UFL Picks and Predictions – Page 4

Michigan Panthers at San Antonio Brahmas odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan Panthers at San Antonio Brahmas odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The Michigan Panthers (2-1) travel to meet the San Antonio Brahmas (2-1) Saturday at the Alamodome. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Brahmas odds and make our expert UFL picks and predictions.

The Panthers picked up a 34-20 win against the Houston Roughnecks, capping off a 3-game homestand to open the season with 2 victories and 2 covers. The Under cashed in 2 of the 3 outings, too. Michigan is 0-2 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog and 1-0 ATS as a favorite. The Under is 2-0 in 2 games as a ‘dog, and the Over cashed in the only outing as a favorite, too.

The Brahmas suffered their 1st defeat of the season, falling 31-24 at the Alamodome in Week 3. San Antonio covered in a 27-12 win against D.C. in the opener, but it failed to cover in a narrow victory at Memphis in Week 2, and it is 1-2 ATS while also cashing the Under twice in 3 outings.

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Panthers at Brahmas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Brahmas -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-110) | Brahmas -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers at Brahmas key injuries

Panthers

RB Raymond Calais (suspension) out
TE Derrick Deese (undisclosed) out
WR John Hightower (undisclosed) out
QB Brian Lewerke (undisclosed) out
RB Nate McCrary (undisclosed) out
WR Devin Ross (undisclosed) out

Brahmas

QB Chase Garbers (undisclosed) out
RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (undisclosed) out
WR Calvin Turner (undisclosed) out

Panthers at Brahmas picks and predictions

Prediction

Brahmas 20, Panthers 18

Moneyline

The BRAHMAS (-115) are a solid play on their home field as they look for the bounceback after a disappointing Week 3 loss to the high-octane Battlehawks offense.

The Panthers (-105) defense has given them a chance to win every time out. Michigan has allowed 20 or fewer points, yielding just 18.7 PPG to date in 3 outings. The Over (38.5) cashed last week, as the offense exploded all over Houston for 34 points. Michigan isn’t likely to have that kind of success against a San Antonio D which allowed just 31 points in the 1st 2 weekends.

Against the spread

The BRAHMAS -1.5 (-110) are worth playing instead of the moneyline, as it is almost the same thing for a slightly smaller price. Yes, you can lose if San Antonio wins by a single point, and I expect a very close game. However, save a little, and bet the spread instead.

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Over/Under

UNDER 42.5 (-110) is a strong play in this battle of 2-1 teams.

The Under cashed in the 1st 2 weekends for both of these teams, with Michigan averaging 15.5 PPG while allowing 18.0 PPG in the 1st 2 outings. San Antonio averaged 23.5 PPG while conceding 15.5 PPG in the 1st 2 weekends. These teams each cashed the Over in Week 3, but expect a return to their defensive ways Saturday night.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Memphis Showboats at St. Louis Battlehawks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats at St. Louis Battlehawks odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The Memphis Showboats (1-2) take on the St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) Saturday at The Dome at America’s Center at 12:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Battlehawks odds and make our expert UFL football picks and predictions.

The Showboats were smoked by the Birmingham Stallions 33-14 in Week 3, failing to cover as 7-point dogs. QBs Case Cookus and Troy Williams combined to go 26-for-41 for 191 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. They rushed 12 times for just 20 yards as a team. WR Jonathan Adams is 5th in the league with 174 receiving yards.

The Battlehawks covered as 2-point favorites with a 31-24 road victory over the previously undefeated San Antonio Brahmas last week. QB AJ McCarron went 19-for-27 for 152 yards, 1 TD and no INTs. He also added a 10-yard rushing score. RB Jacob Saylors broke out for 7 rushes for 62 yards and a score. The Battlehawks have struggled on the ground, and if Saylors can continue that momentum, he will make this offense even more dangerous.

