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ABC Monday ? Texans at Steelers Odds

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The Houston Texans are the furthest thing from a historic, marquee legacy franchise. Houston operates in obscurity, a trait sharps love. But Houston certainly gets better results than most of the mega brands.

Like all things with the Texans, the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as head coach was noticed nowhere but in Houston, where it was panned as a certain failure.

Ryans has pulled off one of the best coaching jobs in the NFL with three consecutive playoff appearances, two division titles, and the best defense in football.

Quarterback CJ Stroud has been another important contributor to the Texans as the starter for all three of the current run of playoff seasons. But Stroud was off at times in the regular season and not quite at his previous levels.

Houston fans and a lot of gamblers are expecting the Texans to get past the Pittsburgh Steelers in Monday night?s road playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season since taking over in 2007, but has not put the Steelers in the Super Bowl since the 2010 campaign.

Many commentators and fans deride the Steelers as purgatory. They are good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win it.

Get the latest NFL Wild Card Round news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the football action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers Odds at Bookmaker

Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA, will host the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans matchup on Monday, January 12, 2026. Kickoff time is at 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on ABC and ESPN.

Houston opened as a 3.5-point favorite and Pittsburgh as a 3.5-point home dog. Houston is a -172 moneyline favorite with Pittsburgh a +144 moneyline dog. The Texans and Steelers opened with an over/under total of 39.5.

A lot of sharps are willing to lay the points with the Texans based on vastly superior metrics.

Squares will seek safe harbor with the Steelers as the home team, coming off a big win over Baltimore on NBC Sunday Night Football, to gain entry into the playoffs.

Houston Texans

Last game, the Houston Texans won 38-30 against the Indianapolis Colts as 9.5-point home dogs. The game went over the total of 37.5. Houston is 12-5 straight up, 9-8 against the spread, and 6-10-1 over/under the total.

Houston ranks 20th for total offense, 16th for passing, 23rd for rushing, 13th for scoring, and 2nd for fewest turnovers committed.

Houston ranks 1st in total defense, 5th vs. the pass, 4th vs. the rush, 2nd in fewest points allowed, and 3rd in takeaways.

Houston has covered one out of its most recent three games. Houston went over the total in three of its last four matchups.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last game, the Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24 against the Baltimore Ravens as 4.5-point home dogs. The game went over the total of 41.5. Pittsburgh 10-7 straight up, 9-8 against the spread, and 10-7 over/under the total.

Pittsburgh ranks 26th for total offense, 22nd for passing, 26th for rushing, 15th for scoring, and 7th for fewest turnovers committed.

Pittsburgh ranks 25th for total defense, 28th vs. the pass, 12th vs. the rush, 17th for fewest points allowed, and 8th for takeaways.

Pittsburgh has covered four out of its most recent five games. Pittsburgh went over the total in four of its last five matchups.

Texans at Steelers Betting Trends

Houston covered the spread in three consecutive road games. The Texans went under the total in seven of their most recent nine games. The Texans lost only one of their last five games against the spread as a road chalk.

Pittsburgh covered the spread in four of its last six games as a home dog. The Steelers cashed in 13 of their last 18 home games. Pittsburgh went over the total in just one of its last five games at home.

Texans at Steelers Best Bets

Last week, the Steelers beat a mediocre Baltimore team because of a missed field goal at the gun.

Houston has the best defense in football and is the more complete team.

Main Pick: Houston Texans

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Aaron Rodgers Under the Passing Yards Total

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Sunday Statement Game ? 49ers Take Aim at Eagles

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Two of the best and most successful franchises in the NFL will clash on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.

The Philadelphia Eagles have made the playoffs in eight of their last nine seasons, with three Super Bowl appearances and two Lombardi Trophies. Last year, Philadelphia decimated the Kansas City Chiefs in one of the most dominant Super Bowl performances of all time.

Since 2019, the San Francisco 49ers have made the playoffs five times, won two NFC championships, and suffered bitter Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Two of the brightest coaches and quarterbacks will also clash. Kyle Shanahan of San Francisco and Nick Sirianni of Philadelphia are two of the best head coaches in the NFL with impeccable resumes. Quarterbacks Brock Purdy of the 49ers and Jalen Hurts of the Eagles continue to confound their critics.

A Sunday afternoon Fox playoff game with two power brands will ignite massive viewership and betting traffic.

Get the latest NFL Wild Card Round news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the football action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles Odds at Bookmaker

Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA, will host the San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles matchup on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Kickoff time is at 4:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX.

Oddsmakers opened with Philadelphia as a 4.5-point favorite and San Francisco as a 4.5-point dog. Philadelphia is a -220 moneyline favorite against San Francisco, which is a +184 moneyline dog. Philadelphia and San Francisco opened with an over/under total of 44.5.

San Francisco will draw plenty of sharps and Wise Guys as the experienced, power playoff team, getting the enhanced price on the road.

The Casual sector will flock to the defending Super Bowl champions with the supposed home field advantage.

San Francisco 49ers

Last game, the San Francisco 49ers lost 13-3 against the Seattle Seahawks as 2.5-point home dogs. The game went under the total of 48. As a result, San Francisco is 12-5 straight up, 11-6 against the spread, and 10-6 over/under the total.

San Francisco ranks 18th for total offense, 9th for passing, 26th for rushing, 10th for scoring, and 17th for fewest turnovers committed.

San Francisco ranks 14th for total defense, 17th vs. the pass, 5th vs. the rush, 13th for fewest points allowed, and 30th for takeaways.

San Francisco has covered six out of its most recent seven games. The 49ers went over the total in three of their last four matchups.

Philadelphia Eagles

Last game, the Philadelphia Eagles lost 24-17 against the Washington Commanders as 3.5-point home favorites. The game went over the total of 39. As a result, Philadelphia is 11-6 straight up, 10-7 against the spread, and 7-10 over/under the total.

