UFL Playoffs Odds & Picks: Panthers vs. Stallions (Saturday)
The 2024 UFL regular season is in the books. Eight teams started the year believing they could come away as champions. However, only four teams can make the playoffs in the UFL, meaning three will see their season end with a loss.
Last week's matchups had little impact on the playoffs. The two contests on Sunday were between the four teams eliminated from the postseason. The Arlington Renegades defeated the D.C. Defenders 32-31. Arlington finished the year with a 3-7 record, finishing last in the XFL Conference, while D.C. finished third in the XFL Conference with a 4-6 record.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Showboats got their first win since Week 1, defeating the Houston Roughnecks 19-12 last Sunday. Memphis finished the year with a 2-9 record, finishing third in the USFL Conference, while Houston had a 1-9 record and finished last in the USFL Conference.
While the two matchups on Sunday were worthless, the two contests on Saturday were UFL playoff previews. The Birmingham Stallions defeated the Michigan Panthers 20-19 in a matchup that had no impact on the playoffs. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Battlehawks defeated the San Antonio Brahmas 13-12, securing home-field advantage for this weekend's playoff matchup.
However, all that happened last week. Now, it's time to move on to the playoffs. Let's look at my favorite bet from Saturday's USFL Conference Championship Game.
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UFL Playoffs: USFL Conference Championship Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Michigan Panthers vs. Birmingham Stallions
Michigan nearly won last week against Birmingham, leading 16-6 at halftime. However, a five-yard touchdown pass from Adrian Martinez to Jace Sternberger and a one-point conversation by Marcus Baugh with under a minute left gave the Stallions the victory. The Panthers had won five consecutive games before the Week 10 matchup, including two by 13 or more points. More importantly, Michigan was a competitive team all year, with their three losses coming by an average of six points.
The Stallions are heavy favorites to win the UFL Championship at -115. The next closest team is the St. Louis Battlehawks at +255. They are a nine-point Week 9 loss away from being undefeated this season. Birmingham has been the clear-cut top team in the league. They rank first in scoring offense (26.5 points per game) and second in scoring defense (18 points per game). Their 8.5-point average margin of victory was easily the largest in the UFL this season.
While the Stallions have a 9-1 record and an 8.5-point average margin of victory, bettors shouldn't assume they run away with the UFL Championship. Birmingham has won their past three contests by an average of four points, while not winning by more than seven points in any victory. Meanwhile, the Panthers have kept games close all year. While Birmingham likely wins, no one should be surprised if Michigan pulls off the upset.
Pick: Panthers +5 (-110)
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.