USFL Championship: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Birmingham Stallions odds, picks and predictions

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

The Pittsburgh Maulers (5-6) meet the Birmingham Stallions (9-2) Saturday in the USFL Championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (NBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maulers snuck into the playoffs with a berth in the final week. Pittsburgh made the most of the opportunity, posting a 31-27 overtime win over the Michigan Panthers at this very same venue last Saturday. The 31 points tied a season best.

Pittsburgh’s offense has come alive at the best time, as it is averaging 28.5 points per game (PPG) in the last 2 outings. The Maulers are also on a season-best 3-game win streak, and 4-game cover streak.

Birmingham posted a 47-22 blitzkrieg against the New Orleans Breakers last weekend at Protective Stadium at home. The 47-point total marked a season high, beating the 42 points B-Ham dropped on the Memphis Showboats in Week 2.

The Stallions have won 6 in a row, while going 5-1 against the spread (ATS) during the span. The Over has cashed in each of the last 4 games, too, with Birmingham going for 24 or more points in 6 straight outings, and 20 or more points in all 11 games to date.

Birmingham topped Pittsburgh 24-20 in Week 4 in Canton, as QB Alex McGough struggled that day. The USFL MVP completed 17-of-29 passes for just 157 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT, while running for a team-high 48 yards and a score.

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Maulers vs. Stallions odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:24 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maulers +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Stallions -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Maulers +7.5 (-110) | Stallions -7 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers vs. Stallions key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Maulers

  • None

Stallions

  • OL Darius Harper (illness) questionable
  • WR Myron Mitchell (hand) out

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Maulers vs. Stallions picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 25, Maulers 19

Moneyline

Birmingham (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive, especially in a championship game. While Pittsburgh (+260) doesn’t have a great record overall, the Maulers have a sturdy defense, and it gave McGough fits in the regular-season matchup back in May.

AVOID.

Against the spread

PITTSBURGH +7.5 (-110) is a solid play, as the defense of the Maulers will keep them in the game. The D picked McGough off twice in the Week 4 matchup, and Pittsburgh’s No. 1 ranked defense gave Birmingham’s No. 1 ranked offense all it could handle. As long as this remains above 7, it is super attractive, while less so if it slips to +6.5.

Birmingham does enter on a 5-1 ATS run, but it failed to cover on this very same field in the first matchup in Week 4, as Pittsburgh covered an 8.5-point number. The Maulers, arguably, are much better on offense than they were in that early-season battle.

Over/Under

UNDER 45.5 (-110) is always a risky proposition when the Stallions are involved, but it has generally been the rule when the Maulers play.

On a total of 43.5 in the Week 4 matchup, we saw 44 combined points, with some bettors cashing the Under depending on when they got their bets in during the week. We should see another lower-scoring game, as the Maulers defense is air-tight. The Stallions have allowed an average of just 19.0 PPG in the past 6 outings, so Birmingham knows how to play a little D, too.

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Michigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Michigan Panthers (4-6) meet the Pittsburgh Maulers (4-6) Saturday in North Division Semifinal game Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers snuck into the postseason with a 23-20 win over the Philadelphia Stars at Ford Field in Week 10. It was just the team’s 2nd win in the past 8 games, and Michigan is 2-6 against the spread (ATS) during the same span.

While Michigan’s offense has been slightly improved in the past 4 games, averaging 18.8 points per game (PPG), they were the league’s lowest scoring offense with 171 total points, or just 17.1 PPG.

The Maulers enter the postseason with a little more momentum, winning the past 2 games, while covering 3 in a row. That includes a 19-7 win over the Panthers in Week 9 at this very same venue, winning outright as a 1.5-point ‘dog as the Under (41.5) connected.

These teams also met at Ford Field in Week 5, with Pittsburgh coming away with a 23-7 win as a 3.5-point underdog while the Under (42) cashed.

Defense has been the name of the game for Pittsburgh lately, allowing a total of just 13 points in the past 2 games, while cashing the Under in 3 in a row.