Philadelphia ranks 25th for total offense, 23rd for passing, 20th for rushing, 19th for scoring, and 4th for fewest turnovers committed.

Philadelphia ranks 13th for total defense, 8th vs. the pass, 21st vs. the rush, 5th for fewest points allowed, and 15th for takeaways.

Philadelphia has covered three out of its most recent four games. The Eagles went over the total in two of their last three matchups.

49ers at Eagles Betting Trends

The 49ers covered the spread in six of their last seven games. The 49ers went over the total in six of their last nine matchups. The 49ers are 6-1 straight up in their last seven games. The 49ers covered the spread in four of their last five away games.

The Eagles went under the total in seven of their last nine games. The Eagles went under the total in 14 of their last 18 January games.

Philadelphia got the cash in nine of its last 12 games with the 49ers. The Eagles are 8-4 straight up against San Francisco. San Francisco saw the payout window in eight of its last 12 away games against the Eagles. The Niners and Eagles went under the total in five of their last six meetings.

49ers at Eagles Best Bets

The Eagles have not been as sharp as they were last year. The 49ers are in strong form and have performed well in Philadelphia. In an even matchup, the power dog 49ers make the most sense.

Main Pick: San Francisco 49ers

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Jalen Hurts Under the Total Yards Total

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

College Football Playoff Odds ? ESPN Thursday and Friday Preview

Moay, January 5, 2026

The Indiana Hoosiers are living the impossible dream of being one win away from the national championship game after being the worst program in college football history.

The Oregon Ducks have been knocking on the national championship door for over a decade and are coming off an impressive shutout win in the Orange Bowl.

The Ole Miss Rebels are one win away from the national championship game despite their head coach walking out on them.

The Miami Hurricanes are loaded with 5-star talent and are finally coming of age as one of the most complete teams in college football.

All of this adds up to storylines never before seen and an enticing College Football Playoff Final Four.

On Thursday and Friday, there will be a stampede of traffic for the College Football Playoff semifinals. The winners will advance to the national championship game.

Get the latest CFP Playoff news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the football action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Miami-FL Hurricanes vs. Ole Miss Rebels Odds at Bookmaker

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, is the venue for the College Football Semifinal matchup between the Miami-FL Hurricanes and the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Kickoff time is at 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

College football money lines opened with Miami-FL as a 3.5-point favorite and Ole Miss as a 3.5-point dog.

Miami-FL is a -170 moneyline favorite with Ole Miss at +140.

Miami-FL and Ole Miss opened at 51.5.

Miami-FL Hurricanes

Last game, the Miami-FL Hurricanes won 24-14 against the Ohio State Buckeyes as 8-point dogs. The game went under the total of 39.5.

As a result, Miami is 12-2 straight up, 9-5 against the spread, and 5-9 over/under the total.

Miami ranks 52nd for total offense, 45th for passing, 78th for rushing, 34th for scoring, and 28th for fewest turnovers committed.

In comparison, Miami ranks 9th in total defense, 37th vs. the pass, 5th vs. the rush, 4th in fewest points allowed, and 12th in takeaways.

Late on, Miami has covered three out of its most recent three games. Miami has been under the total in three of its last three matchups.

Ole Miss Rebels

Last game, the Ole Miss Rebels won 39-34 against the Georgia Bulldogs as 6-point dogs. The game went over the total of 53.5.

As a result, Ole Miss is 13-1 straight up, 9-5 against the spread, and 7-7 over/under the total.

Ole Miss ranks 5th for total offense, 5th for passing, 41st for rushing, 10th for scoring, and 35th for fewest turnovers committed.

In comparison, Ole Miss ranks 38th for total defense, 29th vs. the pass, 62nd vs. the rush, 27th for fewest points allowed, and 92nd for takeaways.

Late on, Ole Miss has covered three out of its most recent three games. Ole Miss went under the total in four of its last five matchups.

Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Odds at Bookmaker

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, will host the matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday, January 9, 2026. Kickoff time is at 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

College football money lines opened with Indiana as a 4.5-point favorite and Oregon as a 4.5-point dog.

Indiana is a -192 moneyline favorite with Oregon at +158.

Indiana and Oregon opened at 47.5.

Oregon Ducks

Last game, the Oregon Ducks won 23-0 against the Texas Tech Red Raiders as 1-point dogs. The game went under the total of 50.5.

As a result, Oregon is 13-1 straight up, 8-5-1 against the spread, and 7-7 over/under the total.

Oregon ranks 6th for total offense, 24th for passing, 12th for rushing, 7th for scoring, and 22nd for fewest turnovers committed.

In comparison, Oregon ranks 11th in total defense, 8th vs. the pass, 24th vs. the rush, 9th in fewest points allowed, and 19th in takeaways.

Late on, Oregon has covered four out of its most recent five games. Oregon went under the total in two of its last three matchups.

Indiana Hoosiers

Last game, the Indiana Hoosiers won 38-3 against the Alabama Crimson Tide as 7.5-point favorites. The game went under the total of 47.

As a result, Indiana is 14-0 straight up, 9-5 against the spread, and 7-6 over/under the total.

Indiana ranks 3rd for total offense, 27th for passing, 8th for rushing, 5th for scoring, and 3rd for fewest turnovers committed.

In comparison, Indiana ranks 4th in total defense, 28th vs. the pass, 3rd vs. the rush, 2nd in fewest points allowed, and 8th in takeaways.

Late on, Indiana has covered three out of its three most recent games. Indiana went under the total in three of its last four matchups.

College Football Playoff Semifinals Betting Trends

Ole Miss covered its last five games against ACC teams.

