The Houston Gamblers (4-2) face the Memphis Showboats (3-3) Sunday in a Week 7 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gamblers vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Gamblers look to run it back after posting a 30-26 victory in Memphis in Week 3. While the Showboats covered the spread that day as 4.5-point underdogs, that win kicked off a 4-game win streak for Houston.
That loss for the Boats served as a wake-up call, however, as Memphis has rattled off 3 straight victories after slipping to 0-3 straight-up (SU) after the loss to the Gamblers. The Showboats have covered 4 straight outings, too.
In that Week 3 matchup, it was pretty even. Houston edged Memphis with 365 total yards to 317. The Gamblers posted 3 TDs in 3 trips to the red zone, while the Showboats managed just a single TD in 3 red-zone visits. That was the difference. Houston also gobbled up 132 rushing yards, to just 21 yards on 15 attempts (1.4 yards per rush) for Memphis.
The Under cashed for Houston last week in a 16-10 win over New Jersey in Memphis, the 1st Under after a 5-0 run for the Over to start.
The Under has cashed in 3 straight games for the Showboats, and the defense has allowed just 20 total points during the streak, including a shutout of the Pittsburgh Maulers last weekend.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Gamblers at Showboats odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Gamblers -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Showboats +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
- Against the spread: Gamblers -3.5 (-110) | Showboats +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Gamblers at Showboats key injuries
(From official team Twitter pages)
Gamblers
- TE Brandon Barnes (hand) out
- DT Julian McCleod (hamstring) out
Showboats
- DT Frank Herron (knee) out
- CB Jermaine Kelly (groin) questionable
- OL Darta Lee (knee) out
- S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
- DT Viane Moala (hip) out
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Gamblers at Showboats picks and predictions
Prediction
Showboats 22, Gamblers 20
Moneyline
MEMPHIS (+140) is a value play at home, as they’ll have revenge on their minds as well.
Memphis has won 3 in a row since losing to the Gamblers (-165) in Week 3, and the Showboats have covered 4 in a row overall. This is a Showboats defense playing with a lot of confidence, and the Gamblers will definitely not march up and down the field like they did in the 1st meeting.
Against the spread
MEMPHIS +3.5 (-110) is a decent play, especially catching 3 and a hook at home. The Showboats have covered 4 straight games after opening 0-2 ATS.
There is risk here, as Houston -3.5 (-110) has rattled off 3 straight covers after opening 0-3 ATS. The difference is venue, and the Boats will be right at home in the Liberty Bowl, as they look to stay hot.
Over/Under
UNDER 42.5 (-110) is the play, but go lightly with a half-unit at best.
The Under has connected in 3 straight outings for the Showboats, as defense has been the rule with just 6.7 PPG allowed in the 3-game span. The Memphis offense is still a work in progress, too, posting an average of just 19.2 PPG across the last 5 outings.
While the Over started out 5-0 for the Gamblers, the Under cashed last week, and Houston’s defense allowed a season-low 10 points against the Generals.
[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]
