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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).

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Memphis Showboats vs. New Jersey Generals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Showboats vs. New Jersey Generals odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Showboats (4-3) face the New Jersey Generals (2-5) Saturday in a Week 8 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Generals odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Showboats opened the season with 3 consecutive losses, and 2 non-covers, and the defense was in shambles. In the first 3 weekends, Memphis allowed 33.0 PPG on defense. The Boats have won 4 in a row, while covering 5 straight, and Memphis has turned it around on D, allowing a total of 40 points during the win streak. The Under has cashed in 4 in a row, too.

The Generals opened with a respectable 2-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) mark, but it is in an 0-4 SU/ATS freefall. The offense hasn’t been clicking, averaging just 17.5 PPG during the skid, while the defense has been trying to hang tough with 21.3 PPG.

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Showboats 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 1:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Generals -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread: Showboats +2 (-110) | Generals -2 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Generals key injuries

Showboats

DT Frank Herron (knee) out
CB Jermaine Kelly (groin) doubtful
DE Jeff McCulloch (foot) out
S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
S Kyree Woods (concussion) out

Generals

OL Calvin Ashley (concussion) doubtful
QB De’Andre Johnson (concussion) doubtful
S Shalom Luani (knee) questionable
DE Tyshun Render (toe) out

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Showboats vs. Generals picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 25, Generals 21

Moneyline

MEMPHIS (+105) is the better play, as the Showboats have been playing tremendous football lately. The combination of timely offense and lockdown defense has been difficult to beat since a slow start.

While New Jersey (-125) is favored, there is really no good reason for that. The Generals have struggled lately, especially as a favorite, going 0-3 SU/ATS in the past 3 weekends. Meanwhile, Memphis has excelled as a ‘dog, winning outright and covering in each of the past 5 weekends.

Against the spread

MEMPHIS +2 (-110) is worth playing over the moneyline, only if you are dead set on New Jersey -2 (-110) winning this game by exactly 1 point. If not, it makes no sense to play the Boats catching these little bit of points. It’s a better value to take Memphis straight up.

Over/Under

The OVER 41.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

Yes, the Memphis defense has allowed just 10.0 PPG in the last 4 games, cashing the Under in each outing. However, New Jersey is a little more giving on defense, allowing 20 or more points, and the Boats should show out against the Jersey D.

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Michigan Panthers vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Michigan Panthers vs. New Orleans Breakers Week 8 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

Week 8 of the USFL season concludes Sunday with the Michigan Panthers (3-4) taking on the New Orleans Breakers (4-3). Kickoff from Protective Stadium in Birmingham is 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Breakers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers snapped a 4-game losing streak last week with a 25-22 win over the Generals as 6.5-point underdogs. In their previous 4 games, they had not scored more than 13 points.

The Breakers are coming off a 24-20 loss to the Stallions as 1.5-point underdogs. They have lost 3 straight games after a 4-0 start.

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Panthers vs. Breakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Breakers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +3 (-110) | Breakers -3 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers vs. Breakers key injuries

Panthers

TE Kyle Markway (neck) questionable

Breakers

None

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Panthers vs. Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Breakers 27, Panthers 20

Moneyline

The Panthers have scored 24 or more points in their 3 wins and 13 or fewer in their 4 losses.The Panthers have allowed 22 or more points in each of their last 5 games.

The Breakers scored 125 points in their first 4 games, all wins. Since then, they have scored 40 points in their last 3, all losses.

Expect the Breakers, who scored 20 in a loss last week, to get on track offensively. But a better bet is to go with the spread.

PASS on the moneyline.

Against the spread

All 4 of the Breakers’ wins this season have been by at least 3 points while the Panthers have not lost by fewer than 14 points this season.

Will this be a blowout? Perhaps not, but Michigan’s defense hasn’t exactly stopped anyone over the last 5 games.

BET BREAKERS -3 (-110).

Over/Under

Three of the Breakers’ games this season have finished with 44 or more points. Last week’s win for the Panthers was their 1st game with a total more than 42 points.

Assuming they stay on track and can score like they did last week and believing they won’t be able to limit New Orleans, you should see a total in the upper 40s.

BET OVER 43.5 (-110).

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Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

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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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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Michigan Panthers vs. New Jersey Generals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Michigan Panthers vs. New Jersey Generals odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Michigan Panthers (2-4) meet the New Jersey Generals (2-4) Sunday in a Week 7 USFL game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Generals odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers won and covered the 1st 2 games, but they’re 0-4 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) since Week 3. Michigan suffered its 1st loss of the season in a 28-13 Week 3 loss to New Jersey at Ford Field.

The Generals were unable to follow up that victory with much success, going 0-3 SU/ATS in the last 3 outings. The offense has struggled, averaging just 16.0 PPG after posting a season-best 28 points against Michigan in Week 3.

New Jersey posted 377 total yards of offense in that Week 3 matchup in Michigan, while the Panthers managed just 265 yards. The Generals averaged 8.8 yards per play, too, while the Panthers were good for just 4.1 yards per play.