Ole Miss went over the total in six of its last seven games as a dog.

Miami is 4-1 straight up against the SEC.

Oregon is 3-7 straight up as an underdog.

Indiana has 20 consecutive straight up wins as the favorite.

College Football Playoff Semifinals Best Bets

Miami is the more complete team, with a better defense than Ole Miss.

Indiana is a juggernaut that has the confidence of having already beaten Oregon this season.

Main Picks: Miami-FL Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers

Over/Under Pick: Both Games Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Fernando Mendoza Over the Total Yards Total

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ESPN Thursday ? Ole Miss vs. Georgia Sugar Bowl Odds

Moay, December 29, 2025

After a first round that left fans and gamblers underwhelmed with mismatches and boredom, the second round of the College Football Playoff looks much more promising with serious matchups of legitimate power teams.

Arguably, the best match of the second round could be Thursday night?s Sugar Bowl game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels. These SEC rivals previously met on October 18 at Georgia?s Sanford Stadium with the Bulldogs prevailing 43-35. It was the only loss of the season for Ole Miss, which now enters the Sugar Bowl facing unusual circumstances.

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who led the Rebels to their greatest season in the modern era of the program, was forced to leave after taking the vacant LSU position. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding was immediately hired as Kiffin?s replacement and led the Rebels to a blowout win and cover against the overmatched Tulane Green Wave in the first round.

Georgia is coming off a first round bye after clobbering the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game.

This prime-time ESPN affair on New Year?s Night will draw massive viewership and gambling traffic.

Georgia is one of the most respected brands in college football, and an SEC matchup in the playoffs means quality football.

Get the latest CFP Sugar Bowl news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the football action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

CFP Sugar Bowl - Georgia vs. Ole Miss Odds at Bookmaker

Georgia is coming off a first round bye after clobbering the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game.

This prime-time ESPN affair on New Year?s Night will draw massive viewership and gambling traffic.

Georgia is one of the most respected brands in college football, and an SEC matchup in the playoffs means quality football.

Georgia Bulldogs

Last game, the Georgia Bulldogs won 28-7 against the Alabama Crimson Tide as 1-point favorites. The game went under the total of 48.5.

As a result, Georgia is 12-1 straight up, 6-6-1 against the spread, and 4-8-1 over/under the total.

Georgia ranks 48th for total offense, 78th for passing, 34th for rushing, 32nd for scoring, and 14th for fewest turnovers committed.

Georgia ranks 11th for total defense, 45th vs. the pass, 4th vs. the rush, 9th for fewest points allowed, and 74th for takeaways.

Georgia has covered three out of its most recent five games. Georgia went under the total in four of its last four matchups.

Ole Miss Rebels

Last game, the Ole Miss Rebels won 41-10 against the Tulane Green Wave as 16.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 57.5.

As a result, Ole Miss is 12-1 straight up, 8-4-1 against the spread, and 6-7 over/under the total.

Ole Miss ranks 2nd for total offense, 5th for passing, 36th for rushing, 10th for scoring, and 32nd for fewest turnovers committed.

Ole Miss ranks 39th for total defense, 28th vs. the pass, 66th vs. the rush, 23rd for fewest points allowed, and 90th for takeaways.

Ole Miss covered four out of its most recent six games. Ole Miss has been under the total in four of its last five matchups.

Georgia vs. Ole Miss Betting Trends

Ole Miss covered seven of their last ten games as a dog. The Rebels went over the total in five of their last six games as a pup.

Georgia is 6-3 against the spread in their most recent nine games as a favorite. UGA went under the total in five of their last six games as chalk.

In the series between Ole Miss and Georgia, the Bulldogs have won and covered two of the most recent three meetings. Two of those games went over the total.

Georgia vs. Ole Miss Best Bets

In this situation, the Georgia defense should be the difference.

Ole Miss is without Kiffin?s offensive brilliance and lacks Georgia's defense and depth.

Main Pick: Georgia Bulldogs

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Trinidad Chambliss Under the Total Yards Total

Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don?t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!

UFL Championship Parlay Picks - UFL Betting Lines

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

For the past three years, the Birmingham Stallions have been the best team in spring football. Birmingham won both USFL championships and nearly went undefeated in the 2024 UFL season. Birmingham will have the opportunity to solidify its spring football dynasty in Sunday?s UFL championship game against the San Antonio Bahamas. Head coaches Skip Holtz of Birmingham and Wade Phillips of San Antonio have turned in tremendous performances this season. San Antonio was the only team to beat Birmingham this season. Thus, they have the confidence in knowing they can do it again.

Let?s look at UFL parlays for June 16, 2024.

Bet UFL Parlays at BookMaker.eu

UFL Championship Betting

Birmingham Stallions vs. San Antonio Brahmas +3, OU 42, 5 p.m. ET

Sunday Parlay

San Antonio Brahmas +3

Birmingham Stallions vs. San Antonio Brahmas UNDER 42

Bet $100 to Win $360

Birmingham Stallions vs. San Antonio Brahmas

The San Antonio Brahmas have a record of 7-3. The Brahmas are in 2nd place in the UFL XFL Division standings. On offense, San Antonio ranks 6th for total yards, 3rd for rushing, 7th for passing, and 2nd for scoring. On defense, San Antonio ranks 2nd for total yards, 5th for rushing, 2nd for passing, and 4th for scoring. Last week, the San Antonio won 25-15 against the St. Louis Battlehawks.

The Birmingham Stallions have a record of 9-1. The Stallions are in 1st place in the UFL USFL Division standings. On offense, Birmingham ranks 1st for total yards, 1st for rushing, 2nd for passing, and 1st for scoring. On defense, Birmingham ranks 3rd for total yards, 1st for rushing, 4th for passing, and 2nd for scoring. Last week, the Stallions won 31-18 against the Michigan Panthers.

