USFL betting odds lines picks predictions best bets – Page 4

Houston Gamblers vs Philadelphia Stars odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Houston Gamblers vs. Philadelphia Stars Week 4 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

Week 4 of the 2023 USFL season kicks off with the Houston Gamblers (1-2) facing the Philadelphia Stars (1-2) on Saturday. Kickoff at Ford Field in Detroit is at noon ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gamblers vs. Stars odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers picked up their 1st win of the season last week with a 30-26 road victory over the Memphis Showboats. However, they did not cover the 4.5-point spread as the favorites and the Over cashed.

The Stars lost for the 2nd straight week, falling 21-13 to the Pittsburgh Maulers in Detroit last week, The Stars were 6.5-point favorites. The total went Under the projected 42.5.

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Gamblers vs. Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:12 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gamblers +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Stars -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gamblers +2.5 (-110) | Stars -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gamblers vs. Stars key injuries

Gamblers

RB T.J. Pledger (ankle) out
DT Damion Daniels (knee) out
P Andrew Galitz (foot) out
OT Jordan Steckler (neck) out

Stars

S Joshua Moon (hamstring) out
DL Cedrick Lattimore (Achilles) out
LB Jordan Genmark Heath (hamstring) out

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Gamblers vs. Starspicks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 31, Stars 20

Moneyline

The Stars opened the season with a 27-23 win, but have only scored 23 points combined in the 2 games that followed. Houston has scored at least 30 in consecutive weeks and appears to be improving.

With the upward trend of the Gamblers and downward trend of the Stars, BET GAMBLERS (+120) for the outright win.

Against the spread

The Stars have not covered the spread in the last 2 games in either loss. The Gamblers have not covered the spread this season. However, with their offense scoring 30 and 31 the last 2 weeks and with the Stars scoring a combined 23, this is the week they break through.

But because we like the Gamblers on the moneyline with positive odds, that is the better bet than the spread.

PASS.

Over/Under

The Stars’ last 2 games have each had a total of 34 while the Gamblers’ last 2 games had totals of 69 and 56.

Houston is not struggling to score. They have also allowed 64 points over the last 2 weeks.

BET OVER 46.5 (-110).

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New Jersey Generals at Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

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

The New Jersey Generals (1-1) and the Michigan Panthers (2-0) meet Sunday for a Week 3 USFL game at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Generals opened with a 27-10 loss on the road against the Birmingham Stallions, failing to cover as a 5-point underdog as the Under (39.5) connected. New Jersey rebounded last weekend with a 20-3 win on a neutral field in Canton against the Pittsburgh Maulers, cashing the Under (36.5) in rather easy fashion while covering as 5-point favorites.

The Panthers opened with an impressive 29-13 win over the Houston Gamblers, while topping the Philadelphia Stars 24-10 in Week 2. Michigan was an underdog in both outings, but won outright while splitting the Over/Under in the 2 games.

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Generals 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 1:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Generals +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Panthers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Generals +4.5 (-110) | Panthers -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Generals vs. Panthers key injuries

Generals

OT Isaiah Battle (calf) doubtful
WR Warren Newman (toe, hamstring) doubtful

Panthers

DL Garrett Marino (back) questionable
OT Denzel Okafor (knee) out

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Generals vs. Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 24, Generals 15

Moneyline

The Panthers (-200) play their 1st home game of the season, and the crowd at Ford Field should be pumped up.

PASS.

Against the spread

The PANTHERS -4.5 (-110) are the play in their home debut, as Michigan has shown tremendous balance through the first 2 games. It can run the ball, and pass, while also showing a lot of flash on defense. In fact, Michigan has posted 4 INTs with 6 forced fumbles, while tying for the league lead with 8 sacks.

The Generals +4.5 (-110) are a top-notch rushing unit, but a highly imbalanced offense. New Jersey’s rushing attack will be a good test for a Michigan run D which ranks 1st in the USFL with just 71.5 rushing yards allowed.

Over/Under

UNDER 42.5 (-110) is a decent here.

The Panthers defense is top-notch, and won’t allow much against the Generals. New Jersey can run the ball well, but isn’t much in the pass department. It will struggle to put up points on a well-rounded Panthers D.

