Panthers vs Gamblers Week 9 Game Info
2023 USFL Regular Season'Game
Michigan Panthers (0-0) vs.'Houston Gamblers (0-0)
Date:'Sunday, Apr. 16, 2023
Time:'12 p.m. ET
Venue:'Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium – Memphis, TN
Coverage:'NBC Peacock
Week 1 of the 2023 USFL season continues on Saturday, April 16. The first of two matchups on the day features the Michigan Panthers going one-on-one with the Houston Gamblers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN.
Both sides are hoping for some momentum here after uninspiring 2022 performances. A 3-7 record saw the Gamblers finish at the bottom of the South Division last season, whereas the Panthers weren't much better, placing third in the North at 2-8.
Can the Panthers open the fresh campaign on a high note? Or will the Gamblers stand tall once the smoke clears?
Panthers vs Gamblers Odds & Spread
Moneyline:'MICH (-110) | HOU: (-110)
Spread:'MICH: +1 (-115) | HOU: -1 (-105)
Total:'38.5 -Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
The moneyline is a pick 'em situation while the Gamblers are slim 1-point spread favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook's odds. This 12 p.m. ET matchup also features an over/under of 38.5 with both sides being available at -110 odds.
Panthers vs Gamblers Prediction & Pick
It'll be interesting to see who emerges the victor this weekend given that both teams are debuting new head coaches. Curtis Johnson, who spent five seasons as an assistant and wide receivers coach with the New Orleans Saints, takes over in Houston. Meanwhile, Mike Nolan is Michigan's new bench boss after most recently being the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator in 2020.
This game will be far from a spectacle, but I actually like the Gamblers winning. Not only do they have a home-field advantage, but Johnson has also coached more recently than his counterpart. On top of that, the Panthers only won o ne road game last year and I don't see them doing a complete 180 just because it's a new calendar and coach.
In what could be an ugly game, look for the Gamblers to squeeze out the win.
Final Score Prediction:'Gamblers: 20 | Panthers: 17
Panthers vs Gamblers Best Bet
Anyone hoping for a lot of offense in this game shouldn't bother tuning in. With two new head coaches in attendance, there's bound to be some growing pains on offense. It's also been eight years since Johnson served as a head coach (Tulane) while Nolan is known for his defensive background.
In other words, betting on fewer points than projected is the right call for this week's 38.5-point total.