Last week, The Brahmas offense fired on all cylinders with a season-high 410 total yards. They also recorded the league?s longest rush of the season on a 69-yard Anthony McFarland Jr. score on their first play of the second half and the team?s longest reception of the season on a Chase Gabers-to-Justin Smith 63-yard touchdown connection in the second quarter. Gabers finished with two passing touchdowns, his first multi-passing TD game since Week 2.

San Antonio?s rushing attack combined for 213 yards, tied for the most for a team in a game this season.

Garbers led San Antonio down the field on their first possession of the game, a 10-play, 62-yard drive to the five-yard line of the Battlehawks, before being turned down by a Kameron Kelly interception.

Garbers completed 15-of-21 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception for the Brahmas. McCarron completed 19-of-29 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.

McFarland Jr. was San Antonio?s leading rusher with 115 yards and one touchdown on 11 attempts. Jacob Saylors was the leading rusher for the Battlehawks with 14 rushes for 79 yards.

Meanwhile, at Birmingham, Michigan was in control early, scoring on each of its first five possessions. But the Panthers settled for field goals on four of those possessions, building an 18-3 lead late in the second quarter that could have been larger.

Birmingham outgained Michigan 365-253. Matt Corral was 9-of-11 for 120 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Adrian Martinez finished 10-of-19 for 164 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. C.J. Marable led the way for the Stallions on the ground, rushing for 77 yards on eight carries. Kyahva Tezino paced the Stallions? defense with seven total tackles, while Ike Brown grabbed two interceptions to go along with Isom?s interception for a touchdown.

The Stallions and head coach Skip Holtz have now won their respective division/conference championship game for three straight seasons (USFL South Division Champions in 2022-23; USFL Conference Champions in 2024). They will make their third straight league championship game appearance, coming off back-to-back USFL Championships in 2022-23. Holtz and Birmingham are undefeated (5-0) in the postseason all-time.

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UFL Conference Championship Parlay Picks - UFL Betting Lines

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

The Birmingham Stallions were the best team in the UFL. The Stallions led the league wire to wire and earned the best regular season record. On Saturday, the Stallions will host the Michigan Panthers for the second consecutive weekend. The game is for the USFL Conference championship. Last week Birmingham needed a late TD pass to pull out the win. Michigan has been the most rapidly improving team in the UFL this year. In the XFL Conference, the St. Louis Battlehawks will host the San Antonio Brahmas in a repeat of last weekend?s regular season finale. St. Louis squeaked by the Brahmas to earn home field advantage for this matchup.

Let?s look at UFL parlays for June 8 and June 9, 2024.

Bet UFL Parlays at BookMaker.eu

UFL Conference Championships Betting

Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions -6.5, OU 43, 3 p.m. ET, ABC

San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks -3.5, OU 44.5, 7 p.m. ET, FOX

Weekend Parlay

Birmingham Stallions -6.5

Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions UNDER 43

St. Louis Battlehawks -3.5

San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks UNDER 44.5

$100 to win $1200

Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions

The Michigan Panthers have a record of 7-3. The Panthers are in 2nd place in the UFL USFL Division standings. On offense, Michigan ranks 3rd for total yards, 2nd for rushing, 6th for passing, and 4th for scoring. On defense, Michigan ranks 4th for total yards, 2nd for rushing, 5th for passing, and 3rd for scoring. Last week, the Michigan Panthers lost 20-19 against the Birmingham Stallions.

In a thrilling finish, the Stallions scored a touchdown with under a minute remaining to take a 20-19 lead after trailing the entire second half.Adrian Martinez led the Stallions' offense, completing 14 of 28 passes for 163 yards. In the rushing game, C.J. Marable took the lead with 56 yards and two touchdowns, while Martinez contributed 41 yards.

San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks

The St. Louis Battlehawks have a record of 7-3. The Battlehawks are in 1st place in the UFL XFL Division standings. On offense, St. Louis ranks 6th for total yards, 3rd for rushing, 7th for passing, and 2nd for scoring. On defense, St. Louis ranks 2nd for total yards, 5th for rushing, 2nd for passing, and 4th for scoring. Last week, the Battlehawks won 13-12 against the San Antonio Brahmas.

Last week, the game came down to the wire. Down by seven with less than two minutes remaining, Brahmas quarterback Quinten Dormady connected with Kirklin for a 37-yard touchdown pass. San Antonio opted to attempt a two-point conversion to take the lead. Dormady found Kirklin again for a successful conversion, but St. Louis challenged the play for an ineligible man downfield. The challenge went in the Battlehawks' favor, and San Antonio was unable to convert on the retry, leaving them one point short.

Check out the latest odds at BookMaker

2023 USFL Championship Game Betting Odds

Moay, June 26, 2023

The march to the 2023 USFL Championship Game has concluded, with the final two teams now set to face off. The North Division's representative in the big game was decided on Saturday night when the Pittsburgh Maulers outlasted the Michigan Panthers,31-27, in an overtime thriller. Now the Maulers have a chance to complete an incredible worst-to-first turnaround after a 1-9 campaign in 2022. They'll face the Birmingham Stallions, looking to defend their 2022 championship after trouncing the New Orleans Breakers, 47-22, on Sunday in the South Division Championship.

Bet USFL Championship Game Picks at BookMaker.eu

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Birmingham Stallions -6.5, OU 46

On Saturday, July 1, 2023, the Birmingham Stallions will face the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff time is set for 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on NBC and Peacock.

