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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