After an action-packed regular season, the inaugural USFL playoffs will kick off on Saturday in Canton, Ohio, with the first playoff game between the Stars (6-3) and Generals (9-1). Below we’ll give you everything you need to know about betting on Stars vs. Generals in the 2022 USFL playoffs, including updated odds, things to watch, and our prediction.
The Generals beat the Stars 26-23 just a week ago when these two teams played in the regular-season finale. It was the second time New Jersey beat Philadelphia this year.
MORE USFL: Breakers-Stallions betting guide
The Generals won the North Division and were tied with Stallions for the best record in the league. New Jersey’s only loss this season was against Birmingham in Week 1.
The Generals have a tremendous offense led by QB Luis Perez, RB Darius Victor, and WR Kavontae Turpin. Victor was named the Offensive Player of the Year, and Turpin was named the league’s MVP. The Stars will be a tough out, as their defense can get to the quarterback, and they have one of the best cornerbacks in Channing Stribling.
Stars vs. Generals odds for USFL playoff game
- Spread: Generals -4.5
- Over/Under: 47.5
- Moneyline: Stars +170, Generals -200
Betting odds courtesy of FanDuel
To no one’s surprise, the Generals are 4.5-point favorites against a Stars team that they beat twice this season. New Jersey head coach Mike Riley will have his team ready to go for the playoffs after just playing Philadelphia last week. However, do not sleep on the Stars, who have played better in the second half under head coach Bart Andrus.
Stars vs. Generals: Three things to watch
Stars’ rushing attack vs. the Generals’ stout defense
If the Stars want to pull off the upset against the Generals and move onto the championship, they will need their running game to show up. New Jersey has been outstanding against the run this season, which has allowed them to be one of the better defenses in the league (73.6 yards per game). Philadelphia was held to 31 and 84 rushing yards, respectively, in their two matchups this season against Jersey. Stars running back Matt Colburn II will be a significant focal point of Philly’s offense, both on the ground and in the passing game.
Darius Victor and Trey Williams vs. Stars’ defense
On the other end of the spectrum, Philadelphia’s defense will have the tough assignment of slowing down the dynamic running back duo of Victor and Williams. Victor has been one of the best players in the league, rushing for 577 yards (third in the USFL) and a league-best nine scores. Meanwhile, Williams was second in the USFL with 579 yards and two scores. In last week’s game against the Stars, Williams recorded 114 rushing yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
The Stars’ run defense is one of the worst in the league, allowing 151.2 rushing yards per game. Philadelphia will have to stop both running backs on first contact and try to get the Generals in tough third-down conversion spots to keep this game close.
Can the Stars protect Case Cookus?
If the Stars can’t get their running game going, they will need Cookus to have enough time in the pocket to get the ball to receivers Jordan Suell and Bug Howard. Philly has allowed 24 sacks this season, third most in the USFL.
The good news for the Stars is that the Generals’ defense has posted just 10 sacks this season. In the regular-season finale against New Jersey, Cookus completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. When Cookus is not getting hit a ton and dialed in, this Stars’ team can beat any team on any given week.
Stars vs. Generals: Stats that matter
43.4 percent on third downs. The Generals are one of the best teams on third down in the USFL, converting at a league-high 43.4 percent. When you have a team converting at that rate, it keeps the offense on the field longer and gives you a better chance at scoring. The Stars’ defense cannot allow the Generals to be in a ton of 3rd-and-short situations because they have the playmakers to put points on the board.
Stars vs. Generals prediction
Of the two playoff games on Saturday in Canton, this is the marquee event. The Stars and Generals have two solid offenses and don’t beat themselves. New Jersey will pick up their yards on the ground and score a couple of touchdowns. However, we will also see Cookus and Co. make some big plays through the air and test the Generals’ secondary. This game will come down to the final minutes in the fourth quarter, but New Jersey will come out on the winning side.
Pick: Generals 27, Stars 24