Stars vs. Panthers USFL Picks Week 4: Can Philadelphia Win Without Starting QB?

It’s a late-night game between two very different 1-2 teams. Which squad can even its record? Let's examine the matchup in our Week 4 Stars-Panthers picks.

The Philadelphia Stars lost their starting quarterback for the rest of the season in Week 3 when Bryan Scott came up favoring his right knee. He announced his departure from the team earlier this week.

In Scott's absence, Case Cookus will get his first USFL start. The Stars' offense responded well to his emergency entry in Week 3, with Cookus completing 13 of his 20 pass attempts for 146 yards and a touchdown.

Cookus and his team will face a confident Michigan Panthers club that just posted the first shutout of the season against Pittsburgh in Week 3. The Panthers are still waiting to see if Paxton Lynch, their Week 3 starting quarterback, can overcome his lower-leg injury to play.

Here are my USFL Stars-Panthers picks and predictions for Saturday's game (odds via Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook).

Stars vs. Panthers Game Info

Date: Friday, May 6, 10:00 p.m. ETTV: FS1Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL.Weather: 59 degrees, 6% chance of precipitation, 12-mph wind from the west

Stars vs. Panthers Odds Analysis

It seems the books aren't confident in Cookus as he replaces the league’s best quarterback. The Stars enter as a one-point underdog at most of our top-rated U.S. sportsbooks. If you want a hook, Caesars is offering the extra half point for a little more juice on the Stars.

The total swings from 36 on DraftKings, to 37 on Caesars. Each book is offering both sides a line of -110. FanDuel and BetMGM have pegged the total at 36.5, with the former posting -110 on either end, and the latter juiced up to -115 per side.

On the moneyline, Caesars is the only book offering plus-money odds on the underdog Stars. Both DraftKings and FanDuel list them at -105 to win, with the Panthers at -115. BetMGM is showing Philadelphia at -110 and Michigan at -120. Caesars also slots the Panthers in at -120 to win.

Stars vs. Panthers Picks

Moneyline: Stars (+100 via Caesars) ????Spread: Stars +1 (-110 via DraftKings) ????Over/Under: Under 37 (-110 via Caesars) ?????

SEE ALSO: USFL Best Bets for Week 4

Stars vs. Panthers ML Pick

Stars (+100)

If Bryan Scott was still in the lineup, there's no way we'd be getting plus-money odds for a Stars victory. But oddsmakers aren't sold on Cookus, which leads to an opportunity for value.

Cookus held his own in relief during Week 3, and his team was within striking distance at the end of the game. He’ll now get a full week of practice with the starters.

Yes, the Panthers recorded their first win in convincing fashion during Week 3 against the Maulers. However, that victory hinged more on Pittsburgh’s inability to do anything, rather than Michigan's talent rising. The Panthers' quarterbacks combined for 11 completions and 71 total yards. The outcome could have been different were it not for the 245 combined rushing yards from Reggie Corbin, Stevie Scott, and Cameron Scarlett.

The Stars boast a much more talented team than their Pennsylvania counterparts. They will overcome their loss at quarterback and come out on top during this contest. Take the plus money from Caesars while you can.

Stars vs. Panthers Spread Pick

Stars +1 (-110)

There's only been one single-point victory so far during the USFL's season. Point totals are unpredictable because kicking has been so inconsistent. With that in mind, take the Stars to both win and cover, knowing the final score likely isn't going to be super close.

The Stars have scored 63 points over the first three weeks, while the Panthers have registered 33. This contest won't be a shootout, but it should end with Philadelphia covering.

Stars vs. Panthers O/U Pick

Under 37 (-110)

None of the final scores from games involving these teams over the first three weeks went Over this number.

While Philadelphia boasts an offense that can move the ball, scoring has been an issue. The Stars produced a 30-point outing in Week 2, but that came between 17 points in Week 1 and 16 points in Week 3. They won’t need many points to beat the Panthers, so expect to see a lot of Paul Terry trying to run the clock out.

Meanwhile, Michigan comes in averaging 11 points per game, though its 24-point outburst in Week 3 is an outlier. The Panthers only recorded a field goal in Week 1, and then a touchdown before missing the extra-point attempt in Week 2. The Michigan team from the earlier weeks will likely surface again in Week 4.

Daily Betting Picks

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Where to Bet on Stars-Panthers Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel SportsbookCaesars SportsbookDraftKings SportsbookPointsBetBetMGM

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Stars-Panthers picks made on 5/5/2022 at 3:36 p.m. ET.