This is the definition of a trap game.
The Birmingham Stallions (3–1) sit atop the USFL Conference. The Memphis Showboats (0–4) sit at the bottom.
As the name implies, this game feels like a trap.
The Stallions are a good team, but they aren’t perfect. They are also obviously beatable since they have already lost once.
The Showboats, on the other hand, look somewhat bad on paper, but they have found some success this season. Their games against the Defenders and Roughnecks both went down to the wire.
There is also the fact that grown men don’t like to lose. The Showboats' season isn’t going well, but the players are still fighting for pride and their NFL dreams. That makes them a dangerous opponent.
The Stallions will have to show up ready to play if they want to walk away with the victory.
Memphis Showboats
You don’t start the season 0–4 without flaws.
The Showboats' offensive consistency has been a huge issue.
They also have a league-leading turnover margin, in a bad way.
However, it might not be as bad as it seems. Their two multi-score losses both came against the Michigan Panthers.
Outside of games against Michigan, they have been competitive.
- They only lost by 5 points to the (3–1) D.C. Defenders.
- Their game against the Houston Roughnecks went down to the wire (17–18).
Is it possible that Michigan just has their number?
The Showboats' defense has looked improved as the season wears on. Plus, the Stallions are dealing with some injury issues.
They are coming into the game as 10.5-point underdogs, but that might be deceiving. This game might be tighter than it seems on paper (not betting advice, just an observation).
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions must feel good sitting at 3–1 after a tough loss in week one.
The 23–16 win over the Roughnecks was Matt Corral’s best game of the season. Unfortunately, he was also injured in that victory.
The current injury report is a mixed bag.
Matt Corral didn’t practice this week. Coach Skip Holtz has confirmed that Cookus will get the start in his place.
Case Cookus will be making his first start of the season. Normally, starting your 3rd string QB isn’t a great sign. But, as I pointed out in the preseason, the Stallions' QB depth is impressive.
There are a couple of other injury concerns that are trending in a more positive direction.
Regardless of the QB, you always want your top pass catchers healthy. Deon Cain (Knee) and Jordan Thomas (Quad) will both be active for the game despite being limited in practice this week.
Running back Ricky Person Jr. is poised to return from an ankle injury after missing week 4.
The defense is poised to get a little help as well. DB Kenny Robinson Jr. has been dealing with an ankle injury that’s kept him sidelined since week 1. He was a full participant on Tuesday and Wednesday and will be available for the game.
Despite the injury concerns, the Stallions have improved weekly. They will look to keep that momentum going in week 5.
Game Information
Date and Time: April 25, 8:00 PM ET
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
TV Broadcast: Fox
Betting Odds Per DraftKings (April 23rd):
Spread: Stallions -10.5
Moneyline: Stallions -650, Showboats +470
Over/Under: 37.5