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Panthers vs. Maulers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Panthers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Maulers -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Panthers +3 (-110) | Maulers -3 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 38 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers vs. Maulers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Panthers

  • None

Maulers

  • None

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Panthers vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Maulers 19, Panthers 13

Moneyline

No matter the sport, no matter the league, etc., it is very difficult to beat the same team 3 times in the same season. That’s exactly what PITTSBURGH (-155) is looking to do, and it’s not a good idea to bet against it.

Pittsburgh outscored Michigan 42-14 in a pair of regular-season meetings, ‘mauling’ the Panthers on defense, while being just adequate on offense. One of the wins was on this very same field just 2 weeks ago.

Against the spread

PITTSBURGH -3 (-110) is actually tied as the hottest team against the number of any playoff team, covering 3 in a row. New Orleans also enters the postseason on a 3-0 ATS run. This number came down from 3.5, making it a little more attractive.

On the flip side, Michigan +3 (-110) beat a very damaged Philadelphia side last week, but it is just 2-6 SU/ATS in the past 8 outings, including 2 outright losses and non-covers against the Maulers.

Over/Under

UNDER 38 (-110) might be the best play on the board. I’d play this down to as low as 37.

The Maulers defense has been air tight in the past 2 games, and it has conceded just 14 total points in 2 regular-season meetings against the Panthers. It’s unlikely Michigan suddenly comes alive and rolls up huge yardage and points on Pittsburgh.

And the Maulers are 7th in the USFL in scoring offense, averaging just 17.7 PPG, so they’re not exactly going to light the world afire, either. This should be a defensive slog, with the Maulers eventually punching their ticket to the title game.

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Pittsburgh Maulers vs. New Jersey Generals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Maulers vs. New Jersey Generals Week 10 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The final week of the USFL regular season begins Saturday with the Pittsburgh Maulers (3-6) taking on the New Jersey Generals (3-6). Kickoff from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, is set for 1 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Generals odds, and make our expert USFL picks and predictions.

According to the USFL website, the winner of this game will make the playoffs. If the 1st-place Philadelphia Stars (4-5) lose to the Michigan Panthers (3-6) Sunday, the winner of the Pittsburgh-New Jersey game will be crowned North Division champions and will play the winner of the Philly-Michigan game in the playoffs.

The Maulers snapped a 3-game losing streak last week with a 19-7 win over the Michigan Panthers. They covered the spread as 1.5-point underdogs and the Under (41.5) hit in the victory.

The Generals snapped a 5-game skid with a 37-33 upset win over the Philadelphia Stars. They were 2.5-point underdogs and the total blew past the 43.5-point Over line.

Pittsburgh and New Jersey met in Week 2 with the Generals picking up a 20-3 win.

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Maulers 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 5:53 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maulers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Generals -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +3.5 (-110) | Generals -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers vs. Generals key injuries

(From official team Twitter accounts)

Maulers

  • None

Generals

  • DL Tyshun Render (toe) out

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Maulers vs. Generals picks and predictions

Prediction

Generals 21, Maulers 17

Moneyline

The Maulers have the 2nd-lowest scoring offense in the league, averaging only 16.8 points per game. They have failed to score 21 points or more 6 times, including a shutout in Week 6 and the 3-point showing against the Generals in Week 2.

The Generals averaged 17.2 points per game during their 5-game losing streak.

The Maulers have picked off 11 passes, but the Generals have only thrown 4.

The Maulers have not won consecutive games yet this season, while the Generals did in Weeks 2-3.

I lean Generals here but prefer the spread for the wager.

PASS.

Against the spread

All 3 of the Generals’ wins this season have been by at least 4 points.

Five of the Maulers’ 6 losses have been by at least 4 points.

BET GENERALS -3.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Seven of the Maulers’ 9 games this season have not reached 40 total points.

The Generals’ last 3 games have had at least 41 total points, but when these two met in Week 2, they combined for only 23 points.

Pittsburgh is 2-7 O/U on the season, while New Jersey is 3-6 O/U.

BET UNDER 40.5 (-110).

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Michigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers Week 9 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

Week 9 of the USFL schedule begins with the Michigan Panthers (3-5) taking on the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-6) Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks and predictions.

