The First Week of the UFL Season is finally here. After the 2023 season were the USFL and XFL went head-to-head, and a merger in 2024 season, the UFL marches on into their 2nd season with Kickoff Weekend beginning with the St. Louis Battlehawks taking on the Houston Roughnecks.
Weather: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Location: TDECU Stadium Houston, TX 8PM (ET) Kickoff March 28th, 2025 on FOX
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (March 26th):
Spread:Â Battlehawks -6
Moneyline:Â Battlehawks -278, Roughnecks +225
Over/Under:Â 37.6
Depth Chart:
Injury Report:
Inactives:
Three Keys to Victory:
Consistency at Quarterback:
The Battlehawks venture into the 2025 season with a bit of an unknown at the sports most important position. Manny Wilkins is slated to make his 3rd career start after working his way up the depth chart going back to 2023. The former ASU alum owns a 1-1 record with a 1:3 TD:INT ratio, however St. Louis could sprinkle in Max Duggan as well. In spring football, it's not uncommon for QBs to have a short leash and it's very possible both QBs are keeping the "seat" warm for 1st Round Pick Chevan Cordiero.
Keeping The Pressure On:
The Roughnecks are slated to start Anthony Brown at QB, an NFL veteran who has 150 Pass attempts (49 Reg Season, 101 Preseason), across Three years. With Brown being one of the more experienced QBs in the UFL Saint Louis will have to take advantage of a Roughnecks Offensive Line that is dealing with injuries. If the Battlehawks are able to maximize their EDGE Rushers in a 3-man front don't be surprised if Coach CJ Johnson opts for the more mobile Nolan Henderson this week.
What is the Roughnecks Identity:
Since 2022 the Roughnecks (22/23 Gamblers), have been a team that has relayed heavily on their rushing attack and stout Defense. In 2024, Houston had no true identity with the regression of Mark Thompson, inconsistency at QB, and a Defense that underwhelmed. Relaying heavily on a new roster buoyed by young talent through the UFL Draft, the Roughnecks may be in line for a slow start that yields similar results from the 2024 season.
Closing Thoughts and Prediction:
While the 2025 season underway, the Battlehawks seem to be in a season of change and transition. While the team still rosters a veteran centered team, the team did try to get younger at QB and Offensive Line. With so much change in the off-season for Saint Louis, the team is being thrown a "softball" with taking on the Houston Roughnecks who many believe to be one of the UFL's worst teams this year. Overall, while it may not be pretty, I expect the Battlehawks to take care of business defeating Houston 23-12 to open the season 1-0.