The inaugural UFL playoffs kick off on Saturday afternoon in Birmingham, AL with the USFL Championship game between the Michigan Panthers and Birmingham Stallions.
These teams played in both Week 2 and Week 10 of the regular season, with the Stallions taking each game in very close fashion.
My Panthers vs. Stallions predictions and betting picks run down the best bet available for this UFL semifinal game on June 8.
Panthers vs Stallions predictions
My best bet
Under 43 (-110 at DraftKings)
My analysis
The Birmingham Stallions picked up this newly-formed UFL season right where they left off in the two seasons they spent in the USFL with a 9-1 regular season record. The two-time defending champions of the USFL will be looking to make their way to the UFL title game by defeating an old rival in the Michigan Panthers – which they did twice already this season.
In their Week 2 matchup, the Stallions won 20-13 on the road, holding the Panthers to only 205 yards of total offense. That was the first game we saw Adrian Martinez take over the quarterback position for the injured Matt Corral and he never looked back from there. He averaged 8.1 yards per rush in the first matchup and 8.2 yards in last week’s game.
In their matchup last week, the Panthers outgained the Stallions 324-223, but it was worth noting that the game did not matter for seeding purposes and both teams were playing it a bit conservative. However, the Stallions still came out on top 20-19 after scoring a go-ahead touchdown with 59 seconds left in the game and then having a missed field goal from the best kicker in the league – Michigan’s Jake Bates.
The Panthers will be without two of their leading rushers from last week in quarterback Bryce Perkins and running back Toa Taua. If quarterback Danny Etling is unable to find any running room on scrambles, it could be a long day for the Panthers in the run game. The good thing for the Panthers is that they have held the best offense in the league to exactly 20 points in both matchups.
While it is possible that the Stallions’ offense has just gone into the neutral the past few weeks because they already clinched everything, it is concerning heading into this game. I like both defenses to keep up their pressure on the quarterback and their familiarity with each other’s offenses to limit the number of big plays. The Under is my best bet for this USFL Conference Championship game.
Panthers vs Stallions odds
- Spread: Michigan +5 (-110) | Birmingham -5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Michigan +220 | Birmingham -270
- Over/Under: Over 43 (-110) | Under 43 (-110)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 6-8.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Panthers vs Stallions game info
| Location: | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL |
| Date: | Saturday, 6-8-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