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Showboats at Battlehawks odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Battlehawks -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +7 (-110) | Battlehawks -7 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats at Battlehawks key injuries

Showboats

QB Josh Love (undisclosed) out
TE Wes Saxton (ankle) out

Battlehawks

WR Ja’Marcus Bradley (undisclosed) out
RB Wayne Gallman (undisclosed) out
WR Jahcour Pearson (knee) questionable
QB Brandon Silvers (undisclosed) out

Showboats at Battlehawks picks and predictions

Prediction

Battlehawks 28, Showboats 17

Moneyline

“The Battledome,” as it’s affectionately called in St. Louis, is the most hostile atmosphere in the league. STL broke a modern spring football record with 40,317 in the stands for its home opener, and another jam-packed crowd is expected.

There’s just no play here with St. Louis such heavy favorites and the Showboats having yet to show much on offense.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Battlehawks are 2-1 ATS after they dropped their season opener on the road to Michigan. The Showboats have scored 18, 19 and 14 in their 3 games.

It’s a little risky laying this many points, but BATTLEHAWKS -7 (-110) makes sense against this inferior opponent.

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Over/Under

The Showboats are 1-2 O/U with the Over cashing in the last game as they allowed 33 points. The Battlehawks have been a little anemic on offense early in games, but they’re still 2-1 O/U. This is a massive total when you consider Memphis is averaging 17 points per game.

LEAN UNDER 45.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Birmingham Stallions at Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Sunday’s Birmingham Stallions at Michigan Panthers odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The Birmingham Stallions (1-0) are on the road to face the Michigan Panthers (1-0) Sunday. Kickoff from Ford Field is at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stallions vs. Panthers odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Stallions, who are coming off back-to-back USFL championships, started the UFL season with a 27-14 road win March 30 over the Arlington Renegades, the XFL champions from last season, covering the 3.5-point spread as favorites.

The Panthers also won their opener last week, beating the St. Louis BattleHawks 18-16 on a last-minute 64-yard field goal by K Jake Bates, picking up the upset win as 6.5-point underdogs.

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Stallions at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stallions -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Panthers +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Against the spread (ATS): Stallions -6.5 (-115) | Panthers +6.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Stallions at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 29, Panthers 18

Moneyline

The Stallions tied San Antonio for the most points scored in Week 1. They rolled up 397 yards of offense in the game.

Michigan only had 280 yards of offense and turned the ball over twice, getting saved by a 64-yard field goal at the end of the game.

They won’t be as lucky against Birmingham.

The Stallions (-300) should win, but don’t bet them at such a high price.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Stallions covered the 6.5-point spread last week in their win, beating Arlington by 13.

Every winner covered the spread in Week 1, including the 2 favorites.

With the Stallions’ 171 rushing yards in Week 1, it will be tough to slow them down if they get a lead.

BET STALLIONS -6.5 (-115).

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Over/Under

No game in the opening weekend hit the Over. The Stallions’ game was the highest-scoring contest of the weekend.

But if this season goes like Birmingham’s 2023 season, the opener was the lowest-scoring game of the year. Only 2 of its final 10 games, including the postseason, did not have at least 42 total points.

BET OVER 41.5 (-105).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Houston Roughnecks at D.C. Defenders odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Roughnecks at D.C. Defenders odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Roughnecks (0-1) and D.C. Defenders (0-1) meet Saturday at Audi Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Roughnecks vs. Defenders odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Roughnecks suffered an 18-12 loss last Sunday against the visiting Memphis Showboats, who won as 1.5-point underdogs as the Under (39.5) connected.

Memphis dominated time of possession at 39:32, to just 20:28 for Houston, while running 62 total plays, to just 37 for the Roughnecks. Houston did manage 4.7 yards per play, to just 3.7 for Memphis. The Roughnecks did a good job in rushing defense, too, holding the Showboats to just 1.8 yards per rush. Unfortunately, Houston lost 3 fumbles, and it was a minus-1 in turnover differential.

The Defenders went on the road and suffered a 27-12 loss to the San Antonio Brahmas last Sunday. Washington was actually favored by 6, but it came nowhere near threatening to cover as the Under (43.5) connected.

Washington held its own in total yards, posting 253 yards on 62 total plays, but it struggled in red-zone offense, going without a touchdown in 3 trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. The Defenders allowed 75 rushing yards and a rushing score while managing just 44 rushing yards on their own.

