Week 2 of the 2025 UFL season is in the books. Last week, I went 2-2 on my four bets. I went 1-1 Friday night in the Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers matchup, with the total just hitting under 38.5 points (33). However, Birmingham won by more than 1-6 points, earning the 21-12 victory.
Meanwhile, I went 1-1 in Saturday's matchup between the Memphis Showboats and the D.C. Defenders. The under 37 points total easily hit, with the Defenders getting a 17-12 victory. Unfortunately, D.C. struggled to put away Memphis, failing to cover the eight-point spread.
However, last week's games are in the books. Now, it's time to move on to Week 3. Let's look at my two favorite bets from Saturday afternoon's matchup between the Houston Roughnecks and Memphis Showboats.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
UFL Week 3 Picks & Predictions: Roughnecks vs. Showboats
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Bet #1 - Under 35.5 Points (-110)
Saturday's matchup is between two of the three 0-2 teams in the UFL. Unfortunately, the Roughnecks have had the worst offense in the league over the first two weeks, averaging 7.5 points per game. They scored nine or fewer in both matchups. More importantly, their defense was significantly better last week compared to Week 1. After giving up 31 points in Week 1 to the St. Louis Battlehawks, Houston held the Arlington Renegades to 11 points last week.
Unfortunately, Memphis' offense hasn't played much better this season. They have scored 24 points over the first two weeks, the third-fewest in the UFL, scoring 12 points in both games. However, the Showboats' defense played better in Week 2 after a poor opening week performance. They gave up 26 points to the Michigan Panthers in Week 1. By comparison, Memphis surrendered 17 points to the D.C. Defenders last week, including only nine over the first three quarters.
The under has been the correct play over the first two weeks of the 2025 UFL season. Both the Roughnecks' and Showboats' Week 2 matchup finished with a total of 29 or lower. While both team's Week 1 matchups ended with a total of 37 or more, neither team played a significant role in that point total. This game is between two of the worst offenses teams in the UFL. Therefore, back the under.
Bet #2 - Roughnecks +4.5 (-108)
Houston has struggled this year, posting a 0-2 record. However, they've had some positive moments. After getting blown out by 25 points in Week 1, the Roughnecks nearly defeated the Renegades last week. Houston quarterback Anthony Brown had a 17-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Butler with 78 seconds left. Unfortunately, the Roughnecks were unsuccessful on the game-tying two-point attempt. Furthermore, they held Arlington to only 11 points after the Renegades scored 33 in Week 1 against the San Antonio Brahmas.
Meanwhile, the Showboats have shown little fight over the first two weeks this season. They got blown out in Week 1, losing 26-12 to the Panthers, scoring half their points in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, quarterback Troy Williams threw a pick-six to Kai Nacua with 41 seconds left in the contest, ending any chance of a Memphis comeback. More importantly, the Showboats blew a fourth-quarter lead last week against the Defenders, losing 17-12.
One of these teams will get their first win of the season in Week 3. While both have struggled over the first two weeks, Houston has shown signs of life. Therefore, bettors shouldn't be surprised if the Roughnecks earn a low-scoring victory. More aggressive bettors should take Houston on the MoneyLine (+185). However, I'll play it safe and take the free 4.5 points on the slim chance the Showboats show up on Saturday afternoon.
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