Last week the Pittsburgh Maulers beat the Michigan Panthers 31-27 as 3-point favorites in the USFL North Division championship game playoff. The game went over the total of 36.5. In the regular season, Pittsburgh had a record of 4-6, good for 1st place in the USFL North Division. Pittsburgh has USFL metrics of 8th for offensive yardage, 4th for rushing yardage, 8th for passing yardage, and 7th for scoring offense. On defense, Pittsburgh ranks 1st for total yards allowed, 2nd for rushing yards allowed, 1st for passing yards allowed, and 1st for points permitted.

Last week the Birmingham Stallions beat the New Orleans Breakers by a score of 47-22 as 3-point favorites in the USFL South Division championship game playoff. In the regular season, Birmingham had a record of 8-2, good for 1st place in the USFL South Division. Birmingham has USFL metrics of 1st for offensive yardage, 3rd for rushing yardage, 2nd for passing yardage, and 1st for scoring offense. On defense, Birmingham ranks 7th for total yards allowed, 7th for rushing yards allowed, 6th for passing yards allowed, and 3rd for points permitted.

The best offense in the USFL takes on the top defense in the league when the Birmingham Stallions face the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL championship game on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET in Canton, Ohio, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Stallions finished with the best regular-season record in the league at 8-2, then beat down the New Orleans Breakers in the USFL South title game, 47-22 in front of Birmingham?s hometown fans at Protective Stadium.

Led by playmaking quarterback Alex McGough, Birmingham seeks to defend its USFL title from last season. The Stallions are 20-3 under head coach Skip Holtz, averaging a league-best 28.7 points a game during the 2023 season.

The Maulers (5-6) have been the surprise team in the league, winning the North division title with a 31-27 overtime victory over the Michigan Panthers on Saturday. Pittsburgh finished last in the division last year at 1-9, and with new head coach Ray Horton, the Maulers now find themselves one win away from a worst-to-first turnaround.

The Stallions won the only contest between these two teams during the regular season, a 24-20 victory over Pittsburgh in Week 5 in Canton.

However, Pittsburgh?s defense kept McGough from wrecking the game. The Florida native finished with just 157 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.

Maulers quarterback Troy Williams finished 21 of 33 for 217 passing yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions in that contest. Williams also ran for 63 yards.

Deon Cain?s 91-yard kickoff return for a score in the fourth quarter was the difference in the game.

The Maulers finished the regular season as the top team in the USFL in takeaways, with 20. Pittsburgh?s defense forced McGough into two interceptions in the earlier matchup and will likely need to do something similar to have a chance in the title game.

Specifically, McGough?s ability to extend plays with his feet and keep the chains moving has been a key part of Birmingham?s offense. McGough was responsible for 394 yards and five touchdowns in his team?s runaway win over the Breakers.

The Maulers will have to devise a scheme that keeps McGough in the pocket, whether it?s using a spy on the quarterback defensively or disguised blitzes that confuse the mobile signal caller and slow down his decision making.

Birmingham has averaged 37 points in the playoffs over the last two years. The Maulers held Birmingham to 281 total yards and an average of 4.7 yards per play in a close loss to the Stallions earlier this year.

The Maulers finished a league-worst 29.7% in the red zone during the regular season but converted 3-of-4 red zone opportunities in the win over Michigan.

Birmingham ran 30 times for a season-high 245 rushing yards against New Orleans. The Maulers held Michigan to 40 rushing yards last week.

Bookmaker Best Bet: Birmingham Stallions

Check out the latest odds at BookMaker

USFL Division Championships Betting Odds

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

What a difference a year makes. Pittsburgh Maulers head coach Ray Horton took over a team that finished 1-9 last season and started this year 1-3. But the patient Horton managed to steady the ship, leading Pittsburgh to a 3-3 record the rest of the way for a 4-6 overall and an unlikely playoff berth in his first year leading the team. With perhaps the best defense in the league, Horton?s Maulers face another unlikely team in the 4-6 Michigan Panthers for the USFL North Championship on Saturday in Canton, Ohio.

New Orleans Breakers head coach John DeFilippo understands there won?t be any surprises he can sneak past Skip Holtz when his team faces the defending champion Birmingham Stallions in the USFL South Championship on Sunday. The two teams see each other every day in the Birmingham hub and have already played twice this season. Safe to say, Sunday?s matchup will be more about players making plays and less about the scheme.

The South teams play each other in Week 10 -- Stallions vs. Showboats on Saturday and Breakers vs. Gamblers on Sunday.

There's a strong argument to be made that the USFL's four best teams reside in the South Division, and its four worst in the North. Take the Pittsburgh Maulers, for example -- a team that was 2-6 last week yet still controls its playoff destiny.

The Week 10 games in the North Division pit the Maulers vs. the Generals and the Stars vs. the Panthers. If the Stars win, they'll be the No. 1 seed, with the Maulers-Generals winner the No. 2 seed. A Stars loss makes things very interesting: The Stars, Panthers, and Maulers-Generals winner would finish in a three-way tie for first at 4-6, meaning tiebreakers would decide the top two seeds and who's out of the Playoffs.

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Saturday, June 24, 2023

Michigan Panthers at Pittsburgh Maulers -3, OU 38

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, the Michigan Panthers will face the Pittsburgh Maulers at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, OH. Kickoff time is set for 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on NBC.

Last week the Pittsburgh Maulers beat the New Jersey Generals by a score of 26-6 as 3.5-point dogs. The game went under the total of 40.5. As a result, Pittsburgh has a record of 4-6, good for 1st place in the USFL North Division. Pittsburgh has USFL metrics of 8th for offensive yardage, 4th for rushing yardage, 8th for passing yardage, and 7th for scoring offense. On defense, Pittsburgh ranks 1st for total yards allowed, 2nd for rushing yards allowed, 1st for passing yards allowed, and 1st for points permitted.

