The Houston Gamblers (0-2) and the Memphis Showboats (0-2) meet Saturday for a Week 3 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Gamblers have suffered a pair of losses so far this season. Houston was turnover-prone in a Week 1 loss against Michigan in Week 1, falling 29-13 as a 1-point favorite. The Gamblers had a nice offensive performance in Week 2, but allowed 38 points in a 38-31 setback to the New Orleans Breakers. The Over is 2-0 for Houston so far.
The Showboats were on the short end of a 27-23 loss at home against the Philadelphia Stars in a very entertaining Week 1 game. However, Memphis was completely shown up at Birmingham last weekend, as the Stallions blasted the Boats 42-2. Memphis is 0-2 against the spread so far this season, with the Over/Under splitting 1-1.
This game is being played on the home field of Memphis, although technically, Houston is considered the ‘home’ team.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Showboats vs. Gamblers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:06 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Showboats +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Gamblers -210 (bet $210 to win $10)
- Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +4.5 (-105) | Gamblers -4.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Showboats vs. Gamblers key injuries
Showboats
- S Stephen Griffin (foot) doubtful
- LB Jeff McCulloch (hamstring) questionable
- CB Josh Nurse (hamstring, back) doubtful
- S Antonio Reed (knee) questionable
Gamblers
- None
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Showboats vs. Gamblers picks and predictions
Prediction
Gamblers 29, Showboats 23
Moneyline
The Gamblers (-210) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too costly on a team playing on the home field of the opponent even if it is technically the ‘home’ team.
The Gamblers are 0-2 straight up and ATS, so it isn’t like they have lit it up so far.
PASS.
Against the spread
Roll with the GAMBLERS -4.5 (-115) to cover, although I’d go rather lightly.
These are both bad teams, in particular on defense. Houston allows the 2nd-most yards through the air, so QB Brady White and the Showboats should be able to move the ball. However, Houston RB TJ Pledger should have a giant game for the Gamblers. Memphis has yielded a USFL-worst 133 rushing yards per game so far.
Over/Under
OVER 43.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board in this battle of winless teams.
Houston has a porous pass defense, while White and the Showboats should find a lot more success on offense than they did last week against Birmingham. The Generals should also be able to pile up the rushing yards on a bad Showboats run defense. Look for a healthy number of points in Week 3.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.
Access NFL coverage:
SportsbookWire | BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=48550]