Michigan Panthers vs. New Jersey Generals Prediction and Odds (Shea Patterson Back Under Center for Michigan)

Week 2 of the USFL season is upon us and kicks off with a great game on Friday night. The Michigan Panthers are set to face off against the New Jersey Generals at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Both teams dropped their season openers in Week 1 and will be primed to notch their first win of the season. 

The Panthers opened their season with a 17-12 loss to the Houston Gamblers. But, the Panthers showed some life in the second half, reeling off 12 points after a scoreless first. Shea Petterson is their starting QB and went 17-for-25 with 192 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Generals relied heavily on their run game and put up 222 yards on the ground against the Birmingham Stallions in Week 1. However, they were edged out in the end 28-24 in one of the higher scoring games of Week 1. De’Andre Johnson led the charge with 98 yards and a touchdown. 

Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Panthers vs. Generals, Spread, and Total Odds

Spread:

• Panthers: +1 (-115)
• Generals: -1 (-115)

Moneyline:

• Panthers: +100
• Generals: -120

Total:

• 41 (Over -115/Under -115)

Panthers vs. Generals Prediction and Pick

After one week of play, I think that the Generals have one of the classic problems in all of professional sports. A great offense, and a terrible defense. It makes for exciting games, but not a very consistent team. The 28 points that the Generals allowed was the most by any team in the opening week of USFL play. 

In some ways, the Panthers have the opposite problem. Their offense does not look nearly as explosive as the Generals. However, their defense played quite well despite the loss in Week 1. I am curious to see how well Patterson can play in Week 2 with a much softer defense staring back at him. The former UM standout has flashed some brilliance in the past and I think has a good chance to torch the Generals' weak defense. As a slight underdog, I think it’s well worth the risk to take Michigan to pull off a Week 2 upset. 

Prediction: Panthers +100

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE