Memphis Showboats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

Memphis Showboats vs. New Jersey Generals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats vs. New Jersey Generals odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Showboats (4-3) face the New Jersey Generals (2-5) Saturday in a Week 8 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Generals odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Showboats opened the season with 3 consecutive losses, and 2 non-covers, and the defense was in shambles. In the first 3 weekends, Memphis allowed 33.0 PPG on defense. The Boats have won 4 in a row, while covering 5 straight, and Memphis has turned it around on D, allowing a total of 40 points during the win streak. The Under has cashed in 4 in a row, too.

The Generals opened with a respectable 2-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) mark, but it is in an 0-4 SU/ATS freefall. The offense hasn’t been clicking, averaging just 17.5 PPG during the skid, while the defense has been trying to hang tough with 21.3 PPG.

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Showboats vs. Generals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Generals -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread: Showboats +2 (-110) | Generals -2 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Generals key injuries

Showboats

DT Frank Herron (knee) out
CB Jermaine Kelly (groin) doubtful
DE Jeff McCulloch (foot) out
S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
S Kyree Woods (concussion) out

Generals

OL Calvin Ashley (concussion) doubtful
QB De’Andre Johnson (concussion) doubtful
S Shalom Luani (knee) questionable
DE Tyshun Render (toe) out

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Showboats vs. Generals picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 25, Generals 21

Moneyline

MEMPHIS (+105) is the better play, as the Showboats have been playing tremendous football lately. The combination of timely offense and lockdown defense has been difficult to beat since a slow start.

While New Jersey (-125) is favored, there is really no good reason for that. The Generals have struggled lately, especially as a favorite, going 0-3 SU/ATS in the past 3 weekends. Meanwhile, Memphis has excelled as a ‘dog, winning outright and covering in each of the past 5 weekends.

Against the spread

MEMPHIS +2 (-110) is worth playing over the moneyline, only if you are dead set on New Jersey -2 (-110) winning this game by exactly 1 point. If not, it makes no sense to play the Boats catching these little bit of points. It’s a better value to take Memphis straight up.

Over/Under

The OVER 41.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

Yes, the Memphis defense has allowed just 10.0 PPG in the last 4 games, cashing the Under in each outing. However, New Jersey is a little more giving on defense, allowing 20 or more points, and the Boats should show out against the Jersey D.

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Houston Gamblers at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Gamblers at Memphis Showboats odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

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.

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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)

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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

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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.

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Pittsburgh Maulers at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Maulers at Memphis Showboats odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Maulers (2-3) travel to meet the Memphis Showboats (2-3) Saturday for a Week 6 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

Pittsburgh defeated Michigan 23-7 last week, winning outright as a 3.5-point underdog in Detroit.

The Maulers opened the season with a pair of losses and non-covers, but Pittsburgh has won 2 of the past 3 games while covering the spread in all 3. Pittsburgh averaged just 9.0 points per game PPG in the first 2 outings and allowed 21.0 PPG. In the previous 3 contests, the Maulers averaged 21.3 PPG and surrendered 14.7 PPG.

Memphis also won as an underdog in Week 5, upending New Orleans 17-10 as a 7-point dog in Birmingham.

The Showboats opened with 3 straight losses, including an ugly 42-2 defeat at Birmingham in Week 2, but the Boats have bounced back. They won their past 2 contests and are on a 3-0 cover streak. Defense has been a big reason for the turnaround as it yielded just 10 points in each of the past 2 victories.

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Maulers at Showboats odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:17 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Maulers -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Showboats +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Maulers -2.5 (-110) | Showboats +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers at Showboats key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Maulers

WR Isiah Hennie (hamstring) probable

Showboats

DL Frank Herron (knee) out
OL Darta Lee (knee) out
S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
RB Kerrith Whyte (neck, head) out

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Maulers at Showboats picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 19, Maulers 15

Moneyline

MEMPHIS (+115) is worth playing straight up as a short dog on its home field.

The Showboats’ current 2-game win streak includes victories against Michigan and New Orleans, which was unbeaten until last week’s loss to Memphis. Defense will be the key to the Showboats’ success at the Liberty Bowl Saturday afternoon.

