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Tennessee at Ohio State Parlay Picks - Bet on CFP First Round

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The last second round College Football Playoff matchup will be determined with the outcome of the Tennessee Volunteers at Ohio State Buckeyes game, which will kickoff at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night from Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The Buckeyes should be pissed after losing again to Michigan in their most recent outing. The setback cost them a chance at the Big Ten title but worse than that it was their fourth straight loss to the team up north. The Vols and Buckeyes both went 10-2 and possess high-powered offenses, but this could be a battle between two of the best defenses in the country, which is why the total at the Bitcoin Sportsbook hit the board at 46.5. Having homefield advantage also helped position Ohio State as a 7.5-point favorite on the early line.

College Football Betting Lines

CFP First Round Betting Odds

Tennessee Volunteers +7.5 / ML +237

Ohio State Buckeyes -7.5 / ML -277

Over / Under 46.5

Ohio State can?t really erase the memory of what happened a few weeks ago when they lost at home to archrival Michigan as a 19.5-point favorite. Beating Tennessee and advancing to a second round matchup with Oregon would be a good start, though. The Buckeyes did more than enough defensively to end their losing spell to the Wolverines holding them to 234 total yards and 13 points. That kind of effort typically results in an OSU victory. Not this time, though. The offense struggled to consistently move the football, likely due to season-ending injuries to starting linemen Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin.

Problems moving the football were prevalent against some of the better defenses the Buckeyes faced this season, so the UM game wasn?t an aberration. The group was less productive in games against Oregon, Nebraska, Penn State and Michigan, averaging just 20.5 points. For the season OSU averaged 35.5 points showing how they cleaned up against lesser foes. The Buckeyes will need Will Howard to bounce back from his poorest outing of the year. He completed just 57.6 percent of his passes with a pair of picks against Michigan.

To relieve some pressure from a relentless Tennessee pass rush, expect OSU to try and establish the run game. Across the board the offensive numbers have dipped but especially on the ground. OSU is 59th nationally running the football and did almost nothing against Michigan averaging less than 3.0 yards per carry. Quinshon Judkins leads the team with 805 rushing yards and eight TDs and TreVeyon Henderso has 751 yards and six scores while averaging 7.0 yards per carry.

Tennessee?s up-tempo attack also hit some snags during the season with inconsistent play from Nico Iamaleava having something to do with that. In their losses to Arkansas and Georgia the Vols scored a total of 31 points, which was below their season average of 37.3 points. The average was boosted by non-conference routs of Chattanooga, NC State and Kent, who the Vols outscored 191-13. They topped the 30-point mark twice in eight SEC games.

Still, the Vols have an offense loaded with playmakers. Iamaleava threw for more than 2,500 yards with 19 touchdowns and an additional 317 yards on the ground. Dylan Sampson anchors a run game that led the SEC with an average of 232 yards. Sampson has rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year. And Dont?e Thornton Jr. is a big play waiting to happen on the outside. He has just 25 catches with six of them ending in touchdowns, and his average of 25.9 yards per grab is tops in the FBS.

Given how both offenses did less against stronger stop units, backing the UNDER looks like a smart play. OSU has the best defense in country allowing 241.1 yards and 10.9 points while the Vols are fourth nationally in both categories. And laying 7.5-points in a game between evenly-matched clubs seems a bit excessive.

Tennessee at Ohio State Same Game Parlay Picks

Tennessee +7.5

Tennessee / Ohio State UNDER 46.5

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Clemson at Texas Parlay Picks - Bet on CFP First Round

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

With two teams having punched their ticket to the second round of the College Football Playoff, the second half of the bracket gets underway on Saturday afternoon when the Clemson Tigers visit the Texas Longhorns at 4 p.m. ET from Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Clemson was the last team to make it into the expanded CFP needing a win over SMU in the ACC Championship to secure the No. 12 seed. Clemson is the only three-loss team in the tournament and as such they are the biggest underdog on the first round board catching 12 points at the Bitcoin Sportsbook. A dominant group throughout the first half of the season, the Texas offense sputtered down the stretch scoring 20 points or less in three of its final four games. The total opened at 51.5.

