maulers +165
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