After snapping a 4-game losing streak 2 weeks ago, the Panthers, lost last week 24-20 to the New Orleans Breakers, failing to cover the 3-point spread as underdogs.

The Maulers lost 20-19 in Week 8 to the Houston Gamblers, missing a potential game-winning 41-yard field goal with under 2 minutes to play. They beat the 3-point spread as underdogs, but it was their 3rd consecutive loss.

Saturday will be the 2nd meeting between the Maulers and Panthers this season. Pittsburgh beat Michigan 23-7 in Week 5, pulling off the upset as a 3.5-point underdog.

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Panthers vs. Maulers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:44 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Panthers -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Maulers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (-105) | Maulers +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers vs. Maulers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Panthers

  • RB Reggie Corbin (shoulder) doubtful
  • LB Noah Dawkins (foot) questionable
  • DE Breeland Speaks (ankle) questionable
  • DE Tre Williams (back) doubtful

Maulers

  • WR Bailey Gaither (ankle) doubtful

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Panthers vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 23, Maulers 16

Moneyline

One of the Maulers’ 2 wins was the 23-7 victory over the Panthers in Week 5.

For the Panthers (-120), it comes down to what their offense can do. They’ve averaged 26.0 points per game (PPG) in their wins and they are 3-0 when scoring more than 20 points. They’ve averaged only 12.6 PPG in their 5 losses.

The Maulers (+100) have allowed 20 or more points in 4 of their last 5 games. The one game they didn’t was the win vs. the Panthers.

The Panthers have covered the spread in all 3 of their wins this season, so if you like the Panthers to win this game, you win a little more betting the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Panthers are 3-5 ATS, covering the spread in all 3 of their wins.

The Maulers are 4-4 ATS, covering 3 games in a row between Week 3 and Week 5.

Since this game is only a 1.5-point spread and believing the Panthers will win outright, the spread is a more valuable wager.

BET PANTHERS -1.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Only 2 games for the Maulers have cracked 40 total points this season — they’re 2-6 O/U on the season.

The Panthers’ last 2 games hit the Over but the Under was 5-0 in the previous 5 games — they’re 3-5 O/U for the season.

BET UNDER 41.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Houston Gamblers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Houston Gamblers vs. Pittsburgh Maulers Week 8 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

Week 8 of the USFL season kicks off Saturday with the Houston Gamblers (4-3) facing the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-5) at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for noon ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gamblers vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers had their 4-game winning streak snapped as they fell 23-20 to the Memphis Showboats as 3.5-point favorites. Houston rallied from 13-3 down to take a 20-16 lead, only to give up a 64-yard touchdown pass with less than 2 minutes remaining.

The Maulers put up their best offensive performance of the season but lost their 2nd straight game, a 37-31 defeat to the Philadelphia Stars as 2.5-point favorites.

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Gamblers vs. Maulers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:17 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Gamblers -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Maulers +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Gamblers -3 (-110) | Maulers +3 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gamblers vs. Maulers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Gamblers

  • DT Jeffery Johnson (hand) out
  • OL Braylon Jones (ankle) out
  • TE Rodell Rahmaan (hamstring) questionable
  • OL Jordan Steckler (hamstring) doubtful
  • DE Reggie Walker (ribs) doubtful

Maulers

  • LB Malcolm Howard (Achilles) out

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Gamblers vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 32, Maulers 24

Moneyline

The Maulers (+135) exploded for 31 points last week, but it came against the Philadelphia Stars, who allow the most points per game in the league.

The Gamblers (-160) have allowed the 2nd-most points in the league (23.1 PPG), but they are also 2nd in the league in offensive points per game at 25.4.

The Maulers have scored more than 20 points in 3 of their last 4 games, but they won’t be able to keep up with Gamblers Saturday.

That said, with the line priced the way it is, we’ll get a better value betting the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread

All 5 of the Maulers’ losses this season have been by 4 or more points.

All 4 of the Gamblers’ wins have been by 4 or more points.

BET GAMBLERS -3 (-110).

Over/Under

Five of the Gamblers’ 7 games this season have had totals of 43 or more.

