The Memphis Showboats (4-3) face the New Jersey Generals (2-5) Saturday in a Week 8 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Generals odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Showboats opened the season with 3 consecutive losses, and 2 non-covers, and the defense was in shambles. In the first 3 weekends, Memphis allowed 33.0 PPG on defense. The Boats have won 4 in a row, while covering 5 straight, and Memphis has turned it around on D, allowing a total of 40 points during the win streak. The Under has cashed in 4 in a row, too.
The Generals opened with a respectable 2-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) mark, but it is in an 0-4 SU/ATS freefall. The offense hasn’t been clicking, averaging just 17.5 PPG during the skid, while the defense has been trying to hang tough with 21.3 PPG.
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Showboats vs. Generals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Showboats +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Generals -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Showboats +2 (-110) | Generals -2 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Showboats vs. Generals key injuries
Showboats
- DT Frank Herron (knee) out
- CB Jermaine Kelly (groin) doubtful
- DE Jeff McCulloch (foot) out
- S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
- S Kyree Woods (concussion) out
Generals
- OL Calvin Ashley (concussion) doubtful
- QB De’Andre Johnson (concussion) doubtful
- S Shalom Luani (knee) questionable
- DE Tyshun Render (toe) out
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Showboats vs. Generals picks and predictions
Prediction
Showboats 25, Generals 21
Moneyline
MEMPHIS (+105) is the better play, as the Showboats have been playing tremendous football lately. The combination of timely offense and lockdown defense has been difficult to beat since a slow start.
While New Jersey (-125) is favored, there is really no good reason for that. The Generals have struggled lately, especially as a favorite, going 0-3 SU/ATS in the past 3 weekends. Meanwhile, Memphis has excelled as a ‘dog, winning outright and covering in each of the past 5 weekends.
Against the spread
MEMPHIS +2 (-110) is worth playing over the moneyline, only if you are dead set on New Jersey -2 (-110) winning this game by exactly 1 point. If not, it makes no sense to play the Boats catching these little bit of points. It’s a better value to take Memphis straight up.
Over/Under
The OVER 41.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.
Yes, the Memphis defense has allowed just 10.0 PPG in the last 4 games, cashing the Under in each outing. However, New Jersey is a little more giving on defense, allowing 20 or more points, and the Boats should show out against the Jersey D.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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