2025 UFL Season: Week 5 Game Previews & Predictions
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We have just about hit the halfway point of the 2025 UFL season, with the potential playoff look starting to take shape.
Last week was a split week for me as I went 2-2 in my picks, as I have a 9-7 record entering the new week.
Here’s a look at previews and predictions for each of the four games in Week 5:
Showboats-Stallions Game Details
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Key Injuries
The Showboats will be without two wide receivers: Eli Stove (concussion) and Kai Locksley (right hamstring). Memphis will also have starting linebacker Zeek Vandenburgh out with a concussion.
Birmingham’s injury bug continues to hit the team hard with five players being listed as out. Here’s the complete list of who is out and what they are out with:
Cole Schneider, G (right ankle)
Marcus Baugh, TE (personal reasons)
Mario Goodrich, CB (left ankle)
Matt Corral, QB (left flank)
Ronnie Perkins, DE (illness)
Keys to Victory
Memphis is about to go up against one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the UFL, and with a new quarterback starting in Dresser Winn, the Showboats have to protect their quarterback. Keep the offense simple for Winn and get the ball to Jonathan Adams as often as you can. With the Showboats being the worst rushing team in the league with an average of 78.3 yards per game, it will have to be Winn carrying the offense through the contest.
The Stallions also have a new starter at quarterback with Case Cookus taking the reigns for the injured Matt Corral. Nothing offensively has to change for Birmingham as a well-balanced attack should get the job done. Without Ronnie Perkins though will be tough in pass-rushing situations so more pressure on the Stallions’ secondary to shut down Memphis’ top guys,
Prediction: Stallions 18, Showboats 9
Panthers-Battlehawks Game Details
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Key Injuries
Michigan is dealing with three guys out: wide receiver and return specialist Devin Ross (left hand), linebacker Javin White (right arm), and long snapper Jordan Ober (right ankle). For the Battlehawks, linebacker Carson Wells is the only player listed as out with a left foot injury.
Keys to Victory
Bryce Perkins looks more and more like the MVP of the UFL each week with his insane accuracy and ability to hurt defenses when running the ball. Michigan’s offensive plan is simple: to hit the Battlehawks hard with the run. Defensively, there is a ton of speed and talent at receiver for St. Louis so Michigan’s corners need to play physical with a lot of bump and run coverages to throw off routes.
The Max Duggan era begins in St. Louis with much uncertainty after last week’s mixed performance against Arlington. More reps should help improve his game this week, as St. Louis should focus more on rolling Duggan out of the pocket and using his legs to make plays to take the pressure off him, having to throw 25-30 times. Good news this week, though, is that Hakeem Butler is active for the first time since Week 1, which will open up the passing game. The Battlehawks’ defense must contain Perkins in the pocket and load up the box to stop the run.
Prediction: Panthers 26, Battlehawks 21
Defenders-Renegades Game Details
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Key Injuries
For the Defenders, safety Sam Kidd has not practiced on Wednesday and Thursday with a right foot injury, making it likely he’ll not play. Watch out for cornerback Kiondre Thomas, who did not practice on Thursday with a right knee injury.
Arlington only has three players on the injury report, with the primary concern coming from cornerback Chris Claybrooks, who has been limited on Wednesday and Thursday with a left ankle injury.
Keys to Victory
Jordan Ta’amu is pacing for one of his best seasons in spring football, leading the league in passing yards with 906. More consistency in getting in the end zone would help D.C.’s offense, and getting into rhythm in the running game earlier will help. The Renegades have struggled of late to run the ball, so the Defenders’ corners will have more responsibility to stop the passing game of the Renegades.
Arlington’s offense has not been as stellar in the last three weeks compared to their dominant Week 1 performance against San Antonio. Quarterback Luis Perez has to get this offense rolling once they get into plus territory with easy short passes, but mix in deep passes. JaVonta Payton’s speed isn’t utilized enough in the offense, and he could see more reverses and jet sweeps.
Prediction: Renegades 24, Defenders 20
Roughnecks-Brahmas Game Details
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Key Injuries
Houston has three players who have yet to practice this week: cornerback Colby Richardson (left groin), offensive tackle Isaiah Battle (neck), and safety Markel Roby (right hamstring). Quarterback Nolan Henderson has been limited this week with a right shoulder injury. Wide receiver Lawrence Keys III (right groin) and linebacker Xavier Benson (illess) have been in and out of practice.
The most glaring injury on the Brahmas’ injury report is linebacker Nate Wieland who has not practiced this week with a right elbow injury. Here are the other players who has been limited this week with injuries:
Alize Mack, TE (left hamstring)
BoPete Keyes, FS (right quad)
Derrick Kelly II, G (left shoulder)
Jacob Harris, WR (left calf)
Matt Gotel, DT (right ankle)
Prince Emili, DT (right ankle)
Keys to Victory
Jalan McClendon will make his first start of the UFL season for Houston with Henderson not 100%. McClendon needs to continue what he did last week against Birmingham by connecting on those 10-15 yard intermediate passes to get the offense going. The Roughnecks’ secondary is banged up, so more pressure up front to pressure the quarterback.
San Antonio's offense has been given major life over the last two weeks since Payton Pardee took over as offensive coordinator and interim head coach. Quarterback Kellen Mond has seen great growth in his passing, so look for him to continue to improve his accuracy and lean on Anthony McFarland Jr.'s running game. and surprise newcomer Aidan Robbins. The Brahmas’ defense has not found their footing and will need to focus on the secondary slowing down the red hot McClendon.