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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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Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Gamblers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Houston Gamblers (0-2) and the Memphis Showboats (0-2) meet Saturday for a Week 3 USFL game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Showboats odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers have suffered a pair of losses so far this season. Houston was turnover-prone in a Week 1 loss against Michigan in Week 1, falling 29-13 as a 1-point favorite. The Gamblers had a nice offensive performance in Week 2, but allowed 38 points in a 38-31 setback to the New Orleans Breakers. The Over is 2-0 for Houston so far.

The Showboats were on the short end of a 27-23 loss at home against the Philadelphia Stars in a very entertaining Week 1 game. However, Memphis was completely shown up at Birmingham last weekend, as the Stallions blasted the Boats 42-2. Memphis is 0-2 against the spread so far this season, with the Over/Under splitting 1-1.

This game is being played on the home field of Memphis, although technically, Houston is considered the ‘home’ team.

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Showboats 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 9:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Gamblers -210 (bet $210 to win $10)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +4.5 (-105) | Gamblers -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Gamblers key injuries

Showboats

S Stephen Griffin (foot) doubtful
LB Jeff McCulloch (hamstring) questionable
CB Josh Nurse (hamstring, back) doubtful
S Antonio Reed (knee) questionable

Gamblers

None

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Showboats vs. Gamblers picks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 29, Showboats 23

Moneyline

The Gamblers (-210) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too costly on a team playing on the home field of the opponent even if it is technically the ‘home’ team.

The Gamblers are 0-2 straight up and ATS, so it isn’t like they have lit it up so far.

PASS.

Against the spread

Roll with the GAMBLERS -4.5 (-115) to cover, although I’d go rather lightly.

These are both bad teams, in particular on defense. Houston allows the 2nd-most yards through the air, so QB Brady White and the Showboats should be able to move the ball. However, Houston RB TJ Pledger should have a giant game for the Gamblers. Memphis has yielded a USFL-worst 133 rushing yards per game so far.

Over/Under

OVER 43.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board in this battle of winless teams.

Houston has a porous pass defense, while White and the Showboats should find a lot more success on offense than they did last week against Birmingham. The Generals should also be able to pile up the rushing yards on a bad Showboats run defense. Look for a healthy number of points in Week 3.

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

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

The New Orleans Breakers (2-0) and the Birmingham Stallions (2-0) meet Saturday for a Week 3 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Breakers vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Breakers opened the season with a 22-15 win in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Maulers as 4-point favorites and narrowly covered in a 38-31 win over the Houston Gamblers as 6.5-point favorites in Week 2. The Breakers are 2nd in the USFL with 30.0 points per game (PPG), behind the Stallions, with 34.5 PPG. The Over/Under has split in 2 games for New Orleans.

The Stallions won 27-10 against the New Jersey Generals in their opener and topped the Memphis Showboats 42-2 as 7-point favorites in Week 2, improving to 2-0 straight up and against the spread (ATS). The Under cashed in each outing for the Stallions.

The Stallions lead the all-time series 7-1, including a 31-17 win in the USFL semifinals playoff game last season. QB Kyle Sloter threw for 328 yards in that victory, the most passing yards in the series. He is now on the Stallions roster.

Birmingham also won 22-13 on May 1 and 18-9 on June 4 in regular-season action last season.

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Breakers vs. Stallions odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Breakers +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Stallions -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Breakers +6 (-110) | Stallions -6 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Breakers vs. Stallions key injuries

Breakers

WR Jay Adams (hip) probable
DT Connor Christian (oblique) probable
S Jarey Elder (shoulder) probable
OG Marquis Lucas (leg) probable
WR Lee Morris (ankle) probable
DT Keonte Schad (back) questionable

Stallions

DE Joe Jackson (ankle) out
OT Matt Kaskey (hand) probable
DB JoJo Tillery (foot) out
LB Scooby Wright (calf) questionable

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Breakers vs. Stallions picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 25, Breakers 22

Moneyline

The Stallions (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and there is just no value playing such a heavy favorite straight up.

Birmingham is again expected to start QB Alex McGough, with QB Kyle Sloter, a former Breaker, perhaps making his debut as the backup.

While Birmingham has won 7 of the 8 all-time meetings, including all 3 meetings last season, PASS, and look to the spread in what should be a close game.

Against the spread

Back the BREAKERS +6 (-110) to cover the number, although I’d obviously be a lot more comfortable if it were a flat 7 or 7 and a hook.

