Michigan Panthers vs. Houston Gamblers odds, picks and predictions

The Michigan Panthers and the Houston Gamblers meet Sunday in the Week 1 opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Panthers vs. Gamblers odds, and make our expert USFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers were a dismal 2-8 in 2022, and Michigan posted a minus-25 point differential while going 0-4 in 4 tries against South Division teams.

The Gamblers weren't much better, turning in a 3-7 record with a minus-12 point differential. However, Houston finished the season on a 2-game win streak, including a surprising 17-15 win in Week 9 over the eventual champion Birmingham Stallions.

Houston is expected to use Kenji Bahar as the starting signal caller, while Michigan rolls with QB Josh Love.

These teams met April 17, 2022, in Week 1 last season, and Houston came away with a 17-12 win. The highlight of the game was a 90-yard scoop and score by Reggie Northrop.