The Under has cashed in 5 consecutive games for the Panthers, while going 5-1 overall for the Generals.

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Panthers 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 1:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Generals -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Panthers +6.5 (-110) | Generals -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers vs. Generals key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Panthers

OL Brodarious Hamm (knee) doubtful

Generals

OL Isaiah Battle (calf) questionable
S Shalom Luani (knee) doubtful
WR J’Mon Moore (Achilles, toe) questionable
DE Tyshun Render (toe) questionable
DT Kalani Vakameilalo (ankle) questionable

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Panthers vs. Generals picks and predictions

Prediction

Generals 22, Panthers 13

Moneyline

New Jersey (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return. While the Generals topped Michigan (+220) on its home field back in Week 3, it’s still a rather risky bet. Jersey has dropped and failed to cover the last 3 games.

PASS.

Against the spread

NEW JERSEY -6.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly, as the wager comes with risk. The bad news is that the Generals have failed to cover the last 3 games. The good news is that the most recent cover came against Michigan +6.5 (-110) in Week 3, and that was at Ford Field.

The Generals should be able to run the ball well, whittling down the Panthers defense to a nub.

Over/Under

UNDER 39.5 (-110) is a bit risky, as this is a low, low number. In fact, it’s the first total in the USFL below 40 since Week 2.

However, the Generals offense has cobbled together just 16.0 PPG on offense in the last 3 weekends, while allowing 15.2 PPG across the previous 5 outings.

The Panthers have totaled just 43 points on offense in the 4-game freefall, or just 10.8 PPG. The defense has been fairly giving, yielding 23 or more points in each of the 4 outings. However, this game is unlikely to wander into the 40’s or higher.

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Houston Gamblers at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Gamblers at Memphis Showboats odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Gamblers (4-2) face the Memphis Showboats (3-3) Sunday in a Week 7 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gamblers vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers look to run it back after posting a 30-26 victory in Memphis in Week 3. While the Showboats covered the spread that day as 4.5-point underdogs, that win kicked off a 4-game win streak for Houston.

That loss for the Boats served as a wake-up call, however, as Memphis has rattled off 3 straight victories after slipping to 0-3 straight-up (SU) after the loss to the Gamblers. The Showboats have covered 4 straight outings, too.

In that Week 3 matchup, it was pretty even. Houston edged Memphis with 365 total yards to 317. The Gamblers posted 3 TDs in 3 trips to the red zone, while the Showboats managed just a single TD in 3 red-zone visits. That was the difference. Houston also gobbled up 132 rushing yards, to just 21 yards on 15 attempts (1.4 yards per rush) for Memphis.

The Under cashed for Houston last week in a 16-10 win over New Jersey in Memphis, the 1st Under after a 5-0 run for the Over to start.

The Under has cashed in 3 straight games for the Showboats, and the defense has allowed just 20 total points during the streak, including a shutout of the Pittsburgh Maulers last weekend.

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Gamblers at Showboats odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gamblers -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Showboats +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread: Gamblers -3.5 (-110) | Showboats +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gamblers at Showboats key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Gamblers

TE Brandon Barnes (hand) out
DT Julian McCleod (hamstring) out

Showboats

DT Frank Herron (knee) out
CB Jermaine Kelly (groin) questionable
OL Darta Lee (knee) out
S Lamont McPhatter II (ankle) out
DT Viane Moala (hip) out

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Gamblers at Showboats picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 22, Gamblers 20

Moneyline

MEMPHIS (+140) is a value play at home, as they’ll have revenge on their minds as well.

Memphis has won 3 in a row since losing to the Gamblers (-165) in Week 3, and the Showboats have covered 4 in a row overall. This is a Showboats defense playing with a lot of confidence, and the Gamblers will definitely not march up and down the field like they did in the 1st meeting.

Against the spread

MEMPHIS +3.5 (-110) is a decent play, especially catching 3 and a hook at home. The Showboats have covered 4 straight games after opening 0-2 ATS.

There is risk here, as Houston -3.5 (-110) has rattled off 3 straight covers after opening 0-3 ATS. The difference is venue, and the Boats will be right at home in the Liberty Bowl, as they look to stay hot.

Over/Under

UNDER 42.5 (-110) is the play, but go lightly with a half-unit at best.

The Under has connected in 3 straight outings for the Showboats, as defense has been the rule with just 6.7 PPG allowed in the 3-game span. The Memphis offense is still a work in progress, too, posting an average of just 19.2 PPG across the last 5 outings.

While the Over started out 5-0 for the Gamblers, the Under cashed last week, and Houston’s defense allowed a season-low 10 points against the Generals.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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Birmingham Stallions vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Birmingham Stallions vs. New Orleans Breakers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Birmingham Stallions (4-2) face the New Orleans Breakers (4-2) Saturday for a Week 7 USFL game at Protective Field in Birmingham. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stallions vs. Breakers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

Technically, this is considered a road game for the Stallions, despite the fact they’re playing this game in Birmingham.

