USFL betting odds lines picks predictions best bets – Page 8

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

Analyzing Friday’s Michigan Panthers vs. New Jersey Generals Week 2 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Michigan Panthers (0-1) and New Jersey Generals (0-1) seek to bounce back from season-opening losses when they kick off the USFL’s Week 2 schedule Friday. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Panthers vs. Generals odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Generals lost the league’s season opener 28-24 to the Birmingham Stallions. The Generals lost despite taking a lead with 1:56 left in the game on a K Nick Rose 47-yard field goal as the Stallions went 50 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown with 29 seconds left.

The Panthers lost to the Houston Gamblers 17-12 in their opener. They surrendered 17 first-half points and rallied in the second half but it wasn’t enough.

Panthers vs. Generals odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:33 a.m. ET.

Money line: Panthers -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Generals +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1 (-110) | Generals +1 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Panthers vs. Generals key injuries

Panthers

WR Ray Bolden (Achilles, hip) probable
WR Jeff Badet (hamstring) questionable
S Warren Saba (forearm) out
WR Joe Walker (leg) probable

Generals

DB Mike Bell (chest) out
TE Braedon Bowman (ankle) doubtful
WR Alonzo Moore (illness) probable
WR J’Mon Moore (hamstring) doubtful
TE Nick Truesdell (groin) out
DL Destiny Vaeao (quad) doubtful

Panthers vs. Generals picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 24, Generals 17

Money line

Both teams were favored in their respective openers last week and both lost.

Michigan, despite not scoring in the first half, moved the ball offensively. They turned the ball over once and then turned the ball over on downs in the red zone in the first half and the defense held the Gamblers to only 10 offensive points, as the other touchdown was a defensive score.

The Generals played in a back-and-forth game that came down to the wire.

If the Panthers can convert their drives into points, they should be okay.

Take the PANTHERS (-120).

Against the spread

With the exception of the game between the Tampa Bay Vipers and Pittsburgh Maulers, all the spreads were 2.5 points. Both the Generals and the Panthers were the favorites in Week 1, only to suffer straight-up losses, in addition to failing to cover the spread.

With a one-point spread, because there are no ties in the USFL, it leaves only the possibility for a push if the Panthers only win by one, so an ATS bet on the Panthers is ever slightly more valuable than the money line.

Take PANTHERS -1 (-110).

Over/Under

Every game last week in the league had projected totals of 40.5-43.5. Only the Generals’ game hit the Over.

The question is whether or not the types of games change this week.

The Generals put up 24 and the Panthers should have had at least 20 last week.

I LEAN OVER 40.5 (-122).

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Tampa Bay Bandits at at Pittsburgh Maulers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Bandits at Pittsburgh Maulers Week 1 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Bandits face the Pittsburgh Maulers to wrap up Week 1 of USFL action. The Maulers are listed as the home team even though most of the USFL games this season will be played on one of two fields in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Bandits vs. Maulers odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Bandits are an exciting team coached by former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley with former XFL standout QB Jordan Ta’amu under center.

Kirby Wilson, a longtime NFL running backs coach, is the Maulers’ head coach. Former New York Giants fourth-round pick Kyle Lauletta will start at quarterback.

Bandits at Maulers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bandits -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Maulers +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread (ATS): Bandits -5.5 (-110) | Maulers +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bandits at Maulerskey injuries

Bandits

DB Rannell Hall (thigh) out
WR Keith Mumphrey (thigh) questionable
DL Austrian Robinson (eye) doubtful
OL Fred Lauina (foot) probable

Maulers

None

Bandits at Maulers picks and predictions

Prediction

Bandits 27, Maulers 24

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The Bandits appear to have the advantage at head coach and at quarterback, and that is all we have to go on without any games played by either team.

I expect the Bandits to pick up a win but the price to bet Tampa Bay just doesn’t make it worth the wager.

Against the spread

While the Bandits are expected to be better than the Maulers, are they better enough to be sure they can win an opener in a new league by at least 6 points before teams have really found their rhythm? I’m not so sure.

