Week 3 delivered more separation in the standings as both Dallas and Orlando remained undefeated. Meanwhile, both Columbus and Louisville are still looking for their first win. The DC Defenders put the hurt on the Houston Gamblers as DC had the largest margin of victory in UFL history in their home opener. The Birmingham Stallions are behind on their expectations after sustaining 1-score losses in each of the last 2 weeks.
Crown Holder š: Dallas Renegades
The Dallas Renegades defended the Crown at home in a close 28-23 win over the Columbus Aviators. They will travel to Columbus to take on the Aviators in week 4.Court Jester š: Columbus Aviators
The Columbus Aviators were unable to shake the title of Court Jester as they fell 23-28 on the road in Dallas.
If a team defeats the Crown Holder, they steal the Crown and become the new Crown Holder. If a team loses to the Court Jester, they become the new Court Jester, freeing the previous holder.
1. Dallas Renegades (3-0)š
Previous Rank: #1
Week 3 Result: 28-23 win vs Columbus
Week 4 Opponent: at Columbus Aviators Friday 8 ET
The Dallas Renegades looked beatable for the first time this season in week 3 but still emerged victorious. Dallas was held to just 225 yards of total offense by Columbus, a stark contrast to the pace that has seen quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Tyler Vaughns break single-game UFL records earlier in the season. The defense helped out on the scoreboard with a 2nd quarter pick 6 from Shaun Wade that made a big difference in a game decided by only 5 points.
2. DC Defenders (2-1)
Previous Rank: #3
Week 3 Result: 45-7 win vs Houston
Week 4 Opponent: vs St. Louis Battlehawks Saturday
The defending champs delivered the biggest blowout in UFL history in their home opener, giving one of the funnest environments a lot to celebrate. DC found the endzone 5 times, once in the air, 3 times on the ground, and a pick 6 from Gareon Conley. DC has had success on the ground and great play from the defense, which has them holding the best point differential so far this season. They will need more from their quarterback, who has the fewest passing yards among the 7 QBs to start every game and 4 interceptions to 2 touchdowns. Taāamu has had some slow starts in his career and will need to awaken in order for his team to defend the championship.
3. Orlando Storm (3-0)
Previous Rank: #4
Week 3 Result: 29-27 win at Louisville
Week 4 Opponent: at Birmingham Stallions Saturday 4 ET
The Storm remained unbeaten after a road win against Louisville saw the game end in overtime due to a penalty awarding game-deciding points. Quarterback Jack Plummer threw for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns, while the defense made just enough stops to reach overtime and did not allow a point on any of Louisvilleās 2-point tries in overtime, stopping them all 4 times. Anthony Bechtās revamped roster is 3-0 and playing with confidence and looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
4. St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1)
Previous Rank: #2
Week 3 Result: 34-30 win vs Birmingham
Week 4 Opponent: at DC Defenders Saturday 12:30 ET
The Battlehawks survived a dramatic shootout with Birmingham to improve to 2-1. There were a lot of fireworks last week on both sides of the ball as both teams saw their defense score on a pick-6, and both teams also had a 60+ yard passing touchdown. Both teams gave up 3 turnovers, but St. Louis had 3 passing touchdowns to Birminghamās 2. The pass rush was very impressive for the Battlehawks in week 3, with defensive end Travis Feeney leading the way by my count, applying pressure 10 times in week 3. St. Louis will need improvement in the passing game in order for me to see them as a true contender.
5. Louisville Kings (0-3)
Previous Rank: #8
Week 3 Result: 27-29 loss vs Orlando
Week 4 Opponent: at Houston Gamblers Thursday 8 ET
This has been an unfair season for Louisville thus far. They have made some serious improvement in their offensive line play and survived to the 4th overtime period against an undefeated opponent before a weird penalty-related rule awarded the game-winning points to keep Louisville winless in their inaugural season. Jason Bean made some really nice throws downfield as he passed for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns. He could improve his consistency on some of the easier throws, but made a lot of hard ones. The Kings were the only team with over 300 passing yards and over 400 total yards of offense in week 3.
6. Birmingham Stallions (1-2)
Previous Rank: #6
Week 3 Result: 30-34 loss at St. Louis
Week 4 Opponent: vs Orlando Storm Saturday 4 ET
Birmingham was unable to overcome the expenses of 2 early interceptions from Matt Corral, one of which resulted in a touchdown for the wrong team. Corral made a lot of good players as he passed for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns against a pass rush that Birmingham struggled to slow down. Corral has the 2nd most passing yards so far this season, but also is tied for interceptions at 4. The Stallions' biggest area to improve on right now appears to be getting more consistent play from the offensive line.
7. Columbus Aviators (0-3)š
Previous Rank: #7
Week 3 Result: 23-28 loss at Dallas
Week 4 Opponent: vs Dallas Renegades Friday 8 ET
The Aviators played their best game so far in week 3ās loss in Dallas. We saw the offensive line struggle earlier this season for Columbus, and they looked a lot better. The defense also played very well, as defensive ends Kenny Willekes and Ron Stone Jr. both had half a sack and 5 additional pass rush wins to generate pressure. Columbus had 288 yards of offense to Dallasā 225. Columbus could benefit from more consistent quarterback play from Jalan McClendon, who passed for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, including a pick 6 in week 3.
8. Houston Gamblers (1-2)
Previous Rank: #5
Week 3 Result: 7-45 loss at DC
Week 4 Opponent: vs Louisville Kings Thursday 8 ET
The Gamblers looked like a different with both quarterbacks, Noland Henderson and Hunter Dekkers, injured. Taulia Tagovailoa completed 21 of his 40 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown with 1 interception (3 turnover-worthy throws by my count). There were 3 drops in the game as well that didnāt help his percentage. DC is a very good defensive team, but Houston will obviously need to do better moving forward after losing by 38 points last week. Thatās a hard watch for Gamblers fans.