The Stallions have been stout on defense, allowing just 12 total points through 2 games, and the Breakers have been a little more giving. That will be the difference in this game.

Over/Under

UNDER 48.5 (-110) is the best play on the board in Week 3.

This total is way too high with how Birmingham’s defense has been playing. This team has allowed just 6.0 PPG, although New Orleans should be able to do much better than that. The Breakers posted 38 points last week against a bad Houston team, although they also allowed 31 points which is slightly concerning with an Under play. Still, going low is the way to go.

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Michigan Panthers vs. Philadelphia Stars odds, picks and predictions

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

The Michigan Panthers (1-0) and the Philadelphia Stars (1-0) meet Sunday for a Week 2 USFL game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Stars odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers picked up a dominating 29-13 victory over the Houston Gamblers in Memphis as a 1-point underdog as the Over (38.5) connected. Michigan was dominant, posting 327 total yards of offense to just 194 total yards for the Gamblers. Michigan was plus-3 in turnover differential, too.

The Stars went down to Memphis and took care of the Showboats by a 27-23 count, cashing as 2.5-point road favorites as the Over (38.5) cashed rather comfortably. It was a pretty even game in Memphis, with the Boats posting 295 total yards to 281 for the Stars. The difference was Philly had a plus-1 turnover margin.

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Panthers vs. Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Stars -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +3 (-110) | Stars -3 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Panthers vs. Stars key injuries

Panthers

QB Eric Barriere (undisclosed) out
TE Marcus Baugh (hamstring) probable
WR Whop Philyor (undisaclosed) out

Stars

QB KJ Costello (undisclosed) out
TE Lawrence Dalla Betta (undisclosed) out
TE Bug Howard (undisclosed) out
QB Vad Lee (undisclosed) out
WR Chris Rowland (hamstring) out
TE Pro Wells (Achilles) probable

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Panthers vs. Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 25, Panthers 22

Moneyline

The STARS (-155) are a solid play if you don’t want to bother with laying the points. This should be an entertaining game, as we have a pair of exciting QBs with Case Cookus (Stars) and Josh Love (Panthers) looking to put on a show.

Look for plenty of fireworks in Canton in this final game of the USFL Week 2 schedule.

Against the spread

I am looking for the Stars (-3) to actually push. This has the potential to be a high-scoring affair at a neutral site.

Philadelphia was impressive Week 1, going 4-for-4 in the red zone with TDs, while holding the Showboats to just 1 TD in 2 trips inside the 20.

PASS, and look to the moneyline instead.

Over/Under

OVER 46.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly with a half-unit play at best.

Both teams cashed the Over last week, with Philadelphia combining with Memphis for 50 points on a total of just 38.5, and Michigan combining with Houston for 42 total points with a line of just 38.5. The books have adjusted, but with Cookus and Love, we could see quite a bit of aerial action. We saw 69 total points in the Houston-New Orleans game on Saturday, so don’t expect that. But a total in the high 40’s, or low 50’s is certainly likely.

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

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

The New Jersey Generals (0-1) and the Pittsburgh Maulers (0-1) meet Sunday for a Week 2 USFL game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Generals vs. Maulers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Generals opened the season with a disappointing 27-10 road loss against the Birmingham Stallions, as they didn’t come close to covering a 5-point number as the Under (39.5) cashed.

New Jersey did some good things, though, as the Generals actually outgained the Stallions in total yards of offense 361-310, while posting a respectable 5.8 yards per play. Jersey also racked up 197 rushing yards, and 6.6 yards per rush, but it did lose 2 fumbles, and were minus-1 in turnover differential.

The Maulers were on the short end of a 22-15 setback against the New Orleans Breakers in Birmingham. While the score appears to indicate it was a close game, Pittsburgh had just 156 total yards of offense, while allowing New Orleans to post 332 total yards. The Maulers cobbled together just 72 yards through the air, too, while allowing 270 passing yards.

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Generals 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 12:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Generals -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Maulers +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Against the spread (ATS): Generals -5.5 (-110) | Maulers +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Generals vs. Maulers key injuries

Generals

CB Blake Countess (Achilles) out
DB Meiko Dotson (hamstring) questionable
WR Warren Newman (hamstring, toe) doubtful
WR Randy Satterfield (hip) doubtful
OL Saige Young (back) questionable

Maulers

RB Garrett Groshek (foot) questionable

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Generals vs. Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Generals 22, Maulers 15

Moneyline

The Generals (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive for a standalone play.

