The Battlehawks season finale is finally here, and what some may view as a meaningless game both teams are expected to try give several reserve players an opportunity to showcase their skills for 2026 while also making sure both teams are healthy for the playoffs. While many may hope to see Jordan Ta’amu put the final touches of his MVP season, fans should expect to see Mike DiLiello vs Brandon Silvers this Friday instead.
Weather: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm during the evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC 8:00PM (ET) Kickoff May 30th, 2025 on FOX
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (May 29th):
Spread: Battlehawks -1.5
Moneyline: Battlehawks -120, Defenders +100
Over/Under: 42.5
Depth Chart:
D.C. will be resting several key contributors including Anthony Hines, Derick Roberson, Anthony Hines, Cornell Powell, Bryce Thompson, Sam Kidd, and Deontay Anderson. The Defenders will also start Mike DiLiello after his 206-yard performance in week 9. Spencer Sanders will be QB2.
The Battlehawks opt to rest the Left side of the offensive line this week along with Cole, and Hoskins on the Defensive Side of the ball. Max Duggan is still slated to play, but should lead way to Brandon Silvers, and Chevan Cordeiro. Sam Wiglusz, Avery Young, Kevon Latulas, Teton Saltes, and Jerome Kapp should all be contributors this week with Ryan Coll making his first UFL Start.
Inactives:
Keys to Victory:
Stay Healthy:
The Battlehawks gave plenty of “reserve players” reps this week and that should be the plan this week as well. Getting players like Austin Faoliu healthy, while also ensuring players like Hakeem Butler, Jacob Saylors, and Max Duggan remain unscathed in their final regular season matchup. Look for Brandon Silvers to continue to pick off where he left off, along with Kevon Latulas and Jarveon Howard to lead a rushing attack. Jacob Saylors who has set the Battlehawks single season rushing record could get some reps has a 40-yard advantage over Jashaun Corbin may also receive some carries to strengthen his hold over the UFL rushing title, and eclipsing the 500-yard mark.
Staying Strong in the Secondary:
The Battlehawks have gone deep into the secondary with Chris Payton-Jones and Brandon Sebastian both ending up on injured reserve. The team has asked Two rookies Myles Sims, and Myles Jones stepping up, with Micah Abraham making an impact in week 9 as well. With D.C. suggesting they’ll rest their starters the depth in that room for the Defenders is second to none. I’ll be curious to see also how Nick Whiteside matches up vs DC’s QB3 Spencer Sanders who was taking reps at Wide Receiver last week.
Strength at the Tackles:
With limited roster sizes the Battlehawks did a good job at working in Bradley Ashmore, Cole Spencer, and Dohnovan West on the right side of their offensive line this past week. While Juwann Bushell-Beatty, and Jaryd Jones-Smith have been mainstays at Tackle for the Battlehawks since 2023, the decision to use reserves against a deep Defenders Defensive Front is certainly a difficult matchup. With Brandon Silvers set to take the majority of the reps at QB and his lack of mobility the Defenders Defensive Ends could tee-off against Ashmore, and possibly Teton Saltes.
Final Thoughts:
In a “meaningless game” (I don’t believe those exist), the matchup comes down to whose reserves are better. The QB battle of Mike DiLiello, and Brandon Silvers may not be attractive to viewers however fans of the league should be excited to see many players, working on increasing the probability of strengthening their shot at getting on the NFL workout cycle or even an UFL team in 2026. With playbooks most likely condensed, I think the Battlehawks have the advantage in this one. Coupled by experience at QB and a Two strong running backs behind Jacob Saylors, the Battlehawks can take advantage of a Defenders unit that has had trouble tackling all year. I think St. Louis wins this one 26-19 setting a new record for Franchise wins going into the playoffs.
