Bandits vs. Panthers USFL Picks Week 5: Can Michigan Earn the Upset Win? – Sportsbook Review

Michigan Panthers Head Coach Jeff Fisher will look to rally his team after a tough one-point loss in Week 4. His club will face a Tampa Bay squad also coming off a disappointing defeat. Lets dive into the matchup with our Bandits-Panthers picks.

Both of these teams are entering Week 5 after a loss. Tampa Bays once-praised offense was rendered ineffective against Birminghams defense. A poor kicking game also left the Panthers heartbroken.

The Bandits were considered to be one of the leagues best teams, but theyve been inconsistent. And the 1-3 Panthers were once among the favorites to win the championship, but they may miss the postseason altogether.

Theyll kick off the weekend of football on Friday night looking to return to the win column and get back into the playoff conversation.

Here are my USFL Bandits-Panthers picks and predictions for Fridays game (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook; Pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Date: Friday, May 13, 8 p.m. ETTV: USALocation: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL.Weather: 63 degrees, 6% chance of precipitation, 6-mph east wind

None of the books seem to buy into the idea that the Panthers are gaining momentum. Despite two straight games with 24-plus and a shoutout win in the mix, Michigan still enters as the consensus underdog.

If you favor the Bandits, your best value can be found at DraftKings and Caesars, where theyre listed at -140. FanDuel gives you the better price on a Panthers upset at +125.

Both BetMGM and FanDuel are listing the point total at 33.5. However, BetMGM has juiced the line to -115, while FanDuels offering is more favorable at -110. The total is as high as 34 at both DraftKings and Caesars.

Tampa Bay came out flat last week in its loss to the Stallions, managing a mere 158 yards of offense. Quarterback Jordan Taamu supplied more than half of those yards. He threw for 125 yards and was the teams leading rusher while gaining 34 yards. Tampa Bay also allowed several lengthy Birmingham drives, including a 17-play series that took over nine minutes off the clock before ending in a touchdown. All 10 of the Panthers points came in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Panthers were a last-second field goal away from beating the Stars in Week 4. Unfortunately, kicker Michael Carrizosa didnt connect on his 21-yard attempt. Running back Reggie Corbin carried the day for Michigan with his 152 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers have been slowly improving, and theyve now built enough momentum to steal a win from an inconsistent Tampa Bay club.

Michigans record doesnt tell the full story of this team, as the Panthers havent been blown out in any of their three losses. Their biggest defeat was a five-point setback in Week 1 against the Gamblers, and they suffered a single-point loss in Week 4. Their only win has been a 24-0 victory.

The Bandits have been on every side of the scoring spectrum over their first four games. They earned a one-point win and also lost in a lopsided 34-3 contest. Their inconsistency has made the teams games difficult to predict. That makes taking points a nice way to double up on investing in a Michigan win.

The Over hit during three of the four USFL Week 4 games. Michigan was a part that during its 26-25 contest against Philadelphia. But the Bandits game fell far short of reaching its 39-point total.

However, 11 of the 16 USFL games in 2022 have exceeded this mark. Teams are beginning to figure out how to score points four weeks into the season.

Here are ourtop-rated sportsbooks:

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Bandits-Panthers picks made on 5/9/2022 at 11:19 p.m. ET.

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Bandits vs. Panthers USFL Picks Week 5: Can Michigan Earn the Upset Win? - Sportsbook Review