The Battlehawks finish their homestead at the “The Dome” in week 3 looking to even out their franchise record against their rivals the D.C. Defenders this week. Saint Louis has taken the league by storm storming out to a 2-0 record with a point differential of 57-15 over the first two weeks of the season, behind the “Knights of Colombo” who’ve out rushed opponents 437-206.
Weather: The game will be played in a dome.
Location: The Dome at America’s Center Stadium St. Louis, MO 3:00PM (ET) Kickoff April 13th, 2025 on ABC
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (April 12th):
Spread: Battlehawks -7
Moneyline: Battlehawks -326, Defenders +260
Over/Under: 38.5
Depth Chart:
Injury Report:
The Battlehawks will be without 2024 OPOY WR Hakeem Butler, OG Abdul Beecham and 2024 STPOY Chris Garrett. 3rd String QB Chevan Cordeiro is also out and will be replaced by Trae Self. The Defenders seem to be at full strength this week. Dohnovan West will earn his first start with St. Louis and first start since 2023 with the Vipers.
Inactives:
Myles Sims, and Cole Spencer will be active this week in place of Abdul Beecham and Myles Jones. Both Sims and Spencer are making their 2025 debut, the Battlehawks are also activating Jerome Kapp who is just coming off Injured Reserve.
Three Keys to Victory:
Tote the Rock:
The Battlehawks have outgained their first Two opponents 437-206 in the first Two weeks of play. Whether it’s Jacob Saylors, Jarveon Howard, or Manny Wilkins the Battlehawks roster 3 of the top 5 rushers in the UFL going into week 3. With the Defenders owning the 3rd worst rush defense in the league, the Battlehawks are primed to have another big day on the ground.
Growing Pains:
The Battlehawks will be going up against Blake Williams who will be calling his first game since his father left for Tennessee State. This won’t be Williams’ first stint as a Defensive Coordinator as at one point he was the NFL’s youngest DC with the Rams. In week 3, the Battlehawks will see how far the apple fell from the tree as it the senior Williams is known for his exotic Blitz packages against opposing offenses.
Force Ta’amu to Beat You:
The Battlehawks are second in the league in sacks (behind D.C.) as the team is on pace to surpass their sack total form 2024 by the midway point of the season. Over the first Two weeks Ta’amu has completed less than 50% of his passes, opening the way for the Battlehawks front Seven to “feast” on their prey. With the Defenders struggling at times for continuity at Wide Receiver, it may come down to Ta’amu to once again will the Defenders to victory.
Closing Thoughts and Prediction:
With the 2025 going into week Three, the Battlehawks have an opportunity to put their mark on the division and the league as a whole. With Wilkins and the offense thriving in Phil McGeoghan’s Offensive scheme St. Louis is primed to soar in front of their fans at the Dome. D.C.’s wins haven’t been pretty and as we’ve seen in week 1 & 2, they’ve had issues containing a mobile QB. I think the Battlehawks offense proves too much for D.C. going through another coaching change and Saint Louis rides the legs of Wilkins to a 31-13 victory this week.