Against the spread

BACKING MEMPHIS +2.5 (-110) with the spread doesn’t offer plus-money like the moneyline, but if you prefer the 2.5 points of insurance, go for it in what should be a low-scoring, close game.

BET 1.5 UNITS total between the 2 wagers above, whichever way you want to split them up.

The Showboats have covered the spread 3 games in a row, so it’s rather curious that they’re catching points in a home game. Of course, the Boats are 0-2 straight up at the Liberty Bowl, so perhaps that’s the thinking of the sportsbooks for making Memphis the underdog here.

Over/Under

UNDER 41.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board Sunday.

The Under has cashed in back-to-back games, and 3 of the past 4 outings overall for Memphis. After an abysmal showing in its first 3 games, the Boats have showed out on D in the past 2 outings.

The Under is 4-1 in 5 games overall for the Maulers, and Pittsburgh has allowed 20 or fewer points in 3 of the previous 4 contests.

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Memphis Showboats vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Memphis Showboats vs. New Orleans Breakers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Showboats (1-3) and New Orleans Breakers (4-0) meet Sunday for a Week 5 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Breakers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Showboats picked up their 1st victory of the season last week in Detroit, topping the Michigan Panthers 29-10 to win as 6.5-point underdogs. After opening the season 0-2 against the spread (ATS), Memphis is 2-0 ATS in the last 2 outings. The Over and Under has alternated in each of their 4 contests.

The Breakers have won and covered all 4 games to date, scoring 38 or more points in 2 of the previous 3 outings. The Over/Under, like Memphis, is 2-2 through 4 contests.

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Showboats at Breakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:46 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Breakers -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +7 (-105) | Breakers -7 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats at Breakers key injuries

Showboats

OT Clayton Bradley (knee)
LB Nate Hall (hamstring) out
S Lamont McPhatter (ankle) out
RB Juwan Washington (ankle) questionable
DE Jordan Williams (ankle) out

Breakers

WR Johnnie Dixon (quadriceps) questionable
S Greg Eisworth II (head) out

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Showboats at Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Breakers 31, Showboats 20

Moneyline

The Breakers (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return, and while New Orleans has been dominant this season, that’s still way too costly for a singular bet, or even as part of a multi-team or cross-sport parlay. There is just no value to betting such heavy favorites, and over the long-term it’s a poor betting strategy.

PASS.

Against the spread

The BREAKERS -7 (-110) are worth a look, although I’d certainly be much more excited if it were to slip to -6.5.

New Orleans is 4-0 ATS so far this season, while Memphis is 2-2 ATS. The Showboats have shown some signs of life in the last 2 weekends, going for 27.5 PPG, so Memphis has the pass attack with QB Brady White to make this an uncomfortable margin all afternoon. In the end, however, NOLA just looks too strong. I’d go lightly, however.

Over/Under

OVER 47.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board Sunday.

The Over is 2-2 for each of these teams so far this season. However, the Boats have allowed 27 or more points on 3 occasions, and the Breakers have allowed 31 or more points in 2 of the last 3. In addition, New Orleans has lit up the scoreboard for 34.3 PPG across the last 3 outings, including 38 or more points on 2 occasions. The scoreboard operator might be quite busy in B-Ham Sunday.

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Memphis Showboats vs. Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats vs. Michigan Panthers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Showboats (0-3) and Michigan Panthers (2-1) meet Saturday for a Week 4 USFL game at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

Memphis failed to grab its first win in a 30-26 loss to the Houston Gamblers in Week 3, but it did hang on for the cover (+4.5) at most shops. That performance was a bounceback for the Showboats following a 42-2 loss at the Birmingham Stallions in Week 2.

The Panthers suffered their first setback of the season in Week 3, losing 28-13 to the run-happy New Jersey Generals. It was also Michigan’s first non-cover in 3 tries, while the Under has cashed in consecutive weeks for the Panthers.

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Showboats vs. Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Panthers -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +6.5 (-110) | Panthers -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 45 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Panthers key injuries

Showboats

RB Alex Collins (side) out
WR Rashard Davis (Achilles) out
DT Dillon Faamatau (knee) out
LB Nate Hall (hamstring) out
S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out

Panthers

DB Kionte Hardin (undisclosed) out
TE Cole Hikutini (knee) questionable
OL Denzel Okafor (knee) out
WR Devin Ross (finger) out
WR Marcus Simms (hamstring) questionable

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Showboats vs. Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 29, Showboats 18

Moneyline

The Panthers (-250) look to rebound after their 1st setback of the season last weekend in the team’s debut at Ford Field. Michigan should be able to find plenty of open spaces against a very giving Showboats defense.

