The Philadelphia Stars (4-3) face the Birmingham Stallions (5-2) Saturday in a Week 8 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.
It has been a roller coaster ride for the Stars this season, winning an impressive opening game on the road in Memphis, then losing and failing to cover the next 3 outings. However, Philly has righted the ship and has picked up 3 straight wins, including a 37-31 victory in Canton against the Pittsburgh Maulers last weekend.
The Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings for Philadelphia, and its defense has been a reason the team is barely over .500. The Stars have allowed 21 or more points in 6 of the past 7 contests.
The Stallions picked up a 24-20 win against the New Orleans Breakers last weekend in Birmingham and have won and covered the past 2 games since a 27-20 home setback against the Houston Gamblers in Week 5.
The defense has been fantastic for Birmingham lately, allowing just 16.5 points per game (PPG) across the past 2 weeks, and it has helped the Under cash in back-to-back games after 3 consecutive Over outings.
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Stars at Stallions odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Stars +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Stallions -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Stars +6 (-110) | Stallions -6 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Stars at Stallions key injuries
Stars
- None
Stallions
- CB Donnie Lewis (hand, leg) out
- DE Jordan Thompson (hamstring) questionable
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Stars at Stallions picks and predictions
Prediction
Stallions 27, Stars 23
Moneyline
Birmingham (-225) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s risky, even at home. The Stallions have won the past 2 outings while scoring 24 or more points in 6 of 7 games overall.
Philadelphia (+180) has been playing well lately, winning and covering in 3 straight neutral-site games. However, playing at Protective Stadium will be too much and will tip the scales in favor of the home side.
PASS.
Against the spread
PHILADELPHIA +6 (-110) is worth a look, as the Stars have the offense to hang with Birmingham. We saw that evidenced by last weekend’s season-high 37 points against Pittsburgh.
The Stallions’ offense has been consistent, going for 24 or more points in 6 of 7 games overall, and there is very little chance Birmingham isn’t able to get it done against a very giving Philly defense. Still, the Stars can keep it within 6.
Over/Under
The OVER 45.5 (-110) is a good play here as both of these defenses have had issues.
The Under has cashed in 2 straight for Birmingham but the Stallions have scored 20 or more points in all 7 games, including 28.8 PPG in 5 outings at Protective Stadium.
The Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings for the Stars, as Philly has scored 23.3 and allowed 25.8 PPG in over that span. Look for a high-scoring affair in Week 8.
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