The USFL’s playoffs are finally here, and the New Orleans Breakers (6-4) are set to face the Birmingham Stallions (9-1) in a game that will determine who moves onto the Championship.
New Orleans Breakers (6-4) vs. Birmingham Stallions (9-1)
Date: Saturday, June 25th, at 5:00 pm PT
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH
TV: NBC
Weather
The forecast at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH, calls for a high of 90 degrees with mostly sunny skies, 6 mph winds, and 40% humidity.
Betting Odds Per FoxBet
Spread:
New Orleans Breakers: +5
Birmingham Stallions: -5
Moneyline:
New Orleans Breakers: +160
Birmingham Stallions: -213
Over/Under: 44.5
New Orleans Breakers vs. Birmingham Stallions Matchup
Statistical Category
New Orleans Breakers (6-4)
Birmingham Stallions (9-1)
Pass Yds
1,881 pass yds (3rd)
1,878 pass yds (4th)
Avg. Pass Yds/ Game
188.1 avg pass yds/ game (3rd)
187.8 avg pass yds/ game (4th)
Pass TDs
11 pass tds (T-5th)
13 tds (T-3rd)
Ints
13 ints (T-5th)
9 ints (T-3rd)
Sacks Allowed
17 sacks allowed (2nd)
25 sacks allowed (6th)
Rush Yds
1,152 rush yds (4th)
1,357 rush yds (2nd)
Avg. Rush Yds/ Game
115.2 avg rush yds/ game
135.7 avg rush yds/ game
Rush TDs
9 rush tds (5th)
12 rush tds (3rd)
–
Total Yds Allowed/ Game
268.8 total yds allowed/game (1st)
276.5 total yds allowed/game (3rd)
Pass Yds Allowed
1,636 pass yds allowed (1st)
1,733 pass yds allowed (4th)
Avg. Pass Yds Allowed/ Game
163.6 avg pass yds allowed/game (1st)
173.3 avg pass yds allowed/game (4th)
Rush Yds Allowed
1,129 rush yds allowed (3rd)
955 rush yds allowed (2nd)
Avg. Rush Yds Allowed/ Game
112.9 avg rush yds allowed/ game (3rd)
95.5 avg rush yds allowed/ game (2nd)
–
Extra Points
13/14 XP (2nd)
11/14 XP (6th)
FGs
17/23 FGs (3rd)
14/21 (5th)
Longest FG
60 yds
58 yds
Injury Report
New Orleans Breakers
The Breakers are still a bit banged up heading into the playoffs, but players like quarterback Kyle Sloter, linebacker Jerod Fernandez, and defensive end Davin Bellamy returning to the active roster is a great sign for New Orleans. However, with quite a few players listed as probable or questionable, fans will have to hope the team is truly healthy enough to play a good game.
Unfortunately, wide receiver Shawn Poindexter, running back Larry Rose III, cornerback Keith Washington II, and offensive lineman Toree Boyd will remain inactive for Saturday’s playoff game.
Transferred to inactive roster: • QB Zach Smith • DB Aashari Crosswell • DE TJ Johnson • TE EJ Bibbs • DT Djimon Brooks
Players remaining on inactive roster: • WR Shawn Poindexter • WR Marquis McClain • RB Larry Rose III • CB Keith Washington II • OL Toree Boyd
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) June 24, 2022
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) June 24, 2022
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions are pretty healthy heading into the post-season, with wide receiver Michael Dereus and offensive tackle Mike Rodriguez returning to the active lineup this week. Additionally, linebacker Scooby Wright has been cleared to play, along with running back CJ Marable and wide receiver Marlon Williams.
Sadly, there’s still some uncertainty around quarterback Alex McGough, wide receiver Jeff Thomas, and offensive lineman Darius Harper playing this week, but they will likely be game-time decisions.
Players remaining on inactive roster: • QB Montell Cozart • WR Jeffrey Thomas • S Malik Gant • CB Bryan Mills • CB Josh Nurse • TE Cary Angeline • DE Chauncy Haney • DT Seth Thomas
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 24, 2022
CJ Marable, RB: Full Go (Knee) Christian McFarland, DB: Full Go (Shoulder) Marlon Williams, WR: Full Go (Knee) O'Shea Dugas, OL: Full Go (Shoulder)
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 24, 2022
New Orleans Breakers vs. Birmingham Stallions Prediction
It’s been a rough end of the season for both these teams. The Breakers have lost 2 of their last 3 regular-season games, while the Stallions just lost their first game of the year to the 3-7 Houston Gamblers. They’ve also dealt with quite a few injuries down the stretch.
Both defenses have been great this season, but the Stallions have looked like the more complete team in recent weeks. Breakers quarterback Kyle Sloter’s dealt with turnover problems all season, and they’ve been playing some sloppy football in general lately. I expect a defensive and run-heavy game all around, but Birmingham will likely come away with the win.
Prediction: New Orleans Breakers: 14 – Birmingham Stallions: 20
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