PASS, and look to the spread for this game instead.

Against the spread

The GENERALS -5.5 (-110) are worth backing in this Week 2 matchup, as New Jersey has RB Darius Victor, who can score any time he touches the football. The USFL’s leading rusher last season started hot in Week 1, posting 84 yards on just 8 totes, and QB De’Andre Johnson can also tuck it and go. He had 45 yards on 7 attempts last weekend.

The Maulers +5.5 (-110) will have their hands full trying to corral the Generals on the ground.

Over/Under

OVER 36.5 (-110) is the lean, ever so slightly, but go rather lightly.

The Maulers allowed 22 points last week against New Orleans, while the Generals allowed 27 points against Birmingham. Both offenses struggled, but should fine a little more success this weekend against more giving defensive units.

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Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions odds, picks and predictions

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

The Memphis Showboats (0-1) and the Birmingham Stallions (1-0) meet Saturday for a Week 2 USFL game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Showboats vs. Stallions odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Showboats opened the season with an exciting 27-23 setback against the Philadelphia Stars at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis actually outgained Philadelphia by a 295-to-281 margin in total yards. The difference was a lone turnover via interception for Memphis, while Philadelphia didn’t have any miscues.

The Stallions belted the visiting New Jersey Generals in Birmingham by a 27-10 count. The Generals actually had 361 total yards of offense, compared to just 310 yards for the Stallions, and Birmingham allowed 197 rushing yards, and 6.6 yards per attempt. However, the Stallions were plus-1 in turnover margin, pouncing upon 2 lost fumbles by the Gens.

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Showboats vs. Stallions odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Showboats +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Stallions -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Showboats +7 (-110) | Stallions -7 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Showboats vs. Stallions key injuries

Showboats

QB Montell Cozart (undisclosed) out
WR Tyler Palka (undisclosed) out
TE Rodell Rahmaan (undisclosed) out
RB Devwah Whaley (coach’s decision) out

Stallions

WR Adrian Hardy (undisclosed) out
FB Bobby Holly (undisclosed) injured reserve
RB Bo Scarbrough (knee) injured reserve
QB Kyle Sloter (coach’s decision) out
TE La’Michael Pettway (coach’s decision) out
QB J’Mar Smith (finger) injured reserve
WR Marlon Williams (Achilles) injured reserve

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Showboats vs. Stallions picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 23, Showboats 19

Moneyline

The Stallions (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

Birmingham lost starting QB J’Mar Smith to a season-ending finger injury and will turn to QB Alex McGough, while adding QB Kyle Sloter from the New Orleans Breakers. However, the latter is on the inactive list, so it’s McGough’s show in Week 2. It also hurts that the Stallions lost Scarbrough indefinitely to a knee ailment.

PASS, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

Look to the SHOWBOATS +7 (-110) to cover the number. Memphis has one of the top running backs in the league in RB Alex Collins, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He rumbled for 63 yards on 14 carries while posting a score last weekend. He’ll be a force for the Stallions’ defense to corral.

The injuries have mounted quickly for the Stallions -7 (-110), and as a result, this is a little bit too high of a line.

Over/Under

UNDER 44.5 (-110) is a strong option in Week 2.

The Stallions will likely struggle with consistency on offense, replacing Smith under center and Scarbrough in the backfield. The Boats were involved in the highest-scoring game in Week 1, while the Stallions saw the Under connect. Birmingham allowed just 10 points in the home victory.

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Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Houston Gamblers (0-1) and the New Orleans Breakers (1-0) meet Saturday for a Week 2 game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gamblers vs. Breakers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Gamblers opened the season with a disappointing 29-13 setback against the Michigan Panthers in Memphis as 1-point favorites with the Over (38.5) connecting. Houston managed just 194 total yards of offense while allowing 327 total yards to Michigan. The Gamblers threw for just 96 total yards — 4.4 yards per attempt.

Plus, Houston turned the ball over 4 times and had a minus-3 turnover differential, losing 2 fumbles with 2 interceptions.

The Breakers dominated the time of possession in a 22-15 win over the Pittsburgh Maulers in Week 1 with a 37:18 TOP compared to Pittsburgh’s 22:42.

