Maxxcash While the North division gets the action started in Week 2, the winners of Week 1 play the last two games. Saturday night’s USFL game between the Birmingham Stallions and Houston Gamblers kicks off at 7 PM ET. The Gamblers stopped a late comeback from the Michigan Panthers to seal their 17-12 Week 1 victory. Houston’s defense dominated Michigan, forcing 9 fumbles. Can they continue to roll against Birmingham? Here’s how to watch the Stallions at Gamblers game, including the start time, TV channel, and live stream options, as well as a preview and prediction.
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Stallions at Gamblers: Start time, TV channel, and live stream options
While the Gamblers never relinquished their Week 1 lead against the Panthers, the Stallions won a shootout against the Generals in a game they seemed destined to lose. After exchanging touchdowns to start the game, the Stallions would punt on six of the next seven drives, with the other drive ending with an interception. Birmingham will not be able to sustain those types of droughts against a much better Gamblers defense. Let’s see how to watch the Stallions at Gamblers game.
Birmingham Stallions vs. Houston Gamblers
- Start time: 7 PM ET, April 23
- Channel: FS1
- Live stream options:
Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling - Odds: (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Spread: Stallions -3
- Moneyline: Stallions -150, Gamblers +130
- Over/Under: 41
The Achilles heel for the Gamblers after Week 1 is the performance at quarterback. Clayton Thorson had a day to forget, completing 9 of his 17 pass attempts for 73 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception. Thankfully for him, Houston’s defense had his back, shutting down the Panthers in the first half and keeping up the pressure in the second.
The Gamblers also benefitted from leaning on RB Mark Thompson, who cashed in 13 carries for 71 yards. The offense showed promise in the first half, but the wheels fell off as the Panthers shut Houston out in the second half. Seeing as though the defense displayed the best weekend product in Week 1, HC Kevin Sumlin can use this week to get down and dirty with the offense.
In Week 1, the Stallions were outgained in yards by New Jersey (408 to 277). The Gamblers might be able to work out some of the issues Thorson had last week against a defense of a similar caliber. If Houston’s defense can give Thorson some extra opportunities, he’s bound to get things clicking eventually.
The Stallions might be the USFL’s hometown team, but their issues on defense are more dire than Houston’s offense. Which South division team will make up some ground in the USFL standings? I see Houston winning outright, but take the Gamblers +3 as the best bet in this game to be safe.
Stallions at Gamblers Score Prediction: Gamblers 24, Stallions 13