Last week the Michigan Panthers beat the Philadelphia Stars by a score of 23-20 as 1.5-point dogs. The game went over the total of 42.5. As a result, Michigan has a record of 4-6, good for 2nd place in the USFL North Division. Michigan has USFL metrics of 6th for offensive yardage, 6th for rushing yardage, 4th for passing yardage, and 8th for scoring offense. On defense, Michigan ranks 5th for total yards allowed, 6th for rushing yards allowed, 5th for passing yards allowed, and 6th for points permitted.

Just picked up by the Panthers on May 30, new quarterback E.J. Perry led Michigan to a surprising, come-from-behind win over Case Cookus and the Philadelphia Stars in the last game of the regular season. The Stars played in the USFL championship last year.

Like Horton, Michigan?s Mike Nolan made the postseason in his first season as head coach. The Panthers finished a disappointing 2-8 last season.

The Maulers swept the season series against the Panthers. Pittsburgh took a Week 5 contest against Michigan, 23-7 and then beat the Panthers again four weeks later in Canton, 19-7.

The Maulers won their last two games to reach the postseason, while the Panthers lost six of their last eight games after starting the season 2-0.

Bookmaker Best Bet: Pittsburgh Maulers

Sunday, June 25, 2023

New Orleans Breakers at Birmingham Stallions -3, OU 44

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, the Birmingham Stallions will face the New Orleans Breakers at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Kickoff time is set for 7 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX.

Last week the New Orleans Breakers beat the Houston Gamblers by a score of 17-10 as 3.5-point favorites. The game went under the total of 44.5. As a result, New Orleans has a record of 7-3, good for 2nd place in the USFL South Division. New Orleans has USFL metrics of 2nd for offensive yardage, 5th for rushing yardage, 1st for passing yardage, and 2nd for scoring offense. On defense New Orleans ranks 2nd for total yards allowed, 3rd for rushing yards allowed, 3rd for passing yards allowed, and 2nd for points permitted.

Last week the Birmingham Stallions beat the Memphis Showboats by a score of 27-20 as 4-point favorites. The game went over the total of 43.5. As a result, Birmingham has a record of 8-2, good for 1st place in the USFL South Division. Birmingham has USFL metrics of 1st for offensive yardage, 3rd for rushing yardage, 2nd for passing yardage, and 1st for scoring offense. On defense, Birmingham ranks 7th for total yards allowed, 7th for rushing yards allowed, 6th for passing yards allowed, and 3rd for points permitted.

The teams split the two games played against each other this season. New Orleans won the Week 3 matchup 45-31, while the Stallions took the second game in Week 7, 24-20.

Birmingham finished the season on a five-game winning streak, while the Breakers won three straight to complete the regular season.

Bookmaker Best Bet: Birmingham Stallions

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2023 XFL Championship Game Betting Odds

Thursday, May 4, 2023

XFL Championship Weekend treated us very kindly over at the online sportsbook with the Arlington Renegades pulling the shocker over the Houston Roughnecks as expected and the D.C. Defenders taking care of business against Seattle to take a third straight from the Sea Dragons to put a fork in their season. The 2-0 ATS showing moves us to 5-1 ATS over the last six recommended XFL betting recommendations and 20-21-1 ATS for the season. The XFL Championship Game offers up a rematch of a Week 9 clash that went down in Audi Field where D.C. escaped with the 28-26 overtime win as near 10-point favorites. The combined 54 points smashed the closing 41.5-point O/U with both teams combining for just short of 750 yards and 51 first downs. Both quarterbacks performed exceptionally well while each defense shut both running games down. So is that how the second go-round will play out? The following are my side and total selections for the big game with the hope we cash both and claw over the breakeven point for the 2023 season.

XFL Championship Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu

D.C. Defenders -5.5 -113

Arlington Renegades +5.5 -103

Total 46.5

The betting line for the final game of the XFL season hit the board with D.C. installed 6-point favorites and the total lined 46.5. It was immediately bet down to -5 with Arlington getting the early love from the betting market, but has since bumped back up to -5.5 with heavier -113 juice attached to the Defenders side of the impost. While you might be asking yourself why linemakers dramatically altered this game?s betting line from the first meeting, keep in mind this game takes place in a neutral venue at the Alamodome where both the Renegades and Defenders came out victorious in the regular season. The total remains at the 46.5 opener much like the first go-round did when it hit the board 41.5 and stayed there right up till kick-off.

So I took the points with the Renegades in the first showdown at D.C. with the belief that the defense would prove to be one of the toughest assignments for the league?s highest scoring offense. Arlington is no joke on the defensive side of the ball where it ranks out with the No. 2 ranked run defense and fifth ranked pass defense. It was its ability to shut the run down that lead me to believe catching more than a possession ? including a 3-point conversion ? was simply just too much to give an Arlington team that was fighting tooth and nail with the San Antonio Brahmas for the South Division?s No. 2 seed. The run D would go on to shut RB Abram Smith down limiting him to just 2.7 yards on his 10 overall carries.

Knowing full well that its running game would have issues, D.C. OC Fred Kaiss dialed up 29 overall pass plays and the change in ideology worked with QB Jordan Ta?amu going on to complete 14 of his 20 passes for 188 yards and a pair of touchdown strikes. WR Lucky Jackson proved to be the beneficiary with his only two catches going for touchdown snares. And that?s just the thing about the Defenders. They know how to evolve in real-time with their in-game adjustments arguably the best in the league. If you limit them on the ground, they can rip you through the air. If you play blanket coverage, they?ll rip you to shreds on the ground. Just ask the St. Louis Battlehawks and Seattle Sea Dragons about that! Two teams that I believe are much better than anything the South Division sent to the playoffs this season.

