The Memphis Showboats (0-1) and the Birmingham Stallions (1-0) meet Saturday for a Week 2 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Showboats opened the season with an exciting 27-23 setback against the Philadelphia Stars at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis actually outgained Philadelphia by a 295-to-281 margin in total yards. The difference was a lone turnover via interception for Memphis, while Philadelphia didn’t have any miscues.
The Stallions belted the visiting New Jersey Generals in Birmingham by a 27-10 count. The Generals actually had 361 total yards of offense, compared to just 310 yards for the Stallions, and Birmingham allowed 197 rushing yards, and 6.6 yards per attempt. However, the Stallions were plus-1 in turnover margin, pouncing upon 2 lost fumbles by the Gens.
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Showboats vs. Stallions odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Showboats +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Stallions -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +7 (-110) | Stallions -7 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Showboats vs. Stallions key injuries
Showboats
- QB Montell Cozart (undisclosed) out
- WR Tyler Palka (undisclosed) out
- TE Rodell Rahmaan (undisclosed) out
- RB Devwah Whaley (coach’s decision) out
Stallions
- WR Adrian Hardy (undisclosed) out
- FB Bobby Holly (undisclosed) injured reserve
- RB Bo Scarbrough (knee) injured reserve
- QB Kyle Sloter (coach’s decision) out
- TE La’Michael Pettway (coach’s decision) out
- QB J’Mar Smith (finger) injured reserve
- WR Marlon Williams (Achilles) injured reserve
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Showboats vs. Stallions picks and predictions
Prediction
Stallions 23, Showboats 19
Moneyline
The Stallions (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.
Birmingham lost starting QB J’Mar Smith to a season-ending finger injury and will turn to QB Alex McGough, while adding QB Kyle Sloter from the New Orleans Breakers. However, the latter is on the inactive list, so it’s McGough’s show in Week 2. It also hurts that the Stallions lost Scarbrough indefinitely to a knee ailment.
PASS, and look to the line instead.
Against the spread
Look to the SHOWBOATS +7 (-110) to cover the number. Memphis has one of the top running backs in the league in RB Alex Collins, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He rumbled for 63 yards on 14 carries while posting a score last weekend. He’ll be a force for the Stallions’ defense to corral.
The injuries have mounted quickly for the Stallions -7 (-110), and as a result, this is a little bit too high of a line.
Over/Under
UNDER 44.5 (-110) is a strong option in Week 2.
The Stallions will likely struggle with consistency on offense, replacing Smith under center and Scarbrough in the backfield. The Boats were involved in the highest-scoring game in Week 1, while the Stallions saw the Under connect. Birmingham allowed just 10 points in the home victory.
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