The Maulers have only had 2 games with more than 42 total points this season, but facing a team last week known for allowing points (in Philadelphia) despite the Maulers’ trend of low-scoring games, the Over hit easily in the 37-31 loss.

BET OVER 42.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers Week 7 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Saturday night game in Week 7 of the USFL season has the Philadelphia Stars (3-3) taking on the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-4). Kickoff from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, is slated for 9 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Stars evened their record last Sunday with their 2nd straight win, a 16-10 victory as 7.5-point underdogs over the New Orleans Breakers. The victory was also a 2nd consecutive game in which the Stars won outright as an underdog. The Stars are 3-3 against the spread (ATS) for the season.

The Maulers were shut out 22-0 last week by the Memphis Showboats. They were 2.5-point favorites and are 3-3 ATS overall. The loss was quite a turnaround from the previous week’s 23-7 victory as 2.5-point underdogs vs. Michigan.

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Stars vs. Maulers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:37 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Stars -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Maulers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Stars +1.5 (-115) | Maulers -1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Stars vs. Maulers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Stars

  • None

Maulers

  • LB Malcolm Howard (Achilles) out

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Stars vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 20, Maulers 16

Moneyline

The Maulers upset the Stars 21-13 in Week 3, winning outright as 6.5-point underdogs.

However, the rest of the season hasn’t gone so well for Pittsburgh. With just 82 total points, the Maulers rank last in scoring — averaging 13.7 points per game (PPG). Along with being shut out last week, they were held to just 3 points in a 17-point loss to the New Jersey Generals in Week 2.

The Stars lead the North Division — by 1 game — but have allowed the most points in the league (140 total for 23.3 PPG).

The Maulers, despite their offensive struggles, have allowed the 2nd-fewest points in the league (108 for 18.0 PPG).

The Maulers’ season high in a game is 23 points. The Stars’ is 27.

Expect a close one, but I give the Stars the edge. BET STARS (-110).

Against the spread

With only a 1.5-point spread, you get slightly better odds on the moneyline (-110) than betting the Stars to cover at +1.5 (-115).

PASS.

Over/Under

Only 1 of the Maulers’ 6 games has reached 40 total points.

The 1st matchup between the 2 teams in Week 3 had 34 total points.

Three of the Stars’ games this season have cracked 40 points.

BET UNDER 39.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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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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Pittsburgh Maulers at Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Pittsburgh Maulers (1-3) and Michigan Panthers (2-2) meet Saturday for a Week 5 USFL game at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maulers put up a tremendous effort in a 24-20 loss last week against the Birmingham Stallions in a neutral-field game in Canton. Pittsburgh was able to cover as an 8.5-point underdog and is 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in 2 games as an underdog of 6.5 or more points. The Over cashed for the 1st time in 4 outings last week.

The Panthers suffered a 29-10 loss at home against the Memphis Showboats in Week 4. Michigan is 2-0 straight-up (SU) and ATS in 2 games as an underdog, and 0-2 SU/ATS in 2 games when favored. The Under has cashed in 3 consecutive outings for the Panthers and the offense has posted just 11.5 points per game (PPG) over the past 2 contests.

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Maulers at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maulers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Panthers -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +3.5 (-110) | Panthers -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 42 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers at Panthers key injuries

Maulers

  • LB Reuben Foster (knee) out

Panthers

  • LB Noah Dawkins (shoulder) doubtful
  • DB Kiante Hardin (hamstring) doubtful
  • WR Marcus Simms (hamstring) doubtful

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Maulers at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Maulers 22, Panthers 18

Moneyline

The MAULERS (+145) are worth a roll of the dice as a moderate underdog.

The Panthers started out as a ball of fire, taking care of the Houston Gamblers and Philadelphia Stars to go 2-0 SU/ATS. However, they’ve picked up losses the last 2 weeks and their point totals have decreased in every game since Week 1, bottoming out at just 10 points last week against Memphis.

Against the spread

The MAULERS +3.5 (-110) are a solid value catching 3 and a hook. Pittsburgh has covered 2 straight outings after opening with a pair of losses and non-covers.

