The Michigan Panthers and the Houston Gamblers meet Sunday in the Week 1 opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Gamblers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Panthers were a dismal 2-8 in 2022, and Michigan posted a minus-25 point differential while going 0-4 in 4 tries against South Division teams.
The Gamblers weren’t much better, turning in a 3-7 record with a minus-12 point differential. However, Houston finished the season on a 2-game win streak, including a surprising 17-15 win in Week 9 over the eventual champion Birmingham Stallions.
Houston is expected to use Kenji Bahar as the starting signal caller, while Michigan rolls with QB Josh Love.
These teams met April 17, 2022, in Week 1 last season, and Houston came away with a 17-12 win. The highlight of the game was a 90-yard scoop and score by Reggie Northrop.
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Panthers 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 12:37 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Gamblers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1 (-115) | Gamblers -1 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 38.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Panthers vs. Gamblers key injuries
Panthers
- CB KiAnte Hardin (undisclosed) out
Gamblers
- S Stefan Claiborne (undisclosed) out
- LB Marcel Spears (undisclosed) out
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Panthers vs. Gamblers picks and predictions
Prediction
Gamblers 23, Panthers 19
Moneyline
The GAMBLERS (-110) look to get new coach Curtis Johnson off to a good start, while the Panthers (-110) turn to veteran college coach Mike Nolan to steer their ship.
Houston turned the ball over 15 times last season, and it’s something it must correct quickly. Bahar won a 3-man battle under center, and when he is not passing, he has the luxury to hand off to battering ram RB Mark Thompson, who posted a team-best 463 rushing yards on the ground with 2 TD in 2022. Houston also has some solid options in the pass game with WRs Deontez Alexander, Tyler Palka and Anthony Ratliff-Williams.
Against the spread
Backing the GAMBLERS -1 (-105) is slightly cheaper than the moneyline. Hey, every little bit counts. Houston covered last season’s Week 1 opener against Michigan, and will do so again.
Over/Under
OVER 38.5 (-110) is the lean in Memphis, although the crowd won’t be nearly as lively as it was Saturday for the Philadelphia Stars-Memphis Showboats matchup featuring the hometown team. Still, we saw a healthy amount of points Saturday at the Liberty Bowl, and the books tend to post low lines for these early-season spring games, with the offense tending to exceed expectations. Look for more of the same here.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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