The Breakers, who covered the spread as 3.5-point favorites, finished with 332 total yards and held the Maulers to just 156. Most of New Orleans’ yards came through the air (270), while Pittsburgh only had 72 passing yards.

New Orleans lost a fumble, and it was on the short end of a minus-1 turnover differential, but it still managed to win.

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Gamblers 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 6:08 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gamblers +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Breakers -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gamblers +6.5 (-110) | Breakers -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gamblers vs. Breakers key injuries

(From official team Twitter pages)

Gamblers

OL Tyler Higby (shoulder) out
DL Ikenna Onwuasoanya (knee) out
OL Kristjan Sokoli (shoulder) questionable

Breakers

WR Jonathan Adams (hip) probable
CB Adonis Alexander (back) probable
DB Nevelle Clarke (elbow) probable
DL Connor Christian (oblique) probable
S Jarey Elder (shoulder) probable
S Greg Eisworth II (chest, knee) probable
DL Justus Reed (shoulder) probable
TE Sage Surratt (knee) probable
K Matthew White (leg) questionable

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Gamblers vs. Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Breakers 23, Gamblers 16

Moneyline

The Breakers (-225) will cost 2.25 times your potential return. That’s a little expensive. Over the long term, it’s not a very good strategy playing such heavy favorites.

PASS, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

Backing the BREAKERS -6.5 (-110) lightly is worth the play. New Orleans covered last week on this very same field, and it facing a Gamblers squad that was awfully sloppy with the ball. In addition, Houston did very little through the air, and it will struggle tremendously against a sturdy New Orleans defense.

Over/Under

UNDER 42 (-110) is the BEST PLAY in this game.

The Breakers defense allowed just 156 total yards against the Maulers in Week 1, and it should be able to throw a blanket on this Gamblers offense. Houston did allow 29 points last week, but the New Orleans offense isn’t likely to be nearly as effective. It also had its struggles last weekend.

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

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Pittsburgh Maulers vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Maulers vs. New Orleans Breakers odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Maulers and the New Orleans Breakers meet Sunday in the Week 1 opener at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX Sports 1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maulers vs. Breakers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Maulers posted the worst record in the USFL in 2022, winning just once in 10 tries. Pittsburgh also had a dismal minus-96 point differential, which was easily the worst in the league.

The Breakers qualified for the playoffs after going 6-4, but they lost in the division finals 31-17 to the eventual champion Birmingham Stallion. QB Kyle Sloter was on the All-USFL team, while TE Sal Cannella and C Jared Thomas also made the team on offense. TEs EJ Bibbs and Sage Surratt look to replace Cannella, who has moved on.

Sloter is gone, however, although QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson heads from the CFL to USFL trying to make noise. He’ll have playmaker WRs Jonathan Adams and Johnnie Dixon to help ease the transition.

Defensively, the Breakers had DE Davin Bellamy and DT Reggie Howard Jr. on the All-USFL team, too, while LB Jerod Fernandez joined them. Bellamy has moved on, but Fernandez and Howard are back to anchor the D.

New Orleans topped Pittsburgh by a 26-16 score in Week 6 last season, covering as the Over just came in.

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Maulers 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 12:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Maulers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Breakers -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Maulers +4 (-110) | Breakers -4 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Maulers vs. Breakers key injuries

Maulers

LB Tyson Graham (undisclosed) out

Breakers

None

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Maulers vs. Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Breakers 26, Maulers 13

Moneyline

The BREAKERS (-165) aren’t priced out of line if you just want to pick a straight-up winner, and you would rather not fool around with laying the points.

New Orleans says good-bye to Sloter, but Bethel-Thompson and newcomer QB Ageel Glass both have an array of solid downfield threats to pick up right where NOLA left off last season. MBT won the Grey Cup in Canada, and has the tools to be even better than Sloter was in 2022.

Against the spread

Backing the BREAKERS -4 (-110) is a tremendous play. The Maulers +4 (-110) were awful in 2022, and there doesn’t appear to be as many impact players on the Pittsburgh roster. Former NFL LB Reuben Foster tries to resurrect his career in the Steel City, but he hasn’t played since 2018, and it’s uncertain how much he has left in the tank.

Over/Under

OVER 37.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly with a half-unit play at most.

This is an awfully low number, and New Orleans should manage its fair share of points. The concern is whether or not Pittsburgh can move the ball on what was one of the better defensive units in the USFL in 2022.

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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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