The UFL is finally back!
The league left arguably the best game for last. Closing out week 1 is the defending champs, Birmingham Stallions, versus the D.C. Defenders.
The Stallions are coming into the season hungry for another title, while the Defenders are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
The Big Question
Recent news about the Defenders hasn’t had anything to do with football.
Their head coach, Reggie Barlow, left the team to accept the same role with Tennessee State University. To make matters worse, he will be taking most of the coaching staff with him after the season.
It’s hard to say how half the staff having one foot out the door will affect the team. We will just have to wait and see.
Defenders Preview
In 2023, the Defenders went 9–1, falling in the XFL championship game.
Expectations were high after the merger, but they finished a disappointing 4–6 in their first UFL season.
Despite the coaching turmoil, the team has put together a respectable roster. They enter the season with high hopes of returning to their 2023 form.
The offense will once again be led by QB Jordan Ta’amu. Ta’amu holds the distinction of being one of the few players to start in three different spring leagues (XFL, USFL, and UFL).
The defensive roster included CB DeAndre Baker, one of the few NFL 1st round picks in the league.
Stallions Preview
The Birmingham Stallions coaching situation is the complete opposite. Coach Skip Holtz is leading the team for the 4th straight season.
The team has high hopes of a fourth straight championship.
They’ve put together a roster that appears to be more than up to the task. That includes one of the most impressive QB rooms around.
Game Information
Date and Time: March 30, 3:00 PM EDT
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (March 28th):
Spread: Stallions -7.5
Moneyline: Stallions -410, Defenders +320
Over/Under: 41.5
