After two weeks, we are starting to learn a lot more about the projections of how this inaugural UFL season will go for each of the teams.
Play gets underway for Week 3 on Saturday with one game in Arlington, and one in Birmingham. Play continues Sunday with two more games in Detroit and San Antonio.
Check out my UFL picks and predictions for Week 3.
UFL picks for Week 3
Picks made on 4/12 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
Week 3 UFL odds and predictions
D.C. Defenders vs Arlington Renegades
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
| Defenders | Renegades | |
|---|---|---|
| +1 (+102) | Spread | -1 (-122) |
| +130 | Moneyline | -155 |
| Over 43 (-110) | Total | Under 43 (-110) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 4-13.
The DC Defenders defeated the Houston Roughnecks 23-18 at home last week after losing their opener on the road to the San Antonio Brahmas 27-12. The Arlington Renegades are 0-2, losing the opener at home to the Birmingham Stallions, 27-14, and losing 27-24 to the St. Louis Battlehawks on the road in Week 2.
While the Defenders have not shut down their opponents, they have played solid defense at forcing them off the field on third downs. The Brahmas were 1-for-8 on third-down conversions and the Roughnecks were 3-for-13. If they can hold Arlington to a similar percentage on third down, they will have a massive advantage in this game in time of possession.
The Renegades allowed 4.8 yards per carry to the Stallions and 6.1 to the Battlehawks. While the Defenders have only averaged 3.3 yards per carry this season, they will get a great opportunity to capitalize on a mismatch and control possession. They will win a second straight game and move to 2-1 on the season.
Pick: Defenders +1 (+102 at DraftKings)
Memphis Showboats vs Birmingham Stallions
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, FOX
| Showboats | Stallions | |
|---|---|---|
| +7 (+102) | Spread | -7 (-122) |
| +250 | Moneyline | -310 |
| Over 40.5 (-108) | Total | Under 40.5 (-112) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 4-13.
Two teams at the top of the USFL Conference are renewing their old rivalry on primetime. The Memphis Showboats won their opener on the road against the Roughnecks and then lost to the Brahmas at home. The Stallions opened their season with back-to-back road wins against Arlington and Michigan Panthers.
The Stallions look to continue their dominance in their home opener, as they bring an excellent rushing game that averages 4.9 yards per carry into this clash with Memphis. While Matt Corral has been their primary quarterback, they also like to use Adrian Martinez, who excels at running the football with 117 yards on 11 carries.
The Stallions have recorded nine sacks and are allowing 13.5 points per game. The Showboats have yet to surpass 20 points on offense and have allowed seven sacks through two weeks. Birmingham will give the home crowd a show in their first UFL home game with a dominating performance.
Pick: Stallions -7 (-122 at DraftKings)
Houston Roughnecks vs Michigan Panthers
Sunday, 12 p.m. ET, ABC
| Roughnecks | Panthers | |
|---|---|---|
| +2.5 (-110) | Spread | -2.5 (-110) |
| +124 | Moneyline | -148 |
| Over 38 (-122) | Total | Under 38 (+102) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 4-13.
The Panthers kicked off the season with a home win against the Battlehawks before losing at home last week to the Stallions.
The Roughnecks may be 0-2 but they have showcased a solid defense in both games. On offense, however, they have a serious fumbling problem with five total and four lost through two weeks. The Panthers defense is similarly stout, allowing 36 total points, which includes holding the vaunted Stallions attack to 20.
Neither team will likely control a ton of possession with long drives and Houston is now down to its second-string quarterback. Neither team is in a great position to reach 20 points and it may come down to late field position and field goals.
Pick: Under 38 (+102 at DraftKings)
St. Louis Battlehawks vs San Antonio Brahmas
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC
| Battlehawks | Brahmas | |
|---|---|---|
| -2 (-110) | Spread | +2 (-110) |
| -130 | Moneyline | +110 |
| Over 42 (-115) | Total | Under 42 (-105) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 4-13.
The Battlehawks split their opening two games in nail-biting fashion, losing on the road to the Panthers and winning at home against the Renegades. The Brahmas are 2-0 with impressive wins over the Defenders and Showboats.
The Battlehawks bring in one of the most talented offenses in the league with AJ McCarron at quarterback and have yet to turn the ball over. However, they have gotten off to slow starts with zero points in the first quarter of either game.
The Brahmas love to air it out and will need to if they want to stay undefeated. Quarterback Chase Garbers went 19-for-25 for 156 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 and 29-for-40 for 287 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception last week. Even if the Battlehawks start slowly for a third consecutive week, both teams will air it out in the end.
Pick: Over 42 (-115 at DraftKings)
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