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Roughnecks at Defenders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Roughnecks +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Defenders -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Roughnecks +5 (-110) | Defenders -5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Roughnecks at Defenders key injuries

Roughnecks

WR Steven Dunbar Jr. (groin) out
QB Nolan Henderson (undisclosed) out
WR Isiah Hennie (undisclosed) out
TE Clint Sigg Jr. (undisclosed) out
RB Mark Thompson (knee) out

Defenders

QB Jalan McClendon (undisclosed) out
RB Abram Smith (knee) out
WR Vyncint Smith (elbow) out
RB Pooka Williams (undisclosed) out

Roughnecks at Defenders picks and predictions

Prediction

Defenders 25, Roughnecks 19

Moneyline

The Defenders (-230) will cost you almost 2 1/2 times your potential return as D.C. looks to bounce back after a disappointing opening weekend. Still, that’s way too much risk for not enough reward after losing last time out by a sizable margin.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The DEFENDERS -5 (-110) are worth playing lightly. Neither team really did anything to instill confidence for bettors, as both sides lost outright as a favorite.

Still, D.C. did some good things last week, while the Roughnecks +5 (-110) were just too turnover prone. If the Defenders get on the ball in red-zone offense, they will be able to grab the win and cover in front of their home fans and beer snakes.

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Over/Under

OVER 40.5 (-110) is the lean, but again, go very lightly with a half-unit at most.

D.C. racked up 253 total yards of offense, and it could be even better on its home field, spurred on by its raucous crowd.

Houston did a decent job in rushing defense last week, so that is the concern with not going more aggressively on the Over.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Arlington Renegades at St. Louis Battlehawks odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Saturday’s Arlington Renegades at St. Louis Battlehawks odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The Arlington Renegades (0-1) and St. Louis Battlehawks (0-1) meet Saturday at The Dome at America’s Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Renegades vs. Battlehawks odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Renegades were on the short end of a 27-14 score at home against the Birmingham Stallions last Saturday. Arlington led 3-0 after the 1st quarter, and it was tied 11-11 at half. However, Birmingham outscored Arlington 16-3 in the final 30 minutes.

QB Luis Perez was sharp at times, connecting on 19 of 28 passes for 214 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. The ground game struggled to get going, though, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry while totaling 59 yards. Arlington also put the ball on the ground once, although it was even in the turnover battle.

The Battlehawks suffered an 18-16 loss on the road against the Michigan Panthers last Saturday. It was a low-scoring 1st half, with St. Louis holding a 3-0 lead at the break. Michigan led 7-3 after 3 quarters before a flurry of points on both sides in the final stanza.

QB A.J. McCarron was solid, completing 24 of 37 passes for 216 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT, while WR Marcell Ateman collected 6 receptions for 60 yards and a TD. Like Arlington, though, St. Louis struggled in the run game, totaling 62 yards with just 3.1 yards per tote. The Battlehawks were able to make a game of it thanks to a plus-2 turnover margin.

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Renegades at Battlehawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Renegades +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Battlehawks -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Renegades +5 (-110) | Battlehawks -5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Renegades at Battlehawks key injuries

Renegades

QB Holton Ahlers (undisclosed) out
WR LuJuan Winningham (undisclosed) out

Battlehawks

WR Jahcour Pearson (knee) out
RB Jacob Saylors (undisclosed) out
QB Brandon Silvers (undisclosed) out
WR Jeffrey Thomas (undisclosed) out

Renegades at Battlehawks picks and predictions

Prediction

Battlehawks 23, Renegades 16

Moneyline

The Battlehawks (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive. While St. Louis played well at times last week, and it is going to be home inside the raucous dome with 1 of the best home crowds in the UFL, it’s too much risk for not enough reward.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The BATTLEHAWKS -5 (-110) are worth a look, but go lightly. The Renegades +5 (-110) were paddled last week by the Stallions, while St. Louis nearly got the job done on the road. And the Battlehawks showed an ability to take the ball away, and that should serve them well in the home opener.

