2023 USFL title odds: Surprising Maulers vs. defending champ Stallions
Not many bettors are surprised the defending champion Birmingham Stallions are back in the USFL Championship Game.
But how many people expected the Pittsburgh Maulers to advance to the title game for the USFL's second season?
The Maulers finished with the league's worst record (1-9) in 2022 and Kirby Wilson resigned as coach.
[RELATED: USFL Championship Game lines, spreads]
In stepped longtime NFL assistant coach Ray Horton, who won three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXVII as a player with the Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowls XL and XLII as the defensive backs coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers).
Joining the Maulers was a family reunion for Horton as his son Jarren is the defensive coordinator.
The Maulers pulled off a rare worst-to-first move this season by winning the North Division championship by beating the Michigan Panthers 31-27 in overtime.
The USFL Championship Game is Saturday at Tom Benson Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The Maulers (5-6) may be the underdogs against the Stallions (9-2) but Pittsburgh views the title game as a home contest as Canton was the "hub" city for the Maulers this season.
Here are the latest title odds at FOX Bet*
Birmingham Stallions: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)
Pittsburgh Maulers: +280 (bet $10 to win $38 total)
*Odds as of 7/1/2023
The Stallions led the league in yards per game (332.6) and points (281) during the regular season.
The Maulers finished the regular season as the top team in takeaways (20) and turnover plus/minus (+8) and finished second in points allowed per game (17.2)
And if you are looking for best bets, stay tuned for Chris "The Bear" Fallica's picks of the week. He's been on fire betting on the USFL this season, so be sure to check back Thursday.
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