At Protective Stadium this season, the Stallions have posted a 2-2 straight-up (SU) record, while also going 2-2 against the spread (ATS). That includes a 45-31 setback in Week 3 as 6-point favorites against the Breakers, when the Stallions were a true home team. The Over (48.5) easily connected in that game.

In that Week 3 matchup, New Orleans had 483 total yards, to just 253 for Birmingham. It started well for the Stallions, as WR/KR Deon Cain took the opening kickoff 82 yards for a score. Breakers QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson was too much for the Stallions, though, completing 20 of 28 passes for 283 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. RB Wes Hills also gouged the Stallions for 191 rushing yards and 3 TDs.

Birmingham QB Alex McGough tossed a pair of TDs, but RB CJ Marable was bottled up for just 24 rushing yards, although he did score once. WR Davion Davis shined with 5 grabs for 123 yards and a score.

Birmingham snapped an 0-3 ATS skid last weekend with a 27-13 victory in Michigan as 5.5-point favorites, while cashing the Under (44.5). The defense had allowed 30.7 points per game (PPG) in the previous 3 contests before the 13 points allowed in the win.

The Breakers opened the season 4-0 SU/ATS, but the offense has gone silent the past 2 weekends. New Orleans lost 17-10 to Memphis in Birmingham in Week 5, and lost 16-10 last weekend in Week 6 to Philadelphia in Detroit. The Breakers were favorites in both games — 7 points vs. Memphis and 7.5 points vs. Philly.

The Under is on a 3-0 run for the Breakers, as the defense has yielded just 16.7 PPG across the previous 3 contests.

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Stallions vs. Breakers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stallions -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Breakers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread: Stallions -1.5 (-110) | Breakers +1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Stallions vs. Breakers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Stallions

DE Joe Jackson (ankle) questionable
LB Elijah Sullivan (foot) questionable
DE Jordan Thompson (hamstring) questionable

Breakers

WR Dee Anderson (groin) out
LB Jordan Brailford (back) out
S Greg Eisworth (head) questionable
S Jamar Johnson (hamstring) out

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Stallions vs. Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 24, Breakers 17

Moneyline

BIRMINGHAM (-125) is worth playing in this neutral-site game, especially if you believe it’s going to be a super close game and you don’t want to worry about the points.

The Stallions have posted 20 or more points in all 6 of their games this season, and the defense looked good last week against the Panthers, reverting back to its form from the first 2 weekends when Birmingham was 2-0 SU/ATS, allowing just 12 total points.

New Orleans (+105) has struggled offensively in the past 2 outings, and facing a confident Stallions team in Birmingham, even if this is technically a “home” game, won’t serve the Breakers well.

Against the spread

BIRMINGHAM -1.5 (-110) is a little cheaper laying the really small amount of points.

Unless you’re hellbent on the Stallions winning this game by just a single point, or obviously if you like New Orleans +1.5 (-110), back Birmingham to win by 2 or more points.

Over/Under

UNDER 45.5 (-110) is a play in this key Week 7 South Division battle.

The Breakers have allowed 17 or fewer points in each of the previous 3 outings, cashing the Under in all of those games. The Stallions cashed the Under last weekend, yielding just 13 points to the Panthers. We won’t get a shootout between these teams like we saw back in Week 3.

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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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New Jersey Generals vs Houston Gamblers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New Jersey Generals vs. Houston Gamblers Week 6 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Week 6 schedule for the USFL closes out Sunday with the New Jersey Generals (2-3) taking on the Houston Gamblers (3-2). Kickoff at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis is 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Gamblers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Generals lost their 2nd straight game last week, 24-21 to the Philadelphia Stars. The Generals were 6.5-point favorites.

The Gamblers won their 3rd straight game last week, defeating the defending champion Birmingham Stallions 27-20 as 4.5-point underdogs.

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Generals vs. Gamblers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:33 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Generals -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Gamblers +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Against the spread (ATS): Generals -5.5 (-110) | Gamblers +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Generals vs. Gamblers key injuries

Generals

OL Isaiah Battle (calf) doubtful
WR Darrell Stewart Jr. (hamstring) doubtful

Gamblers

TE Brandon Barnes (hand) out
OL Jordan Steckler (hamstring) questionable

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Generals vs. Gamblers picks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 24, Generals 20

Moneyline

The Generals only allow 17.4 points per game, but have lost 2 straight while the Gamblers have been rolling since starting the season 0-2. The Gamblers have won 3 games in a row and have averaged 32.7 points per game in the winning streak. Ride the hot hand for a big payout on the upset.

BET GAMBLERS (+180).

Against the spread

The Gamblers’ 2 losses this season were by at least a touchdown while the Generals’ 2 wins this season were both by at least 15 points, But expecting the Gamblers to pick up the outright win, there is no need to bet them on the spread because of the much better payout on the moneyline.

PASS.

Over/Under

Three of the Gamblers’ games this season have had over 50 total points. The Generals have not yet had a game with more than 43 points.

BET UNDER 48.5 (-115).

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

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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