The USFL is scratching the itch of football fans near and far, but when are the next USFL games? Wait, is there football today? Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 1 USFL games, including the start time, channel, live stream option, and game analysis.
USFL Games Today: Is There Football on This Weekend?
We’re about to kick off season No. 2 of the new USFL. Seven of the eight franchises are back for more. The other team — the Memphis Showboats — has most of the same personnel after relocating from Tampa Bay in the offseason. Here’s where you can watch this weekend’s action, as well as insights on what we might expect from each team.
Memphis Showboats (0-0) vs. Philadelphia Stars (0-0)
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Start Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
Memphis gets a home game to kick off their franchise debut. The former Tampa Bay Bandits are the first USFL relocation since the 1980s, which probably won’t be a question at your next trivia night, but is notable just the same.
Because we need to remember the USFL is a nascent organization trying to establish a sustainable model for success. The Showboats represent an important transitory moment for a league that cannot afford to endure many more transitory moments.
MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
On the opposite end of the transitory spectrum, the Philadelphia Stars are one of the best teams in the league, period. Their offense could realistically average 30+ points per game, though 25+ is more realistic.
And for a team that stumbled out of the gate last year, only to end up playing in the title game, the Stars are one of those ascending franchises that could dominate this year.
Birmingham Stallions (0-0) vs. New Jersey Generals (0-0)
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
In the wise words of Justin Timberlake, what goes around, comes around.
In Week 1 last year, the Stallions edged the Generals. Both teams finished the regular season 9-1. In another universe, they might have faced off in the finals. Instead, after beating Philadelphia twice during the regular season, New Jersey fell to their rivals in the semifinals.
Now, at the dawn of a new season, these USFL juggernauts will do battle again. Birmingham is the near-universal favorite to repeat as champions, but the Generals aren’t far behind in betting odds.
If you can watch one game this week, this is it.
Houston Gamblers (0-0) vs. Michigan Panthers (0-0)
- Date: Sunday, April 16
- Start Time: Noon ET
- TV Channel: NBC
Both of these teams struggled last year. Yet, the Week 1 winner surely will be in the mix as an early playoff contender, especially if New Orleans or Philadelphia don’t play as well as expected.
I’m particularly interested in seeing how Michigan responds coming off a deceptively “good” 2-8 season. They netted the first draft pick in each of the first five rounds earlier this year, which was somewhat of a coup for a squad that was the mirror image of the NFL’s Vikings. Instead of winning a bunch of close games, they lost a lot of them.
If they can shore up their offensive line and make even modest improvements on the defensive end, the Panthers could be a 6-4 team or better. Not too shabby.
New Orleans Breakers (0-0) vs. Pittsburgh Maulers (0-0)
- Date: Sunday, April 16
- Start Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FS1
A fascinating contest that should be heavily in the Breakers’ favor. They were a 2022 playoff team, after all, while Pittsburgh was arguably the worst team in the league on both sides of the ball.
MORE: USFL Playoff Format 2023
But in one of many examples of why the USFL is different than the NFL, the Breakers lost a lot of their stars to other leagues. Starting QB Kyle Sloter went to the XFL. Elite RB Jordan Ellis walked away to pursue a coaching career. Two of their top four receivers are also gone, including superb TE Sal Cannella.
For these two teams, this game — and perhaps this season — will take very different paths. Pittsburgh is hoping to show enough improvements to be competitive most weeks. New Orleans, meanwhile, is hoping their retooled roster can still get them to the postseason.