The Philadelphia Stars (0-1) and the Pittsburgh Maulers (0-1) hook up for a Week 2 noon ET kickoff at Protective Stadium Saturday in Birmingham, Ala. The game will be on FOX. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Maulers vs. Stars odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Maulers are coming into this game as Pro Football Focus’ lowest-ranked USFL team. The reasoning for their struggles is based on a low-pass rate coupled with a lacking run game.
The Maulers were shut down by the Tampa Bay Bandits in Week 1, falling 17-3.
Philadelphia lost its opener to the New Orleans Breakers 23-17. The sportsbooks strongly favor the Stars’ quarterback Bryan Scott (1 passing TD in Week 1) over the Maulers’ struggling aerial attack.
Maulers vs. Stars odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Maulers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Stars -333 (bet $333 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +6.5 (-120) | Stars -6.5 (-111)
- Over/Under (O/U): 34.5 (O: -120 | U: -111)
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Maulers vs. Stars key injuries
Maulers
- DB Tyson Graham (Achilles) out
- DL Ethan Westbrooks (quadriceps) out
- WR Jeffrey Thomas (groin) out
Stars
- RB Matt Colburn (knee) probable
- WR Devin Gray (ankle) out
- QB Case Cookus (ankle) probable
- WR Christian Rowland (shoulder) out
Maulers vs. Stars picks and predictions
Prediction
Stars 21, Maulers 10
Money line
PASS.
A -333 money line for a team that’s also 0-1 is a PASS. However, betting on a team considered the worst in the league, despite a +220 price point, is a PASS as well.
Against the spread
LEAN STARS -6.5 (-111).
The Maulers didn’t get a touchdown last week and really had little production. They totaled under 150 yards through the air, and didn’t have a rusher go for over 60 either.
Add in the fact that their leading receiver, Thomas, is likely sidelined, and things are not looking pretty for Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s Scott, RB Darnell Holland and WR Chris Rowland are all rising stars in the league. They should be able to pressure a Maulers defense that struggled heavily in the first half of their Week 1 defeat.
I’d take the Stars to win with ease in this battle.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 34.5 (-111).
How can one possibly consider not betting the Under when the Maulers put up 3 points last week and could be down their most dynamic offensive threat? Their offense showed no traction.
Former Kennesaw State standout Holland does offer some playmaking (totaling 115 all-purpose yards in Week 1 for the Stars), but the Maulers also did limit the Bandits to zero second-half points.
I expect a defensive-heavy battle in this one.
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