I LEAN MAULERS +5.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Generals-Stallions game on Saturday hit the Over with 52 points. It was what the league hopes the games will be — competitive and high-scoring.

Haley coached some good offenses in the NFL and has a talented quarterback.

This game has the lowest projected total of the week, and this game should surpass it.

Take OVER 40.5 (-115).

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Philadelphia Stars vs. New Orleans Breakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia Stars at New Orleans Breakers Week 1 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The inaugural weekend of the return of the USFL continues with three Sunday games. The second of the three is between the Philadelphia Stars and New Orleans Breakers. The Breakers are listed as the home team even though most of the USFL games this season will be played on one of two fields in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff for Stars-Breakers is 4 p.m. ET (USA Network) at Protective Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Stars vs. Breakers odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Stars’ coach and offensive coordinator is Bart Andrus. They are quarterbacked by Bryan Scott, who was the USFL Spring League MVP.

Kyle Sloter will quarterback the Breakers. He has limited NFL experience but bounced around on practice squads for a few seasons with very good play in preseason action, always becoming a fan favorite. They are coached by former North Carolina coach Larry Fedora.

Stars at Breakers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:58 a.m. ET.

Money line: Stars +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Breakers -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Stars +2.5 (-112) | Breakers -2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Stars at Breakers key injuries

Stars

DE Gus Cumberlander (knee) out
S/LB Ahmad Dixon (knee) probable
TE Artayvious Lynn (foot) questionable
LB Gabriel Sewell (knee) probable
CB Bradley Sylve (ankle) out

Breakers

WR Jonathan Adams (ankle) questionable

Stars at Breakers picks and predictions

Prediction

Breakers 31, Stars 24

Money line

The “home” team won the USFL opener Saturday as the Birmingham Stallions defeated the New Jersey Generals 28-24 as favorites. Because we don’t have any trends from either the Breakers or Stars, we can look at the roster and schemes.

The mobility of Sloter and the spread-out offense of offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone should have success in this league. The Breakers have former NFL talent at key positions with RB T.J. Logan and WRs Taywan Taylor and Chad Williams.

At least in the season opener, New Orleans should be able to move the ball.

Take the BREAKERS (-145).

Against the spread

In Saturday’s season opener, the Stallions picked up the win and covered the spread as the home team. With a fairly standard 2.5-point advantage for the “home” team, there isn’t much room for the underdog to lose the game but cover the spread.

As I like the favorites to win, you can get a little more bang for your buck going with a wager on the spread.

Take the BREAKERS -2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

Saturday’s Birmingham-New Jersey game went Over the projected total (42.5) with 52 points. Every game this weekend has had a low projected total. This game has the highest one, although it is still low.

The league has to hope that the games are both competitive and high-scoring.

Saturday’s game was. I anticipate Sunday’s games will be, too.

Take OVER 43.5 (-108).

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Houston Gamblers vs. Michigan Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Gamblers vs. Michigan Panthers Week 1 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The inaugural weekend of the USFL continues Sunday with three games. The first has the Houston Gamblers taking on the Michigan Panthers. Kickoff is set for noon ET (NBC) at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Gamblers vs. Panthers odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Gamblers have former NFL fifth-round pick Clayton Thorson at QB and are coached by Kevin Sumlin, who comes from the college ranks, most recently in a highly unsuccessful stint at Arizona. The Gamblers are tied with the second-longest odds in the league to win the title.

The Panthers have some NFL names. They are coached by Jeff Fisher and have former NFL first-round pick Paxton Lynch and former Michigan Wolverines standout Shea Patterson at quarterback.

All of the USFL’s regular-season games will be played in Birmingham, with most of them at Protective Stadium and about eight to 11 games at Legion Field. No team other than the Birmingham Stallions will have a real home-field advantage.

Gamblers vs. Panthers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 2:11 a.m. ET.

Money line: Gamblers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Panthers -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gamblers +2.5 (-105) | Panthers -2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Gamblers vs. Panthers key injuries

Gamblers

RB Dalyn Dawkins (hamstring) questionable
DB Jamar Summers (calf) probable

Panthers

WR Ray Bolden (Achilles) questionable
RB Reggie Corbin (hamstring) questionable
TE Joey Magnifico (hamstring) probable

Gamblers vs. Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Gamblers 27, Panthers 24

Money line

Bet the GAMBLERS (+125).

