In a 10-game season every game is important, and the Battlehawks week 6 matchup is no exception. In a league in which it appears that every team is still mathematically alive for a playoff berth the margin for error is extremely limited in the final half of the season. This week, the Battlehawks look to even their conference record in addition to their season record with the Arlington Renegades as the Two XFL teams kick off Week 6’s slate of games.
Weather: The game will be played indoors.
Location: The Dome at America’s Center Stadium St. Louis, MO 8:00PM (ET) Kickoff May 2nd, 2025 on FOX
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (May 1st):
Spread: Renegades +3.5
Moneyline: Battlehawks -166, Renegades +140
Over/Under: 42.5
Depth Chart:
Battlehawks Rookie Bradley Ashmore will be starting in place of the Juwann Bushell-Beatty. Kyler Baugh will make his professional debut (NFL and UFL) this Friday as well. Isaiah Mack a veteran of 25 NFL games will make his UFL debut as well.
Injury Report:
The Battlehawks come into Week 6 a beat up this week. Juwann Bushell-Beatty and Austin Faoliu will both be “out” this week. The Renegades will be without Jake Johanning this week.
Inactives:
The Battlehawks have activated Ryan Coll, along with Kyler Baugh and Isaiah Mack. Carson Wells remains inactive and LB Olakunle Fatukasi are inactive as well, in addition to Juwann Bushell-Beatty, and Austin Faoliu. Brandon Silvers remains the Battlehawks QB2.
The Renegades have activated Alex Akingbulu (OL), Chris Claybooks (CB), and Jamal Carter (SAF). Jake Johanning (C), and Carlton Johnson (CB) are inactive this week, along with newly acquired Kalen DeLouch (LB), and Ikenna Enechukwu (DL) are both inactive as well.
Three Keys to Victory:
Playmakers are back:
The Battlehawks will have Hakeem Butler and Abdul Beecham back on offense, both of whom were out with injury during their Week 4 matchup. Beecham has been one of the best Guards in the UFL and should reinforce a unit that will be out with Juwann Bushell-Beatty. Butler had missed several games this season but after a 2 catch, 2 Touchdown performance against the Michigan Panthers the former Iowa State Cyclone is primed to make an impact off a dynamic Renegades secondary.
Staying Strong in the Trenches:
Both sides of the Battlehawks trenches take a hit this week no more than their defensive line. While some can argue the implementation of Bradley Ashmore could be an upgrade at Right Tackle, St. Louis will be without perennial All-League selection Austin Faoliu and Carson Wells. The Battlehawks will need Phil Hoskins, Kyler Baugh, T.J. Pesefea, and Isaiah Mack all to step up replacing a possible All-UFL Defensive Tackle.
Digging Duggan:
Last week in a must-win game (which it appears they all are), the Battlehawks rallied around Max Duggan and played good football. With the Battlehawks essentially in “playoff-mode” now, Duggan will be called upon again to deliver through the air, and on the ground. With a full week of practice, a game under his belt, and the ability to review game tape, Duggan accounted for 194 yards and 3 Touchdowns against the Michigan Panthers in week 5. Hopefully, another week of preparation gives Duggan the edge in his rematch against the Arlington Renegades.
Final Thoughts:
St. Louis looks to avenge their week 4 loss against the Renegades during their home matchup at the “Battledome”. With the Top 3 XFL teams all vying for a “leg-up” the head-to-head matchups have plenty of playoff implications come the end of the season. St. Louis has found themselves on the wrong side of a tiebreaker before which should serve as extra motivation for a strong second half finish.
With an additional week to prepare, analyze, and adjust I personally feel this game will come down to Max Duggan showing growth, and the Battlehawks Pass-Rush taking advantage of Luis Perez’s “mobility” or lack thereof it. Between the motivation of not wanting a repeat of a 2023 playoff scenario, the energy of the home crowd, and another week of preparation the Battlehawks have all the tools to “upset” the Renegades this week. With the hometown behind them I think St. Louis irks this one out in a 28-25 victory against Bob Stoops squad.
