2025 UFL Season: Week 9 Game Previews & Predictions
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Week 9 of the 2025 UFL season has the odd feeling that, with the playoffs secure, the games will not have the same energy until then. There’s plenty to play for for the players, so expect the same effort to be put into the games.
The following two weeks open the door for more players to put good game tape together as they attempt to get signed in the NFL. It’s also a chance for teams out of the playoff hunt to build momentum going into the 2026 season.
Last week, I continued my nice predictions run as I went 3-1 in my picks, which puts me at 18-14 on the season. Here is how I see Week 9 going with game previews and predictions:
St. Louis Battlehawks at San Antonio Brahmas Game Details
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Location: The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO
Date and Time: 8:00 pm EST
Network: FOX
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Battlehawks -6.5, O/U 42.5
Key Injuries
St. Louis will be without three players who are listed as out. Defensive linemen Isaiah Mack (right knee) and Austin Faoliu (left knee) won’t play while cornerback Chris Payton-jones (right hamstring) joins them on the sidelines.
The Brahmas were not short on injuries with 14 players being listed on the injury report. Five players were listed as either doubtful or out for the game for San Antonio.
Anthony McFarland Jr, RB (Doubtful, Left Shoulder)
Mathew Sexton, WR (Out, Right Hamstring)
Isaiah Buggs, DE (Out, Left Calf)
Justin Smith, WR (Out, Right Hamstring)
Kevin Hogan, QB (Out, Right Hand)
Keys to Victory
The Battlehawks may not have a lot to play for with a playoff game coming to St. Louis in two weeks, but this is a good thing that is needed. For one, quarterback Max Duggan needs game reps to work on his accuracy for when the Battlehawks face a tough D.C. Defenders defense. Even if backups play in this game, the depth of St. Louis is enough to give them the firepower needed.
Kellen Mond gets his first start in about a month as the Brahmas' quarterback. San Antonio is depleted and banged up, which will make the game harder on them. They need their defense to step up after allowing 20 or more points for four straight weeks.
Prediction: Battlehawks 23, Brahmas 11
Arlington Renegades at Memphis Showboats Game Details
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Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN
Date and Time: 12:00 pm EST
Network: ABC
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Renegades -5.5, O/U 41.5
Key Injuries
There are no injury concerns for the Renegades this week, with only three players listed. Wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (left knee), offensive guard Marcus Minor (left ankle), and running back De’Veon Smith (left knee) are all full-go for the game.
Memphis is in the same boat, but are 11 players on there. All of them, though, got the go-ahead to play.
Keys to Victory
Arlington’s offense has been on fire over the last two weeks, but the problem is that turnovers and penalties have doomed this team. Last week’s loss against D.C. was another example of quarterback Luis Perez throwing an interception on the game’s final drive. It’s all about cleaning up the little mistakes, and the defense playing better after two consecutive weeks of 25 or more points being allowed.
It’s E.J. Perry’s turn as he makes his first start since the beginning of the season. Memphis can play teams close and has shown resilience in overtime to win twice. They can win as long as the Showboats keep riding with the running game and slow down Perez and the Renegades’ passing offense.
Prediction: Renegades 33, Showboats 27
Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions Game Details
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Location: Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL
Date and Time: 3:00 pm EST
Network: ABC
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Stallions -2.5, O/U 43.5
Key Injuries
Michigan’s big injury is starting quarterback Bryce Perkins again, who is out for the game with a right ankle injury. Offensive linemen Cohl Cabral (right knee) and Keith Russell (left shoulder) are questionable for the game.
The Stallions have three guys out for the game with offensive tackle Armani Taylor-Prioleau (left knee), defensive end Bradlee Anae (left groin), and quarterback Alex McGough (right shoulder. Offensive lineman Cole Schneider (left knee) and running back Ricky Person Jr. (left elbow) are listed as probable.
Keys to Victory
The preview of the USFL Conference championship game might not give the best first look at the game, with both teams dealing with injuries and trying to stay healthy. Birmingham has fought through the injuries and appears to have more substantial depth. The only keys to victory for both teams are not to get hurt.
Prediction: Stallions 25, Panthers 20
D.c. Defenders at Houston Roughnecks Game Details
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Location: TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX
Date and Time: 4:00 pm EST
Network: FOX
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Defenders -3.5, O/U 45.5
Key Injuries
D.C.’s most significant concerns with injuries are star linebacker Anthony Hines II (left elbow), who has not practiced yet this week, and wide receiver Braylon Sanders (lower back, personal reasons), who was limited in practice Wednesday but did not participate on Thursday. Cornerback Isaiah Johnson (right knee) and Sam Kidd (right foot) were both limited on Wednesday, but practiced fully on Thursday.
The Roughnecks’ injury report is all over the place with 10 players listed and all have either not practiced for one of the days or both days. Here’s a look at their full injury report:
Keke Chism, WR (chest)
Josh Pederson, TE (right hamstring, right ribs)
Damon Arnette, CB (illness)
Armani Marsh, CB (right quad)
Nolan Henderson, QB (right shoulder)
T.J. Bradley, T (left shoulder)
Lawrence Keys III, WR (left ankle, left foot)
Keenan Isaac, CB (left shoulder)
Zach Banner, T (illness)
Tashawn Bower, DE (left shoulder, right groin)
Keys to Victory
The Defenders’ strategy regarding how much the starters will play in the game will be interesting. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu could be on his way to stealing the UFL MVP away from Perkins with another solid game. D.C. fans would like to see the defense play well to give them confidence against St. Louis in two weeks.
If the Roughnecks weren’t so banged up, Jalan McClendon would give anyone enough confidence to pick them to win the game. The secondary is plagued with injuries, and two of McClendon’s best receivers are hurt. Houston has to get the running game going, with the secondary being tested by D.C.’s big-play offense.
