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.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
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)
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Panthers vs. Maulers key injuries
(From official team Twitter pages)
Panthers
- None
Maulers
- None
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
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.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
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.
Access NFL coverage:
SportsbookWire | BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=48550]
