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)
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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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