Week 2 in the UFL is here, and I'm hoping offense finds its way into the flow of things.
Only two teams cracked the 20-point plateau, with the other six teams failing to score more than 17 points.
This week is spotlighted by the only matchup of undefeated teams, with the St Louis Battlehawks visiting the Dallas Renegades to close out the week.
Ready below for my UFL predictions and UFL picks for Week 2.
UFL picks for Week 2
Picks made on 4-3.
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
United Football League predictions and odds for Week 2
All odds courtesy of bet365.
D.C. Defenders vs Columbus Aviators
Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
| Defenders | Aviators | |
|---|---|---|
| -1.5 | Spread | +1.5 |
| -145 | Moneyline | +125 |
| Over 40 | Total | Under 40 |
Not exactly a great start to the title defense of the champs, who put up 10 points in the first quarter and did nothing the rest of the way in a 16-10 loss to the St Louis Battlehawks.
D.C. Defenders QB Jordan Ta'amu threw for just 123 yards and two interceptions, while getting sacked seven times by the relentless Battlehawks D.
The struggle was real for the expansion Aviators, who could only muster six total points through three quarters in a 23-16 loss to the Orlando Storm.
I think the Defenders' offense will find some breathing room in Week 2 and find their way into the win column.
Pick: Defenders -2.5 (-115 at bet365)
Louisville Kings vs Orlando Storm
Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
| Kings | Storm | |
|---|---|---|
| +3.5 | Spread | -3.5 |
| +157 | Moneyline | -180 |
| Over 40 | Total | Under 40 |
Rough start for the expansion Louisville Kings, who couldn't hold a late fourth quarter lead, with a Matt Corral TD toss eventually ending in a 15-13 decision for the Birmingham Stallions.
The Kings didn't do themselves any favors, turning the ball over three times, with QB Jason Bean throwing two interceptions.
The Orlando Storm was rock steady in Week 1, picking up points in each quarter of its win over Columbus.
Jashaun Corbin's 66 yards rushing and two rushing scores were both tops in the league in Week 1, while Jack Plummer threw for 240 yards and a score.
Look for the Orlando beat to go on, as they take advantage of their expansion team-expansion team opening slate.
Pick: -3.5 (-110 at bet365)
Birmingham Stallions vs Houston Gamblers
Sunday, 6:00 p.m. ET, NFLN
| Stallions | Gamblers | |
|---|---|---|
| -7.5 | Spread | -7.5 |
| -350 | Moneyline | +280 |
| Over 44 | Total | Under 44 |
The Birmingham Stallions were a ball-control beast in their Week 1 win over Louisville, dominating the time-of-possession battle (38:12) and running 65 plays to the Kings' 44.
It seemed like every drive was extended with Matt Corral connecting with Jaydon Mickens, who had nine grabs for 102 yards.
That's a bad sign for the Houston Gamblers, who managed just 22:56 in time of possession, while getting shredded by the Dallas Renegades 36-17.
The Renegades' run game could only muster 42 total yards, 27 from fill-in QB Hunter Dekkers.
This one is setting up for a dominant performance for the Stallions. I'll keep to the total, though, with these teams going Under the total.
Pick: Under 44 points (-110 at bet365)
St. Louis Battlehawks vs Dallas Renegades
Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. ET, FS1
| Battlehawks | Renegades | |
|---|---|---|
| +3 | Spread | -3 |
| +150 | Moneyline | -180 |
| Over 41.5 | Total | Under 41.5 |
The Dallas Renegades showed its firepower, leading the league in scoring in Week 1, dominating the Houston Gamblers 36-17.
Austin Reed broke the UFL single-game passing record with 376 yards, adding three TD tosses. Tyler Vaughns had seven grabs for 144 yards and a major.
I doubt that those numbers are replicated in Week 2 against the St. Louis Battlehawks, who had three players record at least 1.5 sacks in their win over DC.
Perhaps the offense can improve on its 5-for-16 conversion rate on third downs and 1-for-4 effort in the red zone.
No matter how good St Louis' D is, they are going to have to put up points to run with the Renegades
Pick: Over 42 points (-110 at bet365)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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