The UFL is entering its eighth week, and the opportunity to make money on it is still available. We’re just a couple of weeks from the playoffs! This week, we’ll be looking to see if the Stallions can keep rolling or if they rest players. Will Arlington keep rolling even though their season is over? Let’s take a look at the UFL Week 8 picks, predictions, and best bets.
To add to the fun, we’re going to start a running bank total of fake money. Each week, there will be $10,000 in bets. Because who doesn’t have $10,000 lying around to bet on the UFL? I’m not telling you to bet $10K. I’m just showing you how I would split the unit on these games. Last week, we had two pushes and went 1-1 in the other games. Let’s keep it rolling!
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UFL Week 8 Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets
Memphis Showboats @ Michigan Panthers (-8.5), Total: 47.5
This is one of the games that still has some meaning. If the Michigan Panthers win out and the Stallions lose two of the next three, the Panthers would gain home-field advantage for the USFL playoffs. Either way, the Panthers and Stallions have clinched the playoffs.
The opposite can be said for the Showboats. They have nothing to play for but pride. Honestly, the Panthers haven’t shown much pride this year. They’re 1-6, their offensive line has more holes than Swiss cheese, and they can’t find consistency at quarterback, whether it’s Troy Williams, who is currently injured, or Case Cookus.
The Panthers’ defense is going to live in that backfield. Their offense looked better last week with Bryce Perkins running it. Brian Lewerke looked alright to start but fizzled out a little bit. Perkins brings in a new element of scrambling that the Panthers have been looking for since E.J. Perry was injured. However, he’s a better passer than Perry. Don’t sleep on this team.
UFL Week 8 Best Bet: Panthers (-8.5) $1,500
Houston Roughnecks @ Birmingham Stallions (-16), Total: 42.5
The Houston Roughnecks wish their season had gone differently. They are eliminated from the playoffs and reports are saying nobody even showed up to Curtis Johnson’s press conference this week. In fact, it was canceled after a few minutes. Disappointment all around for H-Town and their fans.
Birmingham, on the other hand, has continued their dominance. They’ve gone undefeated so far. Could this be the game they slip up on while looking ahead to the USFL playoffs? Probably not. However, 16 points is an awful lot of points in the Spring Leagues. While they have a home-field advantage to play for, the focus will likely be on keeping everybody healthy.
Houston will have trouble running the ball on them despite Mark Thompson repeatedly asking to get the ball more. The Stallions may also struggle to run the ball, their forte, because Houston has been decent against the run. Last week, they allowed 73 rushing yards. However, the week before that, against the Battlehawks, they held them to -5.
This should be a slower-paced, going-through-the-motions game for the Stallions. Meanwhile, the Roughnecks will try to show what they have, despite that they may not have all that much. 16 points is still a lot of points, though, and I can’t quite lay the points here.
UFL Week 8 Best Bet: Roughnecks (+16) $1250. Why not sprinkle a little – $250 on the Roughnecks Moneyline. Payout would be $2,750.
DC Defenders @ St. Louis Battlehawks (-7.5) Total 44.5
Last week the Battlehawks had a scare when A.J. McCarron declared he broke his ankle. We haven’t received reports that it is broken. He was limited on Tuesday and didn’t practice on Thursday. We don’t know if he’ll be able to play this weekend and that could affect this game.
On top of that, the Battlehawks haven’t secured the playoffs. A win over DC would clinch. DC was one of the best teams in the XFL last year. They just haven’t been able to return to their dominant form. Gregg Williams’ defense has not been able to hold teams, and Ta’amu looks lost at times.
The Battlehawks went into DC’s home field and gave them their first loss at home ever, dating back to the 2020 XFL season. That will be on the Defenders’ minds. I just don’t know if they have enough power to beat them. Their defense did alright, holding them in the second half of that game until multiple turnovers by the Defenders’ offense led to points.
The entire handicap of this game relies on McCarron’s availability. Will he be able to play, and if so, move any? Or will Manny Wilkins get his first start? Either way, DC should find a way to keep this one close.
UFL Week 8 Best Bet: Defenders +7.5 ($3,000)
Arlington Renegades @ San Antonio Brahmas (-3.5), Total: 45.5
Last week on the UFL Gambling Podcast, I said I thought Arlington would be the biggest blowout game. They covered the over/under on their own. They’re eliminated from the playoffs after the Brahmas won last week. Do they get revenge this weekend on the team that officially kicked them out of the playoff race?
Arlington can blame others all they want. However, their slow start is the reason they aren’t in the playoff race. The Brahmas pulled off a come-from-behind win with a nine-point play to tie and then a fumble recovery on the next kickoff. If the season ended today they’d be in the playoffs. They have DC on their tails.
This is a situational game and how much Wade Phillips can get the team pumped up. If DC manages to win, the Brahmas will need to make sure they win as well to stay ahead of them. If DC loses, Brahmas will clinch the playoffs with a win.
Don’t count Arlington out, though. Luis Perez did a recent interview where he mentioned he’s eying an NFL return. In order to do so, he’ll need to finish this season strong.
UFL Week 8 Best Bet: Renegades (+3.5) $1,500, Renegades Moneyline $1000.
Just for fun Week 8 bet: Renegades + Houston Moneyline $500. Payout is $14,520.00