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Over/Under

UNDER 41.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly.

We saw the total go low for each of these teams last weekend, and neither had a whole lot of success running the ball. While McCarron and the Battlehawks should be able to move the chains with some downfield action, don’t discount the absence of Pearson throwing things off a little. The offense certainly didn’t look good for most of the Week 1 game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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San Antonio Brahmas at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Saturday’s San Antonio Brahmas at Memphis Showboats odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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Week 2 of the UFL season kicks off Saturday with the San Antonio Brahmas (1-0) on the road against the Memphis Showboats (1-0). Kickoff is at noon ET at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (ESPN/ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Brahmas vs. Showboats odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Brahmas kicked off their season with a 27-12 upset win over the D.C. Defenders at home Sunday. They entered the game as 6-point underdogs, and the Under (43.5) cashed in.

The Showboats were 1.5-point road underdogs but beat the Houston Roughnecks 18-12 Sunday behind 204 passing yards and 1 passing TD from QB Case Cookus; the Under (39.5) also cashed in.

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Brahmas at Showboats odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Brahmas -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Showboats +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Brahmas -2.5 (-110) | Showboats +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Brahmas at Showboats key injuries

Brahmas

LB Jamir Jones (elbow) out
OL Derrick Kelly II (hamstring) out
CB BoPete Keyes (groin) out
LB Zach McCloud (ankle) out
DT Caeveon Patton (abdomen) questionable
LB Nate Wieland (triceps) out

Showboats

WR Daewood Davis (chest) probable)
DL Connor Christian (calf) probable
LB Jeff McCulloch (shoulder) probable

Brahmas at Showboats picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 18, Brahmas 15

Moneyline

The Brahmas were tied for the most points in Week 1. Both the Brahmas and SHOWBOATS (+110) allowed only 12 points to their opponents.

The coaching matchup is good. San Antonio coach Wade Phillips is a defensive legend, while Memphis coach John DeFilippo is great on offense.

But Cookus led the Philadelphia Stars to the USFL championship game in 2022, only to break his leg and see his team lose.

Brahmas QB Chase Garbers is not yet that experienced.

It will be a low-scoring game as both teams looked solid defensively a week ago, but I’m giving the edge to the home team with the more experienced QB.

BET SHOWBOATS (+110).

Against the spread

Since we’re already looking to win on the moneyline with plus odds, there’s no need to bet the spread on the underdogs. All 4 teams who covered the spread in Week 1 also won their games outright, which included a pair of underdogs.

PASS.

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Over/Under

No game in Week 1 hit the Over, which is to be expected in the 1st week of a new league with no preseason to work out any kinks.

But both teams limited their opponents to 12 points in Week 1, and while the Brahmas scored 27 last week, I expect both defenses to be solid.

BET UNDER 39.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Memphis Showboats at Houston Roughnecks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Memphis Showboats at Houston Roughnecks odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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Week 1 of the first season of the new UFL wraps up on Sunday as the Memphis Showboats face the Houston Roughnecks. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET at Rice Stadium (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Roughnecks odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Showboats come from the USFL and finished 5-5 last season. But coach Todd Haley was replaced by John DeFilippo, who coached the USFL New Orleans Breakers last season. Their starting QB is Case Cookus, who led the Philadelphia Stars to the USFL championship game two seasons ago.

The Roughnecks went 7-3 in the USFL last season but lost to Arlington in the division championship. QB Jarrett Guarantano, who started 4 college seasons at Tennessee and spent a preseason with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, is their starter this season.

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Showboats at Roughnecks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Roughnecks -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +1.5 (-110) | Roughnecks -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats at Roughnecks key injuries

Showboats (link)

DL Conner Christian (calf) out
CB Jeff McCulloch (shoulder) probable
TE Sage Surratt (hamstring) probable
RB Trey Williams (calf) probable

Roughnecks

TE Woody Brandom (calf) out
S Jamari Brown (abdomen) out
DE Chris Odom (calf, hamstring) out
RB Mark Thompson (knee) out

Showboats at Roughnecks picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 21, Roughnecks 17

Moneyline

Houston is missing several key players to injury, including Thompson, who was the No. 2 rusher in the USFL last season.

