Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Maulers (1-7) play the Philadelphia Stars (5-3) at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Stars vs. Maulers odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

With just a couple of weeks until the USFL playoffs, fans will get treated with somewhat of an inner-state battle. While it’s still in Alabama, this will have that rivalry feel. The Stars beat the Maulers 30-23 in Week 1.

Philadelphia has been among the best teams in the USFL, having the best offense in the league. They’ve scored 222 points, but have allowed 201. They’re 3-1 in their division, but will be without QB Bryan Scott for Sunday’s game.

As for Pittsburgh, the Maulers have scored just 110 points in 8 games while allowing 193. This will be the most lethal offense against the league’s worst attack.

Stars vs. Maulers 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 1:27 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Stars -360 (bet $360 to win $100) | Maulers +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Stars -8.5 (-110) | Maulers +8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Stars vs. Maulers key injuries

Stars

Maulers

Stars vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 30, Maulers 17

Money line

PASS.

Philadelphia is the far-better team, but betting on them at -360 doesn’t make much sense given the potential return.

Against the spread

BET STARS -8.5 (-110).

The Stars were without Scott last week against the Panthers, but it didn’t matter much as backup QB Case Cookus played a nearly flawless game with 4 touchdowns. Cookus and the Stars beat the 1-7 Panthers 46-24.

Philadelphia should see similiar success against Pittsburgh.

The Maulers run defense is also a key issue, allowing over 140 rushing yards per game. The Stars abuse teams on the ground and are averaging over 105 yards per game.

Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight games by double figures as well. I’d back the Stars here as more of a fade against the Maulers who has struggled heavily as of late.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 47.5 (-110).

This is a lofty total, and I wouldn’t be willing to bet that Cookus repeats his dominant performance. The only time Pittsburgh hit this total was their 30-23 loss to the Maulers.

While it is the same matchup, the Maulers average just 13.8 points per game.

They just don’t have an overly productive attack, and with this projecting to be a run-heavy game as both teams combine to average just over 200 yards per game on the ground, the Under should be the better play.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Philadelphia Stars odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Philadelphia Stars Week 2 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

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)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

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.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | WashingtonWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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