Betting Odds: Memphis Express at Salt Lake Stallions
- Spread: Stallions -7
- Over/Under: 39.5
- Time: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday
- TV: B/R Live
Betting market: The Stallions opened as 8-point favorites, but have since moved down to -7 at most books. The opening over/under of 40 points has also dropped to 39.5.
Week 5 Takeaways
Memphis' 23-20 Loss to Atlanta
The Express held a 20-14 lead over the Legends entering the fourth quarter of their Week 5 loss, but a late interception by Zach Mettenberger allowed Aaron Murray and Co. to drive down the field for a last-second game-winning field goal.
It's actually surprising the game was this close, as Memphis ran just 42 plays compared to 76 for Atlanta.
Mettenberger has averaged the second-most yards per attempt in the league, but has yet to throw more than 25 passes during a game in Mike Singletary's run-heavy offense.
Salt Lake's 25-27 Loss to San Diego
Josh Woodrum set season-high marks in attempts (48), yards (380), yards per attempt (7.9) and … interceptions (3) during last week's loss. Still, he deserves credit for leading the Stallions on consecutive touchdown drives over the final 10 minutes to give Salt Lake a 25-24 lead with just 57 seconds in regulation.
The Stallions utilized a two-back committee featuring Joel Bouagnon and Terrell Newby with Branden Oliver on the injured reserve list, while slot receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El remains the passing game's go-to target.
Which team is healthier? Memphis
The Express have a multitude of injuries to worry about, although none appear to be too serious.
Defensive end Corey Vereen, offensive lineman Jessamen Dunker and starting wide receiver Dontez Byrd failed to practice Wednesday. Defensive linemen Montori Hughes and Julius Warmsley along with cornerback Charles James were at least able to get in limited sessions.
Meanwhile, the Stallions placed running back Matt Asiata and starting receiver Kaelin Clay on Injured Reserve with season-ending injuries. They then added running backs Terry Swanson and Terron Ward along with linebacker John Timu in corresponding roster moves.
Key matchup: Memphis' Rush Offense vs. Salt Lake's Front-Seven
The Express are hell-bent on getting every last mile out of Zac Stacy's legs, but they'll have their hands full controlling the line of scrimmage against the Stallions' elite run defense.
- Rush yards allowed per carry: 3.16 (first in the AAF)
- Rush yards allowed per game: 73.2 (first)
- Rushing touchdowns allowed: 2 (tied for first)
- PFF run defense grade: 83.4 (first)
Memphis' best bet for success is to utilize a more pass-heavy game plan to take advantage of Mettenberger's early success and to avoid attacking the teeth of the Salt Lake defense.
DFS edge: Kenny Bell bounce-back performance
Bell entered the season as one of the league's best known players thanks to his past exploits at Nebraska. But he's caught just 10-of-18 targets for 86 scoreless-yards in four games.
Still, the opportunity is there for Bell to provide enough production for his reduced DFS salary. He's had at least five targets and three receptions in each of the past three weeks, and his $4,200 price tag is curiously low.
Bell was one of only seven receivers to play at least 85% of their offense's snaps in Week 5.
- Reece Horn ($5,000): 93% snap rate
- Rashad Ross ($7,600): 93%
- Dontez Ford ($6,300): 91%)
- Quinton Patton ($5,300): 90%
- Jalin Marshall ($5,400): 89%
- Charles Johnson ($8,000): 87%
- Kenny Bell ($4,200): 87%
Bet to watch: Memphis +7
Memphis lost 26-0 in Week 1 during the Christian Hackenberg experience, but since then they've…
- Lost by two points to Arizona in Week 2
- Lost by four points to Orlando in Week 3
- Beat San Diego by three points in Week 4
- Lost to Atlanta by three points in Week 5
The Express boast a mediocre defense and arguably the league's worst offensive scheme. Still, Mettenberger has helped keep them stay competitive in each of their past three games, and no team outside Orlando has done enough to be favored by more than a touchdown.