DeFelippo was once on the verge of getting an NFL head-coaching job and has the more experienced quarterback.

With little else to go on in a league with no preseason, that is where the edge goes this week.

BET SHOWBOATS (+100).

Against the spread

Expecting the underdog Showboats to be victorious at even-money odds, that is the better bet than taking them +1.5 at -110.

Both of Saturday’s games were decided by 2 or more points.

In the Saturday game in which the underdog covered the spread, it was an outright 18-16 win by Michigan (+6.5) over St. Louis.

PASS.

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Over/Under

Both of Saturday’s games stayed Under the projected total. With no preseason to get an offensive rhythm, especially where there are new coaches and quarterbacks, don’t expect a lot of points.

BET UNDER 39.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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DC Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s DC Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The DC Defenders open the season against the San Antonio Brahmas Sunday at the Alamodome at noon ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Defenders vs. Brahmas odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Defenders are led by QB Jordan Ta’amu, who turned a successful stint in the XFL in 2020 into jobs with 3 NFL teams over the last 3 years. He’ll run offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss’ RPO offense and serve as a threat through the air and a little bit on the ground. They’ll be led on the ground by RB Cam’Ron Harris, who was picked up late in the 2023 season and rushed 5 times for 25 yards and 2 TDs against the Seattle Sea Dragons in the playoffs. You’ll see a familiar name in DC’s receiving corps with former Houston Texans WR Keke Coutee lining up in the slot.

Longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has tapped Chase Garbers as his starting quarterback. Garbers, who spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, is reminiscent of 2020 XFL sensation P.J. Walker, according to the club. The team is super excited by former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Anthony McFarland, who possesses the speed that could take over games. WR Jontre Kirklin is also a name to watch, as he was one of the XFL’s best receivers before an injury derailed him. TE Cody Latimer is also in tow as the former Denver Broncos and New York Giants receiver could create mismatches as a hybrid tight end.

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Defenders at Brahmas odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:55 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Defenders -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Brahmas +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Against the spread (ATS): Defenders -6 (-115) | Brahmas +6 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Defenders at Brahmas key injuries

Defenders

CB Gareon Conley (hamstring) out
RB Abram Smith (knee) out
WR Vyncint Smith (elbow) out

Brahmas

LB Jamir Jones (elbow) out
LB Zach McCloud (ankle) out

Defenders at Brahmas picks and predictions

Prediction

Defenders 24, Brahmas 17

Moneyline

These teams faced one another in the XFL season finale last year with DC edging the Brahmas 29-28. The Defenders went 9-1 last season and fell to the Arlington Renegades in the XFL Championship Game. The key here is Ta’amu is in his 2nd season in this RPO offense, and he provides stability and a comfort level. So the Defenders are deserving of the heavy favorites moniker. There’s no bet to place here.

PASS.

Against the spread

This is one of the biggest spreads in opening week action, but it’s warranted. The continuity DC brings back on offense, coupled with the success the Defenders had last season makes them a dangerous team each week.

Take the DEFENDERS -6 (-115).

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Over/Under

Veteran bettors will remember that the early weeks in the XFL went Under often. The books know this, too, and this number is a little dicey. We’re projecting it to just sneak UNDER 43.5 (-115). If it goes any lower, though, you might have to reconsider.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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St. Louis Battlehawks at Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Saturday’s St. Louis Battlehawks at Michigan Panthers odds and lines, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The St. Louis Battlehawks and Michigan Panthers open their UFL seasons Saturday afternoon at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Battlehawks vs. Panthers odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Battlehawks won 7 of 10 games last season, posting a solid plus-47 scoring differential, but they lost out on a North Division tiebreaker to the Seattle Sea Dragons for the final playoff spot. QB A.J. McCarron is back under center, with coach Anthony Becht leading the squad for the 2nd consecutive year. Former Clemson and New York Giants RB Wayne Gallman joins the mix to diversify the offense, with a cadre of solid receivers.