College Football Betting Lines

CFP First Round Betting Odds

Clemson Tigers +12 / ML +358

Texas Longhorns -12 / ML -437

Over / Under 51.5

I can see why the Longhorns are a double-digit favorite. They have a tremendous homefield advantage and Clemson was fortunate to make the field. The Tigers don?t make the expanded CFP if they don?t win the ACC, and they were able to take down regular season champ SMU thanks to a walk-off 56-yard field goal. Of their three losses only one came during conference play, a 33-21 setback to Louisville in Week 10 when favored by 10.5-points. Clemson bookended the regular season with losses to good teams Georgia in the opener and South Carolina in the finale.

Up until their win over SMU, the Tigers had only one victory against a team that finished with a winning record. They beat Pitt, who finished 7-5, 24-20, in Week 12. It isn?t the most sterling resume for a team competing for a national title, but the Tigers have talent and they won games they needed. Still, I don?t think many people are jumping all over Clemson in this matchup.

Cade Klubnick developed into a fine quarterback for Clemson leading a passing attack that ranks 17th nationally averaging 274.1 yards per game. Klubnick has thrown for 3,303 yards with 33 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He was solid in the upset of SMU throwing for 262 yards and four TDs as the Tigers built a 31-14 lead after three quarters. I don?t envision Clemson having a ton of success against the Longhorns aggressive pass defense. And if the Tigers fail they will be in for a long day.

The Longhorns boast the nation?s best pass defense allowing only 143.1 yards while intercepting the second-most passes in the FBS and allowing only four TD passes. Opposing QBs completed fewer than 60 percent of their passes with a QB rating of just 95.2. Texas is good in every defensive metric ranking among the top 15 nationally against the run while allowing the third fewest yards and second fewest points. They allowed more than 20 points just twice during the regular season, one of those to Georgia in their lone setback, 30-15. The Dawgs put up 22 in the SEC Championship but needed overtime to get there.

What?s a little concerning for Texas is the offense going AWOL. They got past Texas AM in the final regular season game, 17-7, but failed to put the Aggies away after building a 17-0 lead. The Horns were shutout in the second half turning the ball over on consecutive series, including a pick-six for AM?s only points. The Horns also blew chances against UGA in the SEC title game. They had three more turnovers, including two Quinn Ewers interceptions, and failed on numerous chances to score points. They ended up kicking three field goals in the game and missed two other field goal attempts.

At this point the failures of the offense are troubling and playing in a big playoff game could only compound the issue. I do like the defenses on both sides to step up keeping the score below the total, and 12 points is a lot to pass up. I do like the Horns being more aggressive on offense and Ewers could have a nice game against a defense that was picked apart by SMU.

Clemson at Texas Same Game Parlay Picks

Texas -12

Clemson / Texas UNDER 51.5

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Saints at Packers NFL Week 16 Parlay Picks - Bet on Football

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Week 16 concludes with an important Monday Night Football matchup for the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Matt LaFluer and the Pack are battling for a wild-card spot in the 2024 NFL Playoffs. On Monday night, the Packers host a winnable game against the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has been a colossal disappointment since the departures of quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton. Now, the Saints must try and will themselves to fight on the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau field in the dead of winter while having nothing to play for. Good luck with that!

The Saints and Packers Week 16 showdown is the ESPN Monday Night matchup.

New Orleans is one of the least unappealing brands for betting on pro football using crypto in the casual sector. By contrast, Green Bay is always popular with the masses, especially at Lambeau Field.

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the Green Bay Packers will host the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Kickoff time is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, and television coverage will be on ESPN and ABC.

NFL Betting Lines

Saints at Packers Betting Lines

New Orleans Saints +13/-550

Green Bay Packers -13/-800

Total 42.5

New Orleans Saints Team Overview

Last game, the New Orleans Saints lost 20-19 against the Washington Commanders as 7.5-point home dogs. The game went under the total of 44.5. New Orleans has a record of 5-9 straight up, 6-8 against the spread, and 7-7 over/under the total. New Orleans ranks 15th for total offense, 20th for passing, 11th for rushing and 18th for scoring. Defensively they rank 30th overall, 28th against the pass, 26th against the rush, and 13th for points allowed. Also, New Orleans ranks 12th for fewest turnovers lost and 8th for takeaways.

The New Orleans Saints football team remains a disrespected brand on the board and is not profitable this year.

Green Bay Packers Team Overview

Last game, the Green Bay Packers won 30-13 against the Seattle Seahawks as 2.5-point road favorites. The game went under the total of 47.5. Green Bay has a record of 10-4 straight up, 7-6 against the spread, and 6-6-1 over/under the total. Green Bay ranks 4th for total offense, 11th for passing, 5th for rushing and 7th for scoring. Defensively they rank 10th overall, 13th against the pass, 9th against the rush, and 8th for points allowed. Also, Green Bay ranks 14th for fewest turnovers lost and 4th for takeaways.

