Showboats (1-5) vs Renegades (0-6) Week 7 Preview: Prediction, Depth Chart, Injuries, Odds

The Memphis Showboats travel to Choctaw Stadium to take on the Arlington Renegades this Saturday in a Week 7 UFL matchup. Both teams enter the game looking to snap losing streaks, with Memphis having dropped five straight and Arlington still searching for its first win.

Quick Hits:

Teams: Memphis Showboats vs. Arlington Renegades
Location: Choctaw Stadium, Arlington, TX
Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 1:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN
Stream: ESPN+
Odds: Renegades -3, O/U 45, Renegades -175, Showboats +145

Why It Matters:

While both teams are struggling, this game could provide a much-needed victory and momentum shift heading into the second half of the season. There are also some intriguing matchups, like the Renegades’ #2 total offense against the Showboats’ #8 scoring defense. Both teams are technically still in the playoff chase so you never know.

Season Snapshot:

Memphis Record: 1-5, 3rd Place USFL Conference
Arlington Record: 0-6, 4th Place XFL Conference

Last Three Games:

Memphis: L 39-21 vs Birmingham, L 35-18 vs Michigan, L 32-17 at St. Louis
Arlington: L 28-27 at Michigan, L 25-15 vs San Antonio, L 17-9 at Houston

Players to Watch:

Memphis QB Troy Williams: Filled in admirably for injured Case Cookus last week, throwing for 248 yards and 3 TDs. He’ll need another big game against Arlington’s secondary.

Arlington QB Luis Perez: Leads the UFL in passing yards with 1,330. His connection with top targets Tyler Vaughns and JaVonta Payton is key to the Renegades’ aerial attack.

The Playbook:

Memphis Offense: Look for a balanced attack led by RBs Darius Victor and Cyrus Habibi-Likio to set up play-action for Williams and top WRs Daewood Davis and Jonathan Adams.

Arlington Defense: DL Jalen Redmond (4.5 sacks) and LBs Donald Payne and Marquel Lee anchor a unit that will look to pressure Williams and contain the run. DBs Ajene Harris and Steven Jones Jr. lead the secondary.

Venue Vibes:

Arlington is 0-3 at Choctaw Stadium this season. The Renegades will look to finally give their home crowd something to cheer about against Memphis. No significant weather impact is expected for the noon local kickoff.

Health & Roster Updates:

Memphis placed LB Jeff McCulloch on injured reserve this week and signed Terrill Hanks to replace him. The Renegades made a few moves, most notably signing RB Devin Darrington.

Injuries:

Memphis: WR Vinny Papale (hip), LB Vontae Diggs (hamstring), WR Jonathan Adams (groin), OT James Tunstall (knee), and TE Sage Surratt (hamstring) are all questionable. LB Malik Lawal (illness) is doubtful.

Arlington: OLB Bunmi Rotimi (hamstring), DS Myles Dorn (abdomen), DE Will Clarke (back), and DT Jalen Redmond (ankle) are questionable. G Dru Samia (neck) and RB De’Veon Smith (knee) are also questionable.

Depth Chart Insight:

For Memphis, Troy Williams is expected to start again at QB with Case Cookus out. Marcus Tatum may start at LT if James Tunstall can’t go. On defense, Terrill Hanks would start at ILB if Malik Lawal is out.

The Renegades have Marquis Lucas backing up the injured Dru Samia at RG. Anree Saint-Amour would likely start at DE if Will Clarke can’t play.

Looking Back:

This is the first ever meeting between Memphis and Arlington. The Showboats were in the USFL last season, while the Renegades won the XFL championship.

Expert’s Corner:

Most analysts are picking Arlington to get its first win in a close, low-scoring game. The Renegades’ passing offense, led by Perez, Vaughns and Payton, should make enough plays against a depleted Memphis secondary.

Prediction:

Renegades 20, Showboats 16

What to Watch:

Perez vs Williams: Two talented QBs looking to outduel each other.
Trenches: Can Memphis’ O-line hold up against Arlington’s pass rush?
Turnovers: In what projects as a tight game, any giveaways could be decisive.

Game Changers:

Arlington WR JaVonta Payton: Coming off a 119-yard game and always a deep threat.
Memphis RB Darius Victor: Physical back wore down defenses last week.

Wrap-Up:

While it may not feature the league’s top teams, this shapes up as a competitive game between desperate squads. The QB play and potential for big plays make it an intriguing watch for UFL fans.

Your Thoughts:

Who do you think will come out on top at Choctaw Stadium? Can the Renegades finally break through, or will the Showboats get back in the win column on the road? Let us know your predictions in the comments.