The Panthers are led by QB EJ Perry, who developed a solid rapport with TE Cole Hikutini and WR Trey Quinn. Michigan added RB Wes Hills from the New Orleans Breakers, while Matt Colburn II and Nate McCrary provide depth. LB Frank Ginda, who posted 104 total stops with three INTs was the USFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

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Battlehawks at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:13 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Battlehawks -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Panthers +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
Against the spread (ATS): Battlehawks -6.5 (-110) | Panthers +6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Battlehawks at Panthers key injuries

Battlehawks

WR Jahcour Pearson (knee) out

Panthers

DE T.J. Carter (undisclosed) out
LB De’Gabriel Floyd (undisclosed) out

Battlehawks at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Battlehawks 22, Panthers 17

Moneyline

The Battlehawks (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s a little too risky on a normal basis. But we have a merged league, with a lot of new faces on both side. The Panthers (+220) retooled offense doesn’t look half bad, on paper at least, while St. Louis will be missing 1 of its biggest weapons in Pearson.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The PANTHERS +6.5 (-110) are a better play catching nearly a touchdown at home. The Battlehawks -6.5 (-110) won 7 games last season while posting an impressive point differential, but on the road it could have some issues against Michigan, especially with Pearson sidelined, and McCarron and the secondary receivers working to develop a rapport.

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Over/Under

UNDER 41.5 (-110) is worth a look in this game, as the offenses could be a little behind. Ginda is the defending USFL Player of the Year, and former NFL player and USFL sack leader Breeland Speaks lines up for the home side. The Panthers defense could be difficult to negotiate for the Battlehawks, especially down its top weapon.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Birmingham Stallions at Arlington Renegades odds, picks and predictions

Beat the sportsbook: Analyzing Saturday’s Birmingham Stallions at Arlington Renegades odds, with expert UFL picks and predictions.

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The UFL opens the season Saturday with the champions of the 2 leagues that merged to form it. The Birmingham Stallions, who are coming off back-to-back USFL championships, are on the road facing the Arlington Renegades, who won the XFL championship last year. Kickoff from Choctaw Stadium is at 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Stallions vs. Renegades odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Stallions went 21-3 in 2 seasons and postseasons. They have a new QB in Matt Corrall, who spent 2 seasons in the NFL. They also added WR Amari Rodgers, who spent 3 seasons in the NFL as a return specialist for the Green Bay Packers.

The Renegades went 4-6 in the regular season but got hot in the playoffs and won the championship. They added former NFL 1st-round pick DE Vic Beasley to their defense. He last played in the NFL in 2020 but played well last season for the Vegas Vipers in the XFL.

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Stallions at Renegades odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stallions -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Renegades +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread (ATS): Stallions -3.5 (-110) | Renegades +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Stallions at Renegades key injuries

Stallions

LB DeMarquis Gates (personal) out

Renegades

C Cameron Hunt (hand) probable
DL DaVonte Lambert (ankle) probable

Stallions at Renegades picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 20, Renegades 16

Moneyline

With the inaugural game in a new league with teams from 2 previous leagues, this is a tough one to pick.

However, you have to like Birmingham (-200), as they dominated the USFL 2 consecutive seasons with 2 different starting quarterbacks, especially going against a team that had a losing record before the postseason.

As the Stallions have been so good for so long, I won’t open the season picking an outright underdog to beat them, but -200 odds aren’t any good to wager.

PASS.

Against the spread

Thus far, there are no good trends to go by.

However, if you look at Birmingham’s 2023, of their 10 total wins between the regular season and postseason, 9 were by at least 4 points.

With little else to go by in a new league, I’m leaning on the favorite.

BET STALLIONS -3.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

Birmingham’s season opener last season finished with 37 points, and the championship had 40 points. They only had 3 total games not reach at least 42 total points.

Arlington scored more than 18 points only twice in the regular season last year in the XFL but scored 26 and 35 in the semifinals and championship games.

In a new league with no preseason, expect things to start slowly.

BET UNDER 41.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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