While I get that Arlington only lost by two points in the lone regular season encounter that went to overtime, the Renegades needed to rattle off 17 unanswered fourth quarter points just to push the game to an extra session. Unfortunately, I didn?t get to witness a single snap of that game live but can only imagine a bulk of the Renegades yardage was accrued when in comeback mode during that wild last 15 minutes. I think recently named XFL Coach of the Year Reggie Barlow will have learned his lesson by not going for the kill shot and will let it all hang out in the rematch knowing full well what Bob Stoops? troops are capable of.

D.C. was the cream of the XFL crop from Week 1 forward. Not only have they won 10 of 11 played games, but they also went a moneymaking 8-3 against the closing XFL odds. They were also a boon to total bettors? bankrolls with the over cashing in at a 10-1 clip. I won?t stray from the trend and suggest you don?t either. Playing on the fast track of the Alamodome will only showcase the squad?s elite speed and make it darn near close to impossible for the Renegades to keep up. While I respect the job Arlington did to get here and fattened up the bankroll because of it, the Defenders have simply played in a different stratosphere than every other team since its season-opening win against Seattle. They simply bring too much offense and havoc defensively for Luis Perez and the Renegades to make another game of it with the XFL Championship on the line.

DEFENDERS 38 RENEGADES 16

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2023 XFL Division Championship Preview - XFL Betting

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

My recent XFL picks stunk the joint up going into Week 10. However, we closed the XFL betting season out with a bang by cashing in at the online sportsbook with three of the four made recommendations. It all kicked off with an embarrassing defeat on the Orlando Guardians plus the points. Though Quinten Dormady and co. kept it close for a half only trailing 25-20, A.J. McCarron and his crew turned the jets on in the second half to cruise to the 53-28 win and cover. San Antonio battled back from a 10-point halftime deficit against D.C. to ultimately cover in a 29-28 defeat, but ended up missing out on a shot at the playoffs due to John Parker Romo ? the league?s best kicker ? missing the game-winning kick with 32 ticks left on the clock. The total in the Houston/Arlington game fell all the way down to 38 at kick-off, but the two teams still failed to surpass the impost allowing us to cash our under ticket in. Closing it all out was the Seattle Sea Dragons who like the Battlehawks turned it up a couple notches in the second half to log the 28-9 win and cover against Vegas to punch their ticket into the second season. The 3-1 ATS showing moves us to a bothersome 18-21-1 ATS overall. Let?s see if we can keep the mojo rising in the Division Championships!

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D.C. Defenders -170

This is a tough one to recommend knowing full well I?d love nothing more than to cash that +550 ticket in on the Sea Dragons recommended in the middle of what turned out to be a five-game Seattle winning streak. Call it a hedge! The Defenders simply just come off as the better overall team in my opinion. Someway, somehow ? D.C. finds a way to get the job done. I do however still like Seattle plus the points knowing full well each of the Defenders last three wins came by an average of just 1.3 points per game.

Even so, I want nothing to do with QB Ben DiNucci in a big game. His 13 interceptions were far and away the most in the league! You know darn well he?s going to get reckless in this third go-round with the Defenders much like he did in the prior two regular season meetings with both miscues ultimately costing the Sea Dragons both games. For reference sake, QB Jordan Ta?amu has only thrown three interceptions to go along with 14 touchdown passes. While that number comes up noticeably short of DiNooch?s 20, the former knows how to better take care of the ball and isn?t reckless with his decision making.

As evenly matched these two teams are evidenced by the 22-18 and 34-33 finals in the regular season, a mistake could prove to be all that separates these teams on the scoreboard. With that, I?ll take the Defenders on the moneyline thank you very much!

Arlington Renegades +6.5

I?m not reading too much into last week?s 25-9 result won and covered by the Roughnecks to sweep the season rivalry from the Renegades. Both Houston and Arlington rested a number of starters knowing full well the following week?s game is the only one that truly mattered. While bothered that the Renegades were held scoreless in the second half for the second time in as many meetings with their division rivals, I won?t allow it to prevent me from taking the points with Arlington whom I think can ugly this one up enough to keep it competitive and possibly win outright.

Houston?s passing attack is injured right now with QB Brandon Silvers still ailing from the triceps injury suffered over a month ago. The ground game is what?s paced the offense recently, and that?s where the Renegades shine with it owners of the league?s best run defense heading into last week?s matchup. It held Max Borghi and co. to just 77 yards and 2.8 yards per carry when at full strength in the first meeting back in Week 2. QB Luis Perez hasn?t dazzled since coming over from Vegas, but he?ll be the healthiest and most effective QB on the field come Saturday night. That?s a huge advantage heading into this win or go home tilt!

With both prior meetings combining for ugly low scorers and a number of goose eggs hung in numerous quarters, this one won?t be pretty. As such, catching points in a grudge match like this is where I want to position myself with a trip to the XFL Championship on the line.

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CFL Grey Cup Odds - Tiger-Cats vs. Blue Bombers Lines

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

The triumphant return of the Canadian Football League culminates with the Grey Cup on Sunday. The league shutdown last season due to COVID without a championship game played for the first time in over 100 years. The wait was worth it for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who set up a rematch of the 2019 Grey Cup by winning their respective division finals. Winnipeg made its record 25th Grey Cup appearance two years ago beating Hamilton 33-12 for its 11th CFL championship. The Bombers posted the best record in the league this season going 11-3 and hit the board as a 4-point favorite to repeat as Grey Cup champs.

The Grey Cup final will take place on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 6 p.m. ET at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, ON and will be televised on ESPN2.

CFL Odds to win Grey Cup

Hamilton Tiger-Cats +4

Winnipeg Blue Bombers -4

Total 45.5

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg was the best team during regular season going 11-3 and the Bombers overcame six turnovers to beat Saskatchewan 21-17 in the West final. Led by quarterback Zach Collaros, who led the league with 20 touchdown passes, the Bombers averaged a CFL best 25.8 points and also allowed the fewest points with only 188 conceded.

