The Pittsburgh Maulers (1-3) and Michigan Panthers (2-2) meet Saturday for a Week 5 USFL game at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Maulers put up a tremendous effort in a 24-20 loss last week against the Birmingham Stallions in a neutral-field game in Canton. Pittsburgh was able to cover as an 8.5-point underdog and is 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in 2 games as an underdog of 6.5 or more points. The Over cashed for the 1st time in 4 outings last week.
The Panthers suffered a 29-10 loss at home against the Memphis Showboats in Week 4. Michigan is 2-0 straight-up (SU) and ATS in 2 games as an underdog, and 0-2 SU/ATS in 2 games when favored. The Under has cashed in 3 consecutive outings for the Panthers and the offense has posted just 11.5 points per game (PPG) over the past 2 contests.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Maulers 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 5:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Maulers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Panthers -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +3.5 (-110) | Panthers -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42 (O: -110 | U: -110)
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Maulers at Panthers key injuries
Maulers
- LB Reuben Foster (knee) out
Panthers
- LB Noah Dawkins (shoulder) doubtful
- DB Kiante Hardin (hamstring) doubtful
- WR Marcus Simms (hamstring) doubtful
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Maulers at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Maulers 22, Panthers 18
Moneyline
The MAULERS (+145) are worth a roll of the dice as a moderate underdog.
The Panthers started out as a ball of fire, taking care of the Houston Gamblers and Philadelphia Stars to go 2-0 SU/ATS. However, they’ve picked up losses the last 2 weeks and their point totals have decreased in every game since Week 1, bottoming out at just 10 points last week against Memphis.
Against the spread
The MAULERS +3.5 (-110) are a solid value catching 3 and a hook. Pittsburgh has covered 2 straight outings after opening with a pair of losses and non-covers.
The Panthers have failed to cover each of the past 2 when favored, and they’re unlikely to cash again Saturday afternoon.
Over/Under
UNDER 42 (-110) is worth a look.
The Panthers have cashed the Under in 3 straight games after cashing the Over back in Week 1. The Maulers have hit the Under at a 3-1 clip this season, although they cashed the Over (43.5) last weekend. However, Pittsburgh’s Over was by a half-point against Birmingham in Week 4.
The Maulers have scored 19.7 PPG through 4 games, while the Panthers’ offense is good for just 11.5 PPG in the past 2 outings on offense.
[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]