Panthers at Showboats UFL Week 1 Betting Lines

Michigan Panthers UFL Week 1 Betting

If not for the Birmingham Stallions solidifying their spring football dynasty throughout its UFL betting debut, the Michigan Panthers might have made an even bigger splash during the inaugural season. Under Mike Nolan’s leadership, the team posted a 7-3 regular-season record and went .500 against the spread, earning a spot in the USFL Championship Game. While they proved to be a formidable challenge for their division rivals throughout the season, they couldn’t keep pace in the conference semifinals, falling 31-18 despite jumping out to an early 12-0 first-quarter lead.

With much of last year’s core returning, oddsmakers at the crypto sportsbook are giving Michigan a legitimate shot to build on its strong 2024 campaign, listing them 7/1 contenders to win the UFL Championship. The Panthers enter their season opener in Memphis as road favorites after sweeping the division rival Showboats last season. Nolan’s squad went 3-2 straight up (SU) and 4-1 against the spread (ATS) on the road in 2024, though they failed to cover the only time they were favored away from home.

Odds to Win UFL Season 2025

UFL Week 1 Betting Lines

Michigan Panthers -5

Memphis Showboats +5

Total: 38.5

Michigan Panthers UFL Week 1 Matchup

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Michigan Panthers will take on the Memphis Showboats from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN. Kickoff time is set for 12 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN. The Week 1 UFL betting lines opened with the Panthers laying 3.5-points with the total lined 38. The Panthers initiated their season sweep of the Showboats in Memphis back in Week 5, securing a dominant 35-18 victory, easily covering as what turned out to be mispriced 1.5-point underdogs. Capitalizing on a 4-1 turnover edge, Michigan built a commanding 19-0 lead late in the second quarter and cruised to the 17-point win. The 53 combined points soared past the 40.5-point closing Over/Under (O/U).

Following their first matchup and Michigan’s consistent success throughout the season, the crypto sportsbook pegged the Panthers as heavy 9-point favorites in the Week 8 rematch back in their home digs. With the defense forcing just one turnover and Memphis' offense showing signs of life, Michigan needed a fourth-quarter touchdown to pull out the 24-18 victory. Despite a strong performance from standout RB Matt Colburn, who rushed for 93 yards and two scores, the Panthers failed to cover, settling for a split against the UFL betting lines versus their division foe. The 42 combined points also fell short of the 47-point O/U.

Michigan punched a ticket to the North Division Final in the final season of the USFL, and also made the semis in the UFL’s inaugural season. Unfortunately, both matchups resulted in tough defeats. The Panthers have been a tier just below the elites over the last few years. The team posted winning marks both at home (4-1) and on the road last season (3-2). Above average on both sides of the ball, the Panthers must start churning out some elite outputs if it’s to finally break through and bring home a title.

Michigan Panthers 2024 Season Recap

The Panthers dropped three regular-season games, with two losses coming against the eventual UFL champion Stallions. Despite the setbacks, Nolan’s squad proved to be tough competition in both matchups, falling 20-13 as 6.5-point home underdogs in Week 2 and 20-19 as 7.5-point road dogs in the Week 10 rematch. In the conference championship, Michigan appeared poised for an upset, carrying an 18-12 halftime lead. However, the offense stalled in the second half, failing to score a single point, resulting in a frustrating 31-18 loss and a missed cover against the closing 5.5-point UFL betting line.

Heading into 2025, Michigan retains its quarterback duo of Danny Etling and E.J. Perry, along with leading rusher Matthew Colburn—key pieces for an offense that ranked fourth in scoring (22.8 PPG) and third in total yards (300.6 YPG). The Panthers’ rushing attack was one of just two in the league to average over 125 yards per game. On the defensive side, standouts Breeland Speaks (9.5 sacks) and Kai Nacua—the UFL’s co-leader in interceptions—return, looking to elevate a unit that ranked fourth overall in total defense (263.2 YPG) and second against the run (78.0 YPG). One major departure is kicker Jake Bates, who played a pivotal role in Michigan’s 2024 success before making the jump to the NFL with the Detroit Lions, leaving the team in search of a new weapon in the kicking game.

2025 Michigan Panthers Schedule & Scores

UFL Teams

• Birmingham Stallions
• Houston Roughnecks
• Memphis Showboats
• Michigan Panthers
• Arlington Renegades
• D.C. Defenders
• San Antonio Brahmas
• St. Louis Battlehawks

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