PASS.

Against the spread

The PANTHERS -6.5 (-110) are a strong play, especially if this line remains under 7.

The Showboats picked up their 1st cover of the season in Week 3, but being without former NFL tailback Alex Collins is a huge loss for this offense.

Look for the Michigan offense to bounce back this week, and the defense should be much better, too.

Over/Under

OVER 45 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Panthers allowed just 11.5 PPG in the 1st 2 games of the season but New Jersey was able to put up 28 on them last week.

The Showboats have the passing game to be somewhat effective, and they might be more pass-heavy with Collins on the shelf. Memphis has been abysmal on the defensive side, coughing up 27 or more points in all 3 games, for an average of 33.0 PPG.

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Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Gamblers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Gamblers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Gamblers (0-2) and the Memphis Showboats (0-2) meet Saturday for a Week 3 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers have suffered a pair of losses so far this season. Houston was turnover-prone in a Week 1 loss against Michigan in Week 1, falling 29-13 as a 1-point favorite. The Gamblers had a nice offensive performance in Week 2, but allowed 38 points in a 38-31 setback to the New Orleans Breakers. The Over is 2-0 for Houston so far.

The Showboats were on the short end of a 27-23 loss at home against the Philadelphia Stars in a very entertaining Week 1 game. However, Memphis was completely shown up at Birmingham last weekend, as the Stallions blasted the Boats 42-2. Memphis is 0-2 against the spread so far this season, with the Over/Under splitting 1-1.

This game is being played on the home field of Memphis, although technically, Houston is considered the ‘home’ team.

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Showboats 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 9:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Gamblers -210 (bet $210 to win $10)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +4.5 (-105) | Gamblers -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Gamblers key injuries

Showboats

S Stephen Griffin (foot) doubtful
LB Jeff McCulloch (hamstring) questionable
CB Josh Nurse (hamstring, back) doubtful
S Antonio Reed (knee) questionable

Gamblers

None

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Showboats vs. Gamblers picks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 29, Showboats 23

Moneyline

The Gamblers (-210) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too costly on a team playing on the home field of the opponent even if it is technically the ‘home’ team.

The Gamblers are 0-2 straight up and ATS, so it isn’t like they have lit it up so far.

PASS.

Against the spread

Roll with the GAMBLERS -4.5 (-115) to cover, although I’d go rather lightly.

These are both bad teams, in particular on defense. Houston allows the 2nd-most yards through the air, so QB Brady White and the Showboats should be able to move the ball. However, Houston RB TJ Pledger should have a giant game for the Gamblers. Memphis has yielded a USFL-worst 133 rushing yards per game so far.

Over/Under

OVER 43.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board in this battle of winless teams.

Houston has a porous pass defense, while White and the Showboats should find a lot more success on offense than they did last week against Birmingham. The Generals should also be able to pile up the rushing yards on a bad Showboats run defense. Look for a healthy number of points in Week 3.

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Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Showboats (0-1) and the Birmingham Stallions (1-0) meet Saturday for a Week 2 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Showboats opened the season with an exciting 27-23 setback against the Philadelphia Stars at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis actually outgained Philadelphia by a 295-to-281 margin in total yards. The difference was a lone turnover via interception for Memphis, while Philadelphia didn’t have any miscues.

The Stallions belted the visiting New Jersey Generals in Birmingham by a 27-10 count. The Generals actually had 361 total yards of offense, compared to just 310 yards for the Stallions, and Birmingham allowed 197 rushing yards, and 6.6 yards per attempt. However, the Stallions were plus-1 in turnover margin, pouncing upon 2 lost fumbles by the Gens.

