Michigan Panthers at Memphis Showboats odds, picks and predictions

Kevin Erickson

Staff Writer

The Michigan Panthers (2-2) travel to meet the Memphis Showboats (1-3) Sunday at the Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Panthers vs. Showboatsodds and make our expert UFL picks and predictions.

The Panthers lost 19-9 as a 1.5-point underdog last week against the San Antonio Brahmas as the Under (42.5) easily connected. The total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 games, while Michigan has split 2-2 against the spread (ATS).

The Showboats won the season opener in Houston, but Memphis has dropped 3 straight games, and it has failed to cover the past 2 outings. The offense has struggled, going for 19 or fewer points, while averaging 17.0 points per game (PPG). The defense was fine in the 1st 2 games, but it has allowed 32.5 PPG in the past 2 outings as the Over has hit in each contest.

These teams met at Ford Field in Week 4 last season, with Memphis picking up a 29-10 win as a 6.5-point underdog as the Under (45) cashed.

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Panthers 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 8:02 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Showboats -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +1.5 (-115) | Showboats -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Panthers at Showboats key injuries

Panthers

RB Raymond Calais (suspension) out
TE Derrick Deese (undisclosed) out
WR John Hightower (undisclosed) out
RB Nate McCrary (undisclosed) out
QB Bryce Perkins (undisclosed) out
QB E.J. Perry (hamstring) injured reserve
WR Devin Ross (undisclosed) out

Showboats

WR Dee Anderson (undisclosed) out
QB Josh Love (undisclosed) out

Panthers at Showboats picks and predictions

Prediction

Showboats 18, Panthers 16

Moneyline

The SHOWBOATS (-120) are worth a look at home in what is expected to be a tight game. In fact, playing the moneyline is much better than laying the points, as this could potentially come down to a point or 2. Both of these teams struggle offensively, while both are pretty decent defensively.

Against the spread

The Showboats -1.5 (-105) are a little cheaper to lay the small amount of points. But it really could come down to a single point. Both of these teams struggle on offense, and we're unlikely to see a big margin of victory.

AVOID, and stick with the moneyline here.

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Over/Under

UNDER 40.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

The Under has cashed in 3 of 4 games for the Panthers, with Michigan's defense allowing 20 or fewer points in each of its 4 games. The offense has scored 18 or fewer points in 3 of those outings, too.

For the Showboats, they've scored 19 or fewer points in all 4 outings, and the only concern with playing the Under is the Memphis defense. The Boats have allowed 65 total points in the past 2 games, but that was against Birmingham and St. Louis, 2 of the top offenses in the UFL. Michigan's offense certainly won't be confused with those 2 juggernauts.

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

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