Jordan Love threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns, Josh Jacobs had 136 total yards and one touchdown, and Kingsley Enagbare had two of Green Bay?s seven sacks. Green Bay dominated on the ground, especially in the first half, and finished with 140 rushing yards.

The Green Bay Packers football team has been one of the best values on the board and on the field this season.

Saints at Packers Same Game Parlay Picks

Green Bay Packers -13

New Orleans/Green Bay Over 42.5

Late on, New Orleans got the money in six of its most recent nine games with Green Bay. The Saints and Packers went under the total in three of their most recent four matchups. Specifically, at Lambeau Field, The Packers paid in five of their last eight games when hosting the Saints. Six of the last seven games between New Orleans and Green Bay at Lambeau Field went over the total.

On Monday night, the Saints will step outside the comfort of the Caesars Superdome for the brutal cold of a Wisconsin winter evening. Green Bay is bringing home the bacon more consistently than the Saints, who have no incentive against a good home team playing for a postseason home game.

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Buccaneers at Cowboys NFL Week 16 Parlay Picks - Bet on Football

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Week 16 features a Sunday Night matchup that was originally projected to be a playoff coronation for the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, that will most likely be the case for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay will visit AT&T Stadium as a road favorite and the leader of the NFC South. By contrast, the Cowboys are hanging by a thread for the final NFC wild card spot. Dallas will have to win out and get a lot of help in the process. Jerry World has been turned upside down with poor roster construction and questionable coaching.

The Buccaneers and Cowboys Week 16 showdown is the NBC Sunday Night matchup.

Tampa Bay continues to provide excellent betting on pro football using crypto value in 2024. On the other hand, Dallas continues to be one of the worst values on the board.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Kickoff time is set for 8:20 p.m. ET, and television coverage will be on NBC.

NFL Betting Lines

Buccaneers at Cowboys Betting Lines

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -4.5/-225

Dallas Cowboys +4.5/+185

Total 48.5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Overview

Last game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 40-17 against the Los Angeles Chargers as 3-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 46. Tampa Bay has a record of 8-6 straight up, 9-5 against the spread, and 9-5 over/under the total. Tampa Bay ranks 3rd for total offense, 5th for passing, 4th for rushing and 4th for scoring. Defensively they rank 25th overall, 29th against the pass, 11th against the rush, and 20th for points allowed. Also, Tampa Bay ranks 22nd for fewest turnovers lost and 21st for takeaways.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team remains a respected value on the board and is profitable this year.

Dallas Cowboys Team Overview

Last game, the Dallas Cowboys won 30-14 against the Carolina Panthers as 2.5-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 41.5. Dallas has a record of 6-8 straight up, 5-8-1 against the spread, and 9-5 over/under the total. Dallas ranks 17th for total offense, 12th for passing, 27th for rushing and 20th for scoring. Defensively they rank 24th overall, 21st against the pass, 29th against the rush, and 29th for points allowed. Also, Dallas ranks 28th for fewest turnovers lost and 10th for takeaways.

Cooper Rush shook off an early turnover and wound up with 214 yards and three touchdown passes. The Dallas Cowboys' victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 15 offered a much-needed respite for head coach Mike McCarthy. While the win temporarily eased the pressure, his job security remains tenuous.

Despite the win, the question that continues to loom large over the franchise is the security of head coach Mike McCarthy's job. Despite a season full of lows, Dallas showcased their potential in a strong performance against the Panthers.

Backup quarterback Cooper Rush led the offense effectively, throwing three touchdown passes. Running back Rico Dowdle achieved his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game, while the defense made significant contributions by recording six sacks and restricting the Panthers' offense.

The Dallas Cowboys football team has been one of the worst values on the board and on the field this season.

Buccaneers at Cowboys Same Game Parlay Picks

Dallas Cowboys +4.5

Tampa Bay/Dallas Over 48.5

Tampa Bay got the cash in only one of its last four games against Dallas. On Sunday night, the Cowboys could prove to be a dangerous home dog with the national spotlight and with the momentum of a big win last week. The Buccaneers and Cowboys are trending over the total this year.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

Bet XFL Division Championship Picks at BookMaker.eu

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.

Check out the latest odds at BookMaker

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.