Looking at the head coaches, one would think that Fisher has the advantage with plenty of NFL experience. But Sumlin has had success with the more modern college offenses, at least prior to his stint in Tucson.

Thorson is a threat to throw and run and he has some speedy playmakers like WR JoJo Ward to get free down the field.

Lynch can move a little bit, but Patterson is a traditional pocket passer, so if Thorson is making plays with his legs, I like Houston to pick up an upset win.

Against the spread

The Panthers are given a basic 2.5-points “home-team” advantage. They are, presumably for having Fisher as coach, one of the favorites to win the USFL title.

But the Gamblers likely will have a more modern offense.

In the league’s season opener Saturday, the “home” team won but that was the Birmingham Stallions, who actually are playing in front of local fans.

For everyone else, there is no home-field advantage. Expecting the Gamblers to pick up the upset, the money line is the better value, but if you want a little room to play, take GAMBLERS +2.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Saturday’s season opening game – Birmingham 28, New Jersey Generals 24 – cashed Over tickets as the two combined for 52 points when the O/U line was 42.5.

If the league is going to catch on to casual fans, the games need to have points.

So far, we only have one league game to go on. The hope is this will be a high-scoring league. The O/U for Houston-Michigan is nice and low, so I like OVER 42.5 (-115).

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New Jersey Generals at Birmingham Stallions odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New Jersey Generals vs. Birmingham Stallions Week 1 odds and lines, with expert USFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The USFL makes its return this weekend. The 8-team league has 4 games this weekend to open its 10-week season. The first game Saturday has the New Jersey Generals taking on the Birmingham Stallions. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET at Protective Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Generals vs. Stallions odds with USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Generals are coached by Mike Riley and the starting quarterback is expected to be Luis Perez. Defensively, they are led by former Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals cornerback De’Vante Bausby.

The Stallions are coached by Skip Holtz and former Florida International QB Alex McGough will lead the offense. The Stallions are the only team that will have a true home-field advantage. All 40 USFL games this season with be played in Birmingham.

Generals at Stallions odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:26 p.m. ET.

Money line: Generals +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Stallions -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Generals +2.5 (-110) | Stallions -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Generals at Stallions key injuries

Generals

OL Calvin Ashley (knee) doubtful
RB Mike Weber (knee) questionable
WR Darrius Shepherd (hamstring) probable
TE Nick Truesdell (groin) questionable
OL Garrett McGhin (calf) probable

Stallions

OL O’Shea Dugas (lower back) out
RB Jordan Chunn (hamstring) out

Generals at Stallions picks and predictions

Prediction

Stallions 24, Generals 20

Money line

Bet STALLIONS (-150).

Without having anything to go on in terms of trends and judging only on the talent on the roster and the coaching staffs, the one thing that could make a difference is the true home-field advantage that Birmingham has.

The Generals have the longest odds (+750) in the league to win the championship this season, so they are expected to be the worst team.

The Generals’ Riley is the more decorated coach, but their quarterback situation is not as solid as the Stallions. At least as a guide for the first week before we see any play on the field, go with the better quarterback and the home field. Take the STALLIONS (-150).

Against the spread

The Stallions are given a basic 2.5-point advantage in the opener.

The USFL has standard scoring opportunities but do offer one thing that could mess with spreads. They have a 3-point attempt that teams can run after a touchdown from the 10-yard line, so teams can potentially score 9 points in a possession.

That said, the spread is a better value for you than the money line if you like the Stallions to win. Take the STALLIONS -2.5 (-110).

Over/Under

This first game sets the tone for the entire league and season. We hope there is plenty of scoring. As it has been hard for most any offseason football league to maintain the attention of NFL fans, the way to do that is to put points on the board.

This first game’s total is staying on the low side. I anticipate each team reaching the 20s.

Take OVER 42.5 (-110).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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