Sure, the NFL is in the offseason, but Michigan sports fans can still bet on professional football even as the weather warms into spring and eventually summer.
The United States Football League (USFL) debuts this weekend with a full schedule of four games on Saturday and Sunday. Each game will be played in Birmingham, Ala., and you can watch and wager on each game.
Although the games are played in Alabama, there is a team representing Michigan. The Michigan Panthers will open the season against the Houston Gamblers at noon ET on Sunday. They will be led by former University of Michigan QB Shea Patterson.
Michigan Sports Betting Bonuses For USFL Wagers
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has added the USFL to the official sports wagering catalog for the state, which means you can legally bet on the USFL in Michigan at a number of Michigan sports betting apps. Here are the bonuses available from each one.
| Online Sportsbook | Welcome Offers | Click to Claim |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Michigan Bonus | Up to $1,050 in bonuses ($50 free bet with $5 deposit + 20% match up to $1,000) |
Click to Claim Promo |
| Caesars Michigan Bonus | Risk-free bet up to $1,500 |
Use Code SHARPBET15 |
| BetMGM Michigan Bonus | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 |
Use Code SHARP |
| BetRivers Michigan Bonus | 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 (1x playthrough) |
Use Code SHARP250 |
| FanDuel Michigan Bonus | No sweat first bet up to $1,000 | Click to Claim Promo |
| PointsBet Michigan Bonus | $2,000 in risk-free bets across two bets (up to $500 as a fixed odds wager and up to $1,500 as a "pointbetting" wager) |
Use Code BESTOFFER |
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Michigan Panthers USFL Season
With head coach Jeff Fisher on the sidelines, the Panthers are considered one of the better teams in the new USFL, and they will have two chances to show how good they are in the first few days of the season.
On Sunday, the Panthers will face the Houston Gamblers, and just five days later Michigan will play in primetime against the New Jersey Generals on Friday.
Panthers vs. Gamblers: Sunday, April 17, Noon ET on NBC/Peacock
Betting odds from BetMGM Michigan: Panthers -2.5 (-115); Total 43.5 (-115/-115)
NBC’s contract to broadcast USFL games includes the option for at least one game per weekend on its parent channel, and typically a simulcast or alternate game on its Peacock streaming service, which is available by subscription. You’ll be able to follow the Panthers and see the status of your USFL wagers on those channels.
The Panthers are +450 to win the USFL championship at BetRivers Michigan Sportsbook, which places them as the favorites to win the league. The Tampa Bay Bandits and New Orleans Breakers are right behind at +500.
FanDuel Michigan has the Panthers at +450 — the same odds as the Bandits — with the Breakers at +550, and the Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers at +600.
Since these USFL rosters don’t have a history of playing as a unit, and with several players making their professional debuts, it’s difficult to know which USFL teams will emerge as the best.
The USFL has eight teams split into two divisions, with a 10-game schedule followed by playoffs. The USFL title game will be played in July.
Panthers vs. Generals, Friday, April 22, 8 p.m. ET on USA Network
According to DraftKings Michigan Sportsbook, the New Jersey Generals are +750 to win the USFL, making them one of the longshots. The Panthers should be heavily favored by sportsbooks in Michigan in this matchup.
The Generals lost their starting quarterback to injury in the preseason, and turn to 27-year-old Luis Perez, who was once the best player in Division II college football. He had to ramp up his playing time in the preseason and will be expected to guide the Generals against the Panthers, who have more experienced pro players on the defensive side of the ball.
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