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Showboats vs. Stallions odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Stallions -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +7 (-110) | Stallions -7 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Stallions key injuries

Showboats

QB Montell Cozart (undisclosed) out
WR Tyler Palka (undisclosed) out
TE Rodell Rahmaan (undisclosed) out
RB Devwah Whaley (coach’s decision) out

Stallions

WR Adrian Hardy (undisclosed) out
FB Bobby Holly (undisclosed) injured reserve
RB Bo Scarbrough (knee) injured reserve
QB Kyle Sloter (coach’s decision) out
TE La’Michael Pettway (coach’s decision) out
QB J’Mar Smith (finger) injured reserve
WR Marlon Williams (Achilles) injured reserve

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Showboats vs. Stallions picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 23, Showboats 19

Moneyline

The Stallions (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

Birmingham lost starting QB J’Mar Smith to a season-ending finger injury and will turn to QB Alex McGough, while adding QB Kyle Sloter from the New Orleans Breakers. However, the latter is on the inactive list, so it’s McGough’s show in Week 2. It also hurts that the Stallions lost Scarbrough indefinitely to a knee ailment.

PASS, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

Look to the SHOWBOATS +7 (-110) to cover the number. Memphis has one of the top running backs in the league in RB Alex Collins, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He rumbled for 63 yards on 14 carries while posting a score last weekend. He’ll be a force for the Stallions’ defense to corral.

The injuries have mounted quickly for the Stallions -7 (-110), and as a result, this is a little bit too high of a line.

Over/Under

UNDER 44.5 (-110) is a strong option in Week 2.

The Stallions will likely struggle with consistency on offense, replacing Smith under center and Scarbrough in the backfield. The Boats were involved in the highest-scoring game in Week 1, while the Stallions saw the Under connect. Birmingham allowed just 10 points in the home victory.

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Philadelphia Stars at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Philadelphia Stars at Memphis Showboats odds and lines, with USFL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia Stars and the Memphis Showboats meet Saturday in the Week 1 opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Stars will look to lean upon RB Matt Colburn II, who posted 140 rushing yards and 3 TDs in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Bandits, which is what the Showboats were previously known as. QB Case Cookus is back to lead the Philadelphia offense.

The Showboats will play their 1st game in Memphis after playing all 10 games in Birmingham last season. Head coach Todd Haley hopes his team is a little better taking care of the football, as the Bandits had a minus-10 turnover differential, which was worst in the USFL. The team, now the Showboats, also led the USFL with 73 penalties in 2022.

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Stars 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 6:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stars -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Showboats +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread (ATS): Stars -2.5 (-110) | Showboats +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 38.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Stars at Showboats key injuries

Stars

TE Ryan Izzo (Achilles, calf) probable
DE Adam Rodriguez (ankle) probable
WR Jordan Suell (hamstring) probable
OL Tristen Taylor (finger) probable
TE Pro Wells (Achilles) probable
CB Denzel Williams (shoulder) probable

Showboats

DB Delrick Adams Jr. (ankle) questionable
DL John Atkins (shoulder) probable
OL Matt Burrell (knee) probable
WR John Franklin III (Achilles, foot) probable
DB Jermaine Kelly (knee) questionable
DB Josh Nurse (thigh) doubtful

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Stars at Showboats picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 24, Showboats 20

Moneyline

The STARS (-145) are the play, as Philadelphia has one of the best signal callers in the USFL in Cookus, while also boasting one of the better tailbacks in Colburn.

The Showboats (+120) were mistaken-prone and rather undisciplined last season, when known as the Bandits, and it remains to be seen if the team has made inroads on shoring up the defense.

Against the spread

The STARS -2.5 (-110) are worth playing lightly on the road, as they look to spoil the return of pro football to Memphis.

Colburn was 2nd in the league in touchdowns, and 5th in yardage, and he also has nice hands out of the backfield. Former NFL first-round pick, WR Corey Coleman, joins the Stars, and he could have a big debut if Suell is unable to go.

The Showboats +2.5 (-110) have some solid tools, especially in the receiving game, to keep this one close. Frankin III and WRs Rashard Davis and Derrick Dillon have the tools to make big plays.

Over/Under

OVER 38.5 (-110) is the best play on the board. Philadelphia’s offense is full of “Stars”, and Memphis has the receivers to be able to put up plenty of points, too.

Like we saw in the XFL, the books made the totals super low in the early weeks of the season, and the Over cashed frequently. Look for the same to occur in the opening weekend of the 2nd USFL season.

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