UFL fans are at about the midway point of the 2026 season as the DC Defenders look to continue their hot streak as they take on the struggling Birmingham Stallions.
The Defenders have won three straight games, with the offense rolling, including some great performances on the ground by running back Deon Jackson. As for the Stallions, they are the opposite: they have lost three straight and now have a drastic quarterback change, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson being traded from the Orlando Storm to Birmingham to become the starter.
This is a game that could go either way. It will either be a complete disaster for the Stallions or could completely turn their season around.
DC Defenders at Birmingham Stallions Week 5 Game Preview
Gameday Info
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Kickoff Time: 8:00 pm EST
Location: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama
Network: FOX
Game Betting Odds (via DraftKings)
Spread: Defenders -5.5
O/U Total: 45.5
Moneyline: Defenders -238, Stallions +195
What to Watch for: DC Defenders
While it has not been the best start to the season for quarterback Jordan Ta'amu, last week was a massive breakthrough with 204 passing yards and another 61 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. It was exactly what Ta'amu needed to help get this passing game going and take the pressure off of Jackson and the rushing attack.
DC's secondary has been on a tear over the last two weeks as they have a chance to feast on a quarterback who has played less than a week in the scheme. Watch for guys like Sam Kidd to have strong days and create multiple turnovers.
What to Watch for: Birmingham Stallions
All eyes are going to be on DTR and how he does in his first start of the season after sitting on the bench all season in Orlando. Birmingham will most likely lean more on the running game, so watch for DTR to use his legs more often, which is a good thing since he's a solid athlete.
The impressive part about this Stallions team is that the defense does not deserve any blame for the slow start to the season. In three of the four games, they allowed fewer than 23 points, but with Perrion Winfrey off the team and now on the Columbus Aviators, there is less support on the defensive line, which might hinder them a bit. Birmingham still has the talent to slow down the Defenders' running game.
Defenders-Stallions Prediction
This game comes down to the Stallions' offense and whether they can wake up from their struggles this season. Turnovers and costly mistakes have killed any moment this offense has tried to create, and with DC's defense there, it might be another slow start for Birmingham that might not give them enough time at the end of the game to come back.
DC Defenders 27, Birmingham Stallions 17