As week eight approaches in the 2026 UFL season, the Battlehawks who are winners of three straight now sit in a very favorable situation to clinch a playoff berth for the third consecutive season. St. Louis, along with the D.C. Defenders, and the Orlando Storm all can clinch a spot in the playoffs if any of the top-three teams win this weekend. The Gamblers who are now 2-5, are on their last leg for any sort of post season push needing a win, and a lot of help moving forward.
Houston Gamblers vs. St. Louis Battlehawks Week 8 Game Preview
Gameday Info
Date: Friday, May 16th, 2026
Kickoff Time: 3:00 pm EST
Location: The Dome at the America's Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Network: ABC
Game Betting Odds (via DraftKings)
Spread: Battlehawks -7.5
O/U Total: 45.5
Moneyline: Gamblers +310, Battlehawks -395
What to Watch for: St. Louis Battlehawks
St. Louis comes into week 8 as one of the UFL's hottest teams right in time for their playoff run. With the initial pivot to quarterback Luis Perez St. Louis found some continuity, the Battlehawks will continue to focus on getting the "spring king" more comfortable in their system. Over the past couple weeks, St. Louis has seen an uptick in offensive production from not just Hakeem Butler, but Steven McBride has evolved into a solid option as WR2.
It appears that the Battlehawks will have RB2 Kevon Latulas back whose also been a major contributor in the St. Louis passing attack. He'll be joined by the Jarveon Howard who is the leading rushing in the UFL enroute to hopefully an NFL contract.
Defensively, the Battlehawks have seen an emerging star in Sean Fresch in his first full season in the UFL, along with Carlos Davis, and Jordan Mosely continuing their string of above average play. For St. Louis another dominating effort up front should allow them to take advantage of a poorly schemed Houston team.
What to Watch for: Houston Gamblers
The Gamblers had a bit of an offensive outbreak last week, outgaining the Orlando Storm 415 to 185. With Hunter Dekkers healthy the Gamblers a more complete offensive attack and could sprinkle in John Rhys Plumlee as an option as well. The Battlehawks have one of the stouter run defenses in the UFL which could limit the effectiveness of Marcus Yarns, Marcus Major, and Jalen White.
The Gamblers on defense will rely heavily on Malik Fisher to disrupt the "status quo" in the Battlehawks passing attack, with Anthony Hines leading the linebacker corps. The Gamblers still have former 1st round pick Damon Arnette who has struggled at times despite his pedigree.
Battlehawks-Gamblers Prediction
In a possible game-clinching performance the Battlehawks have the edge going into their Saturday matchup. The team is riding momentum, in addition to finally figuring out their quarterback situation that's allowing them to prep for a post season run. While Houston is obviously talented the team, they have failed to put together complete games on all three facets of the game.
Battlehawks 36, Gamblers 20