Top UFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Week 1 (Sunday)
Welcome to the United Football League (UFL). After the XFL and USFL had successful seasons in 2023, the two spring football leagues merged to create a new eight-team UFL.
The reigning XFL champion Arlington Renegades and back-to-back USFL champion Birmingham Stallions kick off the UFL season on Saturday. However, fans get three other exciting matchups in Week 1, including two on Easter Sunday. The D.C. Defenders take on the San Antonio Brahmas in the day's first game, followed by a contest between the Memphis Showboats and Houston Roughnecks.
Let's dive into my favorite Week 1 bets for both UFL matchups on Sunday.
UFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions Week 1 (Sunday)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
D.C. Defenders vs. San Antonio Brahmas
The Defenders had the top record in the XFL last season, posting a 9-1 mark. While they didn't win the championship, D.C. led the league in scoring, averaging 29.8 points per game. They had the top rushing offense in the XFL. Running back Abram Smith led the league in rushing yards (788) in 2023 but will miss this season after tearing his ACL in practice earlier this month. However, quarterback Jordan Ta'amu ranked seventh with 301 rushing yards.
San Antonio had the second-worst offense in the XFL last season, averaging only 16.9 points per game. However, they had an elite defense. The Brahmas surrendered 18.3 points per game, only 0.6 behind the Seattle Sea Dragons for the league lead. Defensive tackle Taron Vincent is making his spring football debut after a solid college career at Ohio State. Expect him to help slow down the Defenders' rushing attack.
While these two teams had drastically different 2023 seasons in the XFL, don't expect this game to be a blowout. The loss of Abram Smith is significant, as he accounted for over 25% of the team's offensive yards last year. While Jordan Ta'amu will have a massive role in the run game, the running back unit must step up. San Antonio won't win this game but keeps D.C. from making it a runaway victory.
Bet: Brahmas +6
Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Roughnecks
Despite their 5-5 record in the USFL last season, the Showboats are a threat to win the UFL Championship. Quarterback Case Cookus had a solid 2023 season with the Philadelphia Stars, ranking second in the league in passing yards (2,294) and touchdowns (15). His top weapon is tight end Sage Surratt. Last year, he ranked second in the USFL in receptions (50) and third in receiving yards (552) for the New Orleans Breakers.
Houston won the XFL South Division in 2023. However, the rest of the division had three of the four worst teams in the league, making many believe the Roughnecks weren't legitimate title contenders. While the UFL isn't the NFL, the quarterback position is critical to winning. Unfortunately, Houston doesn't have an experienced quarterback on the roster. Reid Sinnett is the only quarterback with professional experience, totaling 97 passing yards for the San Antonio Brahmas last year.
DraftKings has the Showboats with the sixth-longest odds to win the UFL Championship at +800. However, those odds should drastically change after Week 1. Meanwhile, the Roughnecks have the fifth-best odds at +650. If Case Cookus and Sage Surratt can connect early and often, this matchup could turn into a blowout. Houston doesn't have the firepower on offense to keep up, leaving it up to their defense to win them the game.
Bet: Showboats -1
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday:
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.