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Birmingham Stallions vs. Houston Gamblers Prediction and Odds (Stallions Might be Better off with Backup QB Again)

By Matt De Saro

USFL Week One - New Jersey Generals at Birmingham Stallions
USFL Week One - New Jersey Generals at Birmingham Stallions / Carmen Mandato/USFL/GettyImages
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The USFL is doing magical things for professional football. Mainly, bringing us games to watch and wager on during the spring and summer. Week 2 is underway and Saturday night features a great game between the Birmingham Stallions and Houston Gamblers. 

Both teams won their debut games last weekend but only can emerge from this game undefeated. The Stallions were able to rally behind a strong second half to beat the New Jersey Generals 28-24. It was the highest point total of any team in the USFL’s Week 1. The Gamblers were able to play some great defense and hold the Michigan Panthers to just 12 points in a 17-12 victory. 

Here are the odds for this Week 2 matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Stallions vs. Gamblers Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Stallions: -4 (-115)
  • Gamblers: +4 (-115)

Moneyline:

  • Stallions: -170
  • Gamblers: +140

Total:

  • 39.5 (Over -115/Under -115)

Stallions vs. Gamblers Prediction and Pick

The status of the Stallions’ fist string quarterback, Alex McGough, is currently up the air as of Saturday afternoon. McGough started week one but sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter. Even if McGough is healthy, the Stallions might opt to stick with the guy who replaced him, J’Mar Smith. The former LA Tech star went 11-for-21 with 156 yards and a touchdown. Smith also ran in the game-winning TD. The Stallions' offense managed just seven points in the two quarters that McGough was in. But, they scored 21 points in the second half to steal a win from New Jersey. Smith and HC Skip Holtz played together at Louisiana Tech and I like his chances to stick in the starting lineup. 

While Houston played solid defense in their opener, their offense struggled from wire to wire. They managed to combine for just 174 yards and looked weak both on the ground and through the air. Birmingham has a much more dangerous offense and I think this could be a big win for the Stallions to go to 2-0.

Pick: Stallions -4 (-115)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE