USFL scoring continues to climb, with two of the four games last week producing scores in the upper 50s and only one below 40. With that, fantasy scores have risen as well. For Week 8, we have a total as high as 47.5, and each game is above 40.
This was somewhat predictable, as the short USFL training camp didn’t give passing attacks time to develop chemistry. Roster changes have made some teams’ offenses far more efficient as well. The continued shuffling of players is likely where our biggest edges lie, with some notable examples to be discussed below.
Lineup construction is different with the USFL than for NFL DFS. Only six offensive players make the roster, with one quarterback, one running back, two WR/TE spots, and two flexes. That means we don’t have to roster a tight end and can load up on high-upside wide receivers. It also means tight ends will be much lower owned, which could be an edge.
The scoring system is carried over from the NFL, with the lone exception being three-point conversions counting for…three fantasy points. Yes, the USFL has three-point PATs, which are attempted from the 10-yard line.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at who our models like at each position.
USFL DFS Quarterbacks
Top Pick
Jordan Ta’amu ($11,200): Tampa Bay Bandits (-5) vs. Houston Gamblers
Ta’amu is the weekly chalk at the quarterback position, driving his price ever higher despite a disappointing performance last week. He threw for 237 yards and a score but added three interceptions and little production with his legs. However, he still leads the position in points per game on the season.
That game was against the Generals, the league’s best scoring defense. The matchup couldn’t be any more different this week against the Gamblers, who are tied for the most points allowed of any team in the USFL. The Gamblers also have a potent offense, raising the overall scoring expectation in this game.
Four of the Gamblers’ seven games have produced at least 50 points, making this an attractive game to target in general. With Houston missing starting quarterback Clayton Thorson, Ta’amu is the obvious selection if building game stacks.
Ta’amu’s lack of rushing production limits his upside relative to some of the USFL’s other quarterbacks. However, he’s the safest pick to put up a solid score in an excellent matchup, and he leads the position in Median Projection.
Tournament Pick
Josh Love ($7,400): Michigan Panthers (+5.5) vs. Philadelphia Stars
Love took over under center for the Panthers last week to replace the recently cut Shea Patterson. Less astute fantasy players will see his 10.4-point performance and assume he’s an easy fade this week. However, if we look beyond the box score, there are some promising signs.
Love attempted 37 passes in that one, tied for the most of any Michigan quarterback. While the game went to overtime, Love didn’t attempt any passes during their lone offensive play of the extra period. Love did lead the Panthers to their highest score of the season at 27 points. They had six scoring drives (four field goals), with both touchdowns coming on the ground.
Simple variance should mean Love picks up one or two of those scores himself this week if he has similar success. This game has the highest total on the board, with the Stars tying with Gamblers as the league’s worst scoring defense. Philadelphia has also allowed the most points to the position on the season. Love is worth a flier as a cheap option this week.
USFL DFS Running Backs
