The Houston Roughnecks (0-2) Michigan Panthers (1-1) meet Sunday at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Roughnecks vs. Panthers odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.
The Roughnecks lost 23-18 on the road against the DC Defenders in Week 2, and it pushed as 5-point underdogs at most shops as the Over (40.5) just came through. Houston has averaged just 15.0 points per game (PPG), while allowing 20.5 PPG.
The Panthers lost 20-13 at home against the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, just missing a cover as 6.5-point underdogs as the Under (41.5) cashed for the 2nd consecutive weekend.
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Roughnecks 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 7:49 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Roughnecks +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Panthers -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Roughnecks +2.5 (-110) | Panthers -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Roughnecks at Panthers key injuries
Roughnecks
- QB Jarrett Guarantano (ribs) out
- WR Kirk Merritt (wrist) out
- WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams (undisclosed) out
- TE Clint Sigg (undisclosed) out
- RB Mark Thompson (knee) out
Panthers
- RB Raymond Calais (suspension) out
- TE Derrick Deese (undisclosed) out
- WR John Hightower (undisclosed) out
- QB Brian Lewerke (undisclosed) out
- RB Nate McCrary (undisclosed) out
- WR Samson Nacua (undisclosed) out
- WR Devin Ross (undisclosed) out
Roughnecks at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 19, Roughnecks 16
Moneyline
The PANTHERS (-145) aren’t priced out of line if you want to get a little action on this battle, but you don’t want to fiddle around with the points. Michigan was solid in the opener against St. Louis, winning 18-16 as a 6.5-point underdog, and it put up a pretty strong effort last weekend against the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, limiting them to just 20 points, easily a season low for that squad.
Against the spread
The PANTHERS -2.5 (-110) are worth playing lightly. So far, Michigan is 1-1 ATS, while the Roughnecks +2.5 (-110) have managed an 0-1-1 ATS mark in the 1rst 2 outings.
This won’t be a blowout, but Michigan should get the job done to close out a 3-game homestand to open the UFL campaign.
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Over/Under
UNDER 37.5 (-105) is worth a look in this battle in Motown.
The Roughnecks have really struggled on offense, totaling just 30 points in 2 games. The defense has kept Houston in it, allowing just 20.5 PPG, including only 23 points against a solid DC Defenders offense last weekend.
The Panthers have also had difficulty on offense, going for just 15.5 PPG, while conceding only 18.0 PPG. These teams are nearly a mirror of each other, and we should get a defensive slog where points are at a premium.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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