If there is a downside to this matchup it?s that the Bombers are playing a road game. The 108th edition of the Grey Cup will be played on Hamilton?s Tim Hortons Field. The Bombers were a perfect 7-0 at home during the regular season but just 4-3 on the road with two of those setbacks coming against East foes Toronto and Montreal.

There were some anxious moments for Winnipeg fans at the end of the season. The Bombers dropped consecutive games to Montreal, 28-14, and Calgary, 13-12, to end the season with the offense going stagnant. And five first half turnovers in the West Final was more cause for alarm. But like they did throughout the season, the Bombers controlled the second half and especially the fourth quarter to get by the Rough Riders.

Having Andrew Harris back in the lineup was a welcome sight. Out for nearly two months, Harris enjoyed his return with 136 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Winnipeg scored the only points in the fourth quarter and controlled the ball for over 11 minutes to overcome their mistakes. Collaros completed 81 percent of his passes in the game with three of his four errant throws resulting in interceptions. Defensively the Bombers came up with five sacks, none bigger than the strip-sack by Jackson Jeffcoat with Saskatchewan deep in Winnipeg territory and leading by three at the time.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Unlike their opponent Hamilton had to play an extra playoff game. The Ticats finished a game behind Toronto in the East standings and were forced to play Montreal in the East semifinals. Jeremiah Masoli threw for 184 yards and a TD and the defense recovered three fumbles, intercepted a pass and forced a turnover on downs while also recording six sacks in a dominant performance leading to the 23-12 victory.

The Tiger-Cats earned a return trip to the Grey Cup by knocking off Toronto in the East Final. And they did it behind Dane Evans, who replaced an ineffective Masoli in the first half. Evans completed all 16 of his throws for 249 yards and a touchdown and added two more scores on the ground to salt away a 27-19 victory.

The teams met in the first week of the regular season with Winnipeg prevailing 19-6 behind a stellar defensive effort. Hamilton scored on its first possession but was blanked the rest of the game. Winnipeg controlled the contest running for 149 yards while possessing the ball for over 33 minutes. The Ticats turned the ball over three times and failed to register a takeaway.

Free ATS Pick

Much like the Tampa Bay Bucs last NFL season, Hamilton gets the championship game in its home stadium and that?s certainly worth something. However, the Bombers chiseled off some of the rust from their late-season swoon and they are the best in the CFL. I don?t see the Ticats mustering up enough offense to win the game, but it should be close. As much as I want to take the points I have to stick with the better team winning by at least a touchdown.

CFL Pick: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -4 / UNDER 45.5

Grey Cup Betting Odds ? Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Only two teams have yet to win a Grey Cup in the 21st Century, but one of those teams will end that streak this Sunday when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Hamilton?s last Grey Cup title came in 1999 when the Tiger-Cats bested Calgary 32-21, while Winnipeg has gone three decades without a Grey Cup. The Blue Bombers have lost in the Grey Cup Finals five times since winning the title in 1990, while the Tiger-Cats have lost in each of their last three trips.

The 107th Grey Cup will be contested at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. It will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 24, 2019 with ESPN2 broadcasting the game in the United States.

CFL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu

Hamilton Tiger-Cats -3 vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers, O/U 52

Both Hamilton and Winnipeg overcame season-ending injuries to their starting quarterbacks to make it to the Grey Cup. The Tiger-Cats lost star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli to a torn ACL in the sixth game of the season, and it appeared their Grey Cup hopes were dashed. Hamilton had been the favorite to win it all per the Grey Cup betting odds at that point, but the Ti-Cats were forced to turn to unproven back-up Dane Evans once Masoli went down. Evans didn?t miss a beat, posting even better efficiency numbers than Masoli while also showcasing his threat as a runner.

Winnipeg lost Matt Nichols to a major injury midway through the season, and it took a lot longer for the Blue Bombers to find the right fit under center. The team tried to make it work with Chris Streveler, but Streveler was far too interception prone with 14 interceptions compered to eight touchdown passes. That led to Winnipeg rolling the dice at the trade deadline by trading for oft-injured Zach Collaros, and that move paid off in spades. Collaros has always had the talent to be a star in the CFL, but health has been a constant issue.

What to Expect

The Tiger-Cats are going to throw the ball all over the place. Hamilton has the most lethal passing attack in the CFL, as Evans and Masoli combined to throw for 5,330 yards and 30 touchdowns in the regular season. This team boasts the best wide receiver tandem in the league in Brandon Banks and Bralon Addison, and Winnipeg?s defensive backs must respect these receivers.

Banks is one of the two finalists for the Most Outstanding Player award that will be announced this week. He led the CFL in every major receiving category with 112 receptions for 1,550 yards and 13 touchdowns. Addison had an excellent year too with 95 receptions for 1,236 yards and seven touchdowns, allowing Hamilton to thrive despite the lack of a decent running game.

The Blue Bombers are the converse of the Ti-Cats in this regard. Winnipeg has the best run game in the CFL with Andrew Harris leading the league in rushing by a substantial margin. Harris ran the ball for 1,380 yards and four touchdowns this year, while Streveler was an incredible runner too with 726 yards and 12 touchdowns as a quarterback.

Prediction

Winnipeg has been a team of destiny. The Blue Bombers went on the road to beat Calgary and Saskatchewan to make it to the Grey Cup, and they should not be an underdog in this game. Collaros is the most underrated quarterback in the CFL, and he would have claimed multiple MOP awards if he was able to stay healthy. Look for Collaros to put up great numbers while Streveler keeps Hamilton?s defense off balance in an upset win for Winnipeg.