The Panthers have failed to cover each of the past 2 when favored, and they’re unlikely to cash again Saturday afternoon.

Over/Under

UNDER 42 (-110) is worth a look.

The Panthers have cashed the Under in 3 straight games after cashing the Over back in Week 1. The Maulers have hit the Under at a 3-1 clip this season, although they cashed the Over (43.5) last weekend. However, Pittsburgh’s Over was by a half-point against Birmingham in Week 4.

The Maulers have scored 19.7 PPG through 4 games, while the Panthers’ offense is good for just 11.5 PPG in the past 2 outings on offense.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Birmingham Stallions vs. Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Birmingham Stallions vs. Pittsburgh Maulers Wek 4 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The final game of Week 4 of the USFL has the Birmingham Stallions (2-1) facing the Pittsburgh Maulers (1-2) on Sunday. Kickoff at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, is 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stallions vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Stallions suffered their 1st loss of the season last week, falling 45-31 to the New Orleans Breakers. They were 6-point favorites. The total hit the Over in the game.

The Maulers, after losing their 1st 2 games of the season, defeated the Philadelphia Stars last week 21-13 as 6.5-point underdogs, The game stayed Under the projected total of 42.5.

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Stallions vs. Maulers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:26 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Stallions -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Maulers +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Stallions -8.5 (-110) | Maulers +8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Stallions vs. Maulers key injuries

Stallions

  • S JoJo Tillery (ankle) out
  • DL Joe Jackson (ankle) out

Maulers

  • LB Reuben Foster (knee) out

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Stallions vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 31, Maulers 17

Moneyline

The Stallions have scored no fewer than 27 points in a game this season and average 33.3 points per game. The Maulers scored a season-high 21 in their win last week, but had only 18 combined points the previous 2 weeks.

But the Stallions are so heavily favored that it doesn’t make sense to bet the moneyline.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Stallions lost last week, but won their previous two games by 17 and 40 points. The Maulers failed to cover the spread in either of their losses and will struggle to keep up with the Birmingham offense.

BET STALLIONS -8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Maulers have not had a game reached 40 total points yet this season while twice the Stallions have had totals of 44 or more.

If the Stallions reach the 30-point mark, it will be tough to avoid the Over.

BET OVER 43.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Philadelphia Stars odds, picks and predictions

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

The Pittsburgh Maulers (0-2) and the Philadelphia Stars (1-1) meet Sunday for a Week 3 USFL game at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Stars odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maulers suffered a 22-15 setback in Week 1 against the New Orleans Breakers in Birmingham, and it was on the short end of a 20-3 setback against the New Jersey Devils in Week 2. Pittsburgh has failed to cover in each outing, while the Under has cashed in both games.

The Stars picked up a 27-23 win as a 2.5-point favorite in Week 1 at Memphis as the Over (38.5) connected. However, last week in Canton, Philly was on the short end of a 24-10 setback as 3-point favorites as the Under (46.5) cashed.

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Maulers vs. Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maulers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Stars -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +6.5 (-110) | Stars -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers vs. Stars key injuries

Maulers

  • OL Tre’Quan Dorsey (knee) out

Stars

  • S Joshua Moon (hamstring) out

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Maulers vs. Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 23, Maulers 15

Moneyline

The Stars (-275) will cost you over 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s too much risk and not enough value, especially for a Philly side, which is coming off a 14-point loss last time out against Michigan on a neutral field.

PASS.

Against the spread

The STARS -6.5 (-110) are worth playing lightly laying the points, especially if this line never gets to a flat 7 or 7.5.

Philadelphia’s offense looked functional in Week 1 in Memphis, while Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t been able to get on track in the first 2 games. The Maulers are averaging just 9.0 PPG, going 0-2 ATS to date.

Over/Under

UNDER 42.5 (-110) is worth a look.

The Stars cashed the Under last weekend against the Panthers, while the Maulers have cashed the Under in each of the 2 games. Pittsburgh has totaled just 18 points on offense in 2 outings, while the defense has been solid with just 21.0 PPG allowed.

This game might get into the 30’s, but it won’t go above 40 total points.

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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.

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