2025 UFL Season: Week 3 Houston Roughnecks at Memphis Showboats Game Preview
Week 3 of the UFL season rolls on with the Houston Roughnecks taking on the Memphis Showboats in a USFL Conference showdown on Saturday afternoon.
The Roughnecks’ defense improved significantly last week, allowing just 11 points against the Arlington Renegades. However, the offense still showed no improvement, as they didn’t score a touchdown until less than three minutes in the game for the second straight match. Their failed two-point conversion resulted in an 11-9 loss for the Roughnecks.
Memphis got some rhythm on offense last week against the D.C. Defenders with E.J. Perry, but struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone. A blocked field goal near the end of the game saw the Showboats fall 17-12.
Both teams enter the game with a 0-2 record. Memphis swept the season series last week against Houston, as it helped the Showboats land the number one overall pick in the UFL College Draft.
Game Details
Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN
Date and Time: Saturday, April 12 at 2:30 pm EST
Network: ESPN
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Showboats -6, O/U 34.5
Injury Reports
Depth on the offensive line will be a concern for the Roughnecks, as they have two tackles out for the game. Starting running back Kirk Merritt will be out with a right ankle and knee injury. Their defensive line also takes a hit, with starter Christopher Allen out with a left groin injury.
Only two players are out for Memphis as wide receiver Eli Stove won’t play for personal reasons. Veteran defensive lineman John Atkins is out with a left knee injury.
Depth Charts
With Allen out on the defensive line, Jamir Jones and Tashawn Bower will be coming off the edge for Houston. The Roughnecks’ trade with the Michigan Panthers for Marcus Simms made some lineup changes to the offense with offensive tackle Isaiah Battle being re-signed and starting at left tackle and Simms being the backup at wide receiver for this week.
In his absence, wide receiver Kai Locksley steps in for Stove in the starting lineup. Memphis is changing the depth chart to a 4-2-5 as they have been doing a 3-4 this season. Atkins’ injury could affect that with Jaylon Allen being moved from outside linebacker to defensive end and Kyree Woods moving up as the third starting cornerback in the lineup.
Keys to Roughnecks Win
Something has to give with Anthony Brown. The Roughnecks’ starting quarterback has looked like he is forcing passes to make a big impression on anyone in the NFL watching. Brown has to get back to the fundamentals of football with short completions and using his legs to create plays.
The front seven of Houston has to be aware that Memphis starting quarterback E.J. Perry can run the ball at any time, so add a QB Spy on him the whole game. Force the Showboats to beat the defense by throwing the ball.
Keys to Showboats Win
Perry made some nice progress last week to earn his starting job in Week 3, but red zone efficiency must be the priority. Get Perry on the move and run more RPO plays so that he can make quick decisions, as that is where his strength is.
Defensive coordinator Jarren Horton has put together two solid defensive performances. His unit has to focus on watching for wide receivers Keke Chism and Justin Hall, who are both threats for big plays in the passing game.
Prediction
It probably should be another low-scoring game that UFL fans have been accustomed to seeing this season, but something screams out, “expect the unexpected” in this game. Two teams desperate for a win should mean more chances are taken in this game. Memphis has shown more life this season than Houston, with two close losses, so the advantage should go to the Showboats.
