Location: The Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Game Date: Sunday, May 19th, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST
Channel: FOX
Streaming: UFL games can be streamed on the Fox Sports app.
DraftKings Betting Odds: Arlington Renegades (+2) @ San Antonio Brahmas (-2), O/U 46 points
In Week 8, the Arlington Renegades (1-6) travel to face XFL Conference rival the San Antonio Brahmas (5-2) in the Alamodome. Earlier this season, the Brahmas secured a 25 to 15 victory over the Renegades in Arlington, Texas, but since that game, both teams have experienced a significant change in momentum. The Brahmas are playing for the opportunity to secure their first playoff berth in franchise history, and the Renegades are playing the role of spoiler after being eliminated from the UFL playoffs.
Brahmas Facing Struggles on Offense
Since the Brahmas defeated the Renegades in Week 5, they have consistently struggled to produce points with their passing game on offense. Because of those struggles, they have had to rely on their running game to help them overcome what appears to be a lack of chemistry in their passing game. Last week, the Brahmas struggled to get points on the scoreboard against the Houston Roughnecks until the 4th quarter, when the Brahmas benched starting quarterback Quintin Dormady in favor of backup quarterback Kevin Hogan. Hogan came into the game and led the Brahmas to a dramatic 15 to 12 comeback victory against Houston. Dormady will once again start the game for the Brahmas despite the struggles he has experienced in executing the San Antonio offense.
Brahmas Defense Stepping Up to the Challenge
As the Brahmas offense has struggled to produce points recently, the Brahmas defense has stepped up and allowed them to pick up key wins. The Brahmas defensive front has been able to limit their opponents’ running game while smothering opposing quarterbacks with their powerful pass rush. San Antonio’s defensive backfield has been dealing with several injuries, but they have been able to fill in the gaps and maintain the integrity of their defensive backfield.
Arlington Explode on Offense for First Win
The Arlington Renegades started the UFL season with six straight losses. Still, in Week 7, quarterback Luis Perez and the Renegades offense had a breakout game in a dominant 47 to 23 win against the Memphis Showboats to get their first win. If the Renegades can pick up where they left off last week, they will have an excellent opportunity to upset the Brahmas on the road. The biggest challenge for the Renegade’s offense will be protecting Perez against the Brahma’s ferocious pass rush.
Can the Renegades Defense Stop the Brahmas Running Game?
The most significant difference between the Renegades’ and Brahmas’ Week 5 and Week 8 matchups will be the Brahmas’ ability to run the ball. Early in the season, the Brahmas boasted a pass-heavy offense, but as they have struggled to produce in the passing game, they have developed an effective running game. The Renegade’s defense has struggled to stop their opponent’s running game all season long; Arlington will need to step up and find a way to limit the Brahma’s rushing attack.
Injury Report
The Arlington Renegades come into this matchup with a relatively healthy lineup. Wide receiver Juwan Manigo (knee) was limited in practice to start the week but will be available for the game. Arlington will be missing running back Leddie Brown (knee) and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (ankle), who will be OUT for the game.
The San Antonio Brahmas continue to face a multitude of injury issues. Offensive lineman Sam Tecklenburg (ankle), running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (shoulder), and inside linebacker Robert Barnes (chest) are PROBABLE for the game. Cornerback Darius Phillips (groin) is DOUBTFUL for the game. Defensive tackle Taron Vincent (illness), wide receiver Justin Smith (calf), and wide receiver Landen Akers (concussion) will be OUT for the game.
Game Prediction
The matchup between Arlington and San Antonio will feature a critical matchup between the Renegades’ offense and Brahma’s defense. San Antonio has shown the ability to grind out wins on offense as long as its defense can keep points off the scoreboard. Arlington’s best bet to pull off an upset is to score early and often and take advantage of Brahma’s recent inability to score points on offense consistently.
Prediction: San Antonio Brahmas 18, Arlington Renegades 16
Follow me on X: @Aaron Sauter7
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