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

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. Let's dive into the matchup with our Bandits-Panthers picks.

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

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

They'll 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 Friday's game (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook; Pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Bandits vs. Panthers Game Info

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

Bandits vs. Panthers Odds Analysis

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 they're 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 FanDuel's offering is more favorable at -110. The total is as high as 34 at both DraftKings and Caesars.

Bandits vs. Panthers Picks

Moneyline: Panthers (+125 via FanDuel) ????Spread: Panthers +2.5 (-110 via DraftKings ) ????Over/Under: Over 33.5 (-110 via FanDuel) ?????

Bandits vs. Panthers ML Pick

Panthers (+125)

Tampa Bay came out flat last week in its loss to the Stallions, managing a mere 158 yards of offense. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu supplied more than half of those yards. He threw for 125 yards and was the team’s 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 didn't 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 they've now built enough momentum to steal a win from an inconsistent Tampa Bay club.

Bandits vs. Panthers Spread Pick

Panthers +2.5 (-110)

Michigan’s record doesn't tell the full story of this team, as the Panthers haven’t 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 team's games difficult to predict. That makes taking points a nice way to double up on investing in a Michigan win.

Bandits vs. Panthers O/U Pick

Over 33.5 (-110)

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.

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Where to Bet on Bandits-Panthers Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

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