Predictions from the writers of UFL News Hub for week 3 of UFL football. DC Defenders travel to Arlington to take on the Renegades. The last time these two met was in last year’s XFL Championship which Arlington won 35-26. The weekend wraps up with the St. Louis Battlehawks traveling to play the undefeated San Antonio Brahmas.
Week 2 First and Second Team of the Week
D.C. DEFENDERS (1-1) VS ARLINGTON RENEGADES (0-2)
Saturday, April 13 | 1:00 PM ET | Arlington, TX | Choctaw Stadium | ESPN | ESPN Xtra on SiriusXM
The DC Defenders look to build off their momentum after extending their at-home win streak to 10 games. The Arlington Renegades are in need of a win to avoid an 0-3 start following their XFL Championship season. Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu scored 2 touchdowns last week but he also threw a pick-six that was returned for a 98-yard touchdown. Arlington’s quarterback Luis Perez has been a cool cat in the pocket and is coming off an impressive performance on the road despite not getting the win. Perez completed 21 of his 29 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown last week.
Writer’s Pick: 71% Arlington
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (1-1) VS BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (2-0)
Saturday, April 13 | 7:00 PM ET | Birmingham, AL | Protective Stadium | FOX | FOX Sports on SiriusXM
Memphis has a difficult challenge facing the back-to-back USFL Champions on the road after a disappointing defeat in which they were the victims of a San Antonio comeback. Quarterback Case Cookus has played well for Memphis when under pressure but he will be tested this weekend as he faces Birmingham’s pass rush which is coming off a 7-sack performance against Michigan. Defensive end Taco Charlton had 3 sacks for the Stallions in week 2. Perez will need to move the ball quickly to the likes of receiver JaVonta Payton who caught all 5 of his targets for 83 yards last week.
Birmingham will have Alex Martinez starting at quarterback this week but still expect to see some playing time from Matt Corral.
Writer’s Pick: 86% Birmingham
HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS (0-2) VS MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-1)
Sunday, April 14 | 12:00 PM ET | Detroit, MI | Ford Field | ABC | ESPN Xtra on SiriusXM
Both of these teams have some similarities. At times they have struggled to get the desired output from their offenses but have seen some very strong play from their defenses. Michigan held Birmingham to 141 passing yards and no passing touchdowns with 1 interception last week. Houston held DC’s runningbacks to 63 yards on 20 carries last week. Outside of a few longer runs, Houston did a good job at making stops at a high rate against the run.
Michigan linebacker Frank Ginda is coming off a 14-tackle game last week. Houston cornerback Corn Elder had an interception returned 98 yards for a touchdown.
Writer’s Pick: 86% Michigan
ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS (1-1) VS SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS (2-0)
Sunday, April 14 | 3:00 PM ET | San Antonio, TX | The Alamodome | ABC | ESPN Xtra on SiriusXM
The last game of the week is a good one. St Louis quarterback A.J. McCarron is coming off a 248-yard and 2-touchdown performance. San Antonio quarterback Chase Garbers had 190 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to complete the comeback victory over Memphis.
St. Louis runningback Mataeo Durant rushed 14 times for 104 yards and a touchdown last week. St. Louis defensive made it on my Team of the Week in week 2 after putting up 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFLs, and an additional 3 QB hurries and 2 QB hits against Arlington.
Brahmas receiver Marquez Stevenson caught 6 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Cody Latimer added 8 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. On defense safety A.J. Hendy impressed me in week 2 with his 8 tackles, a pass breakup, a run stop, and 2 shared run stops.
Writer’s Pick: 57% San Antonio
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