With the playoffs clinched, and home-field advantage wrapped up the Battlehawks have Two more weeks left in the 2025 Regular season, to get healthy for their playoff match-up against the D.C. Defenders who they’ll play in back-to-back weeks. This week the Battlehawks take on the San Antonio Brahmas who have went through a tumultuous downfall after appearing in the UFL Championship last year.
Weather: The game will be played in a dome.
Location: The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO 8:00PM (ET) Kickoff May 23th, 2025 on FOX
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (May 22nd):
Spread: Battlehawks -6.5
Moneyline: Battlehawks -310, Brahmas +250
Over/Under: 42.5
Depth Chart:
The Brahmas are set to start Kellen Mond once again after an injury to Kevin Hogan’s Right Hand, in addition to signing Alan Bowman who received no NFL interest after his stint with the Michigan Panthers. The Brahmas will return WR Greg Ward in addition to having Marcus Haynes, Lamont Gaillard, and Sean Fresch all making their San Antonio debuts.
The Battlehawks activated T.J. Pesefea after missing last week’s game due to injury. The Battlehawks will also activate Micah Abraham and Kevon Latulas who are expected to both contribute on special teams. Due to Chris Payton-Jones suffering a season ending injury Myles Jones is set to start opposite of Nick Whiteside.
Inactives:
Three Keys to Victory:
Staying Healthy:
The Battlehawks have the playoffs locked up and currently are doing a decent job of being semi-healthy all things considered. With the Brahmas in complete disarray St. Louis should be leaning on more depth pieces like Jerome Kapp, Kevon Latulas, Micah Abraham, and Kyler Baugh to get plenty of reps over this week. The Battlehawks may also play Backup QB Brandon Silvers as well, who hasn’t played since the 2023 XFL Playoffs however, Coach Becht could also give 1st round pick Chevan Cordeiro reps as well.
It’s Mr. Feeney:
Travis Feeney has been one of the more underrated players in spring football the past several years and was awarded the Defensive Player of the Week for efforts against the Stallions. Feeney has played in spring football since 2019 with the AAF’s San Diego Fleet totaling almost 20 sacks and 200 tackles in his career. Feeney should be able to lead the pass rush of the Battlehawks putting the unit in a position to succeed as he has all year.
An MVP Push and Ground Dominance:
With Bryce Perkins sidelined for the 2nd consecutive week, the UFL’s MVP race is coming down to Jordan Ta’amu and Jacob Saylors. With that being said it wouldn’t surprise me to see Head Coach Anthony Becht give Saylors plenty of opportunities to add to his MVP campaign against San Antonio. Whether it’s Saylors or Howard and Latulas expect the Battlehawks to continue to lean on their strengths behind the Knights of Colombo.
Closing Thoughts:
I don’t expect much from San Antonio between injuries, and lackluster Quarterback play the Brahmas under Kellen Mond struggle to matchup against the Battlehawks. Between a dominating Front Seven, and a top-tier rushing attack, the Battlehawks will be able to control the clock and force Kellen Mond to beat them through the air pushing the ball downfield.
Mond has struggled with decision making under pressure giving way to a Battlehawks pass rush that’s averaged almost three sacks a game. With the Brahmas struggles look for St. Louis to win this one 27-9 setting up their Week 10 matchup for “bragging rights” against the D.C. Defenders.
