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