The 2025 UFL season kicks off this weekend, and I’ve got expert picks for game lines and player props to help you make the most of the action! This week, I’m backing the Houston Roughnecks (+6.0) against the St. Louis Battlehawks, who are aiming to build on a strong 2024 season—but without their starting quarterback. I’m also fading Luis Perez, who will face last year's toughest defense with his passing yards set at 224.5, one of the highest totals of the weekend.
UFL Weekly Picks
Houston Roughnecks +6.0 vs St. louis battlehawks (-110) At Sportsbook
The 2025 UFL season kicks off tonight with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing the Houston Roughnecks. St. Louis enters as 6-point favorites after finishing last season with a noble 7-3 record, do enough to win its conference yet inevitably falling in the semifinals. The Roughnecks drowned with a league-worst 1-9 record.
The Battlehawks' offense returns key players like Jacob Saylors, who finished second in the league with 460 rushing yards, and Hakeem Butler, who led the UFL with 652 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Houston's defense was just about all it had going for 'em, looking strong against the run and pass. They ranked third in rushing defense (88.4 yards allowed per game) and second in interceptions (9), while forcing a league-high 11 fumbles.
With AJ McCarron out, St. Louis has a three-way QB competition between Manny Wilkins, Max Duggan, and Chevan Cordeiro, which could leave them vulnerable to Houston’s defense and make for a potentially surprising game. Maybe not an outright upset but I'm calling it to be close.
luis perez UNDER 224.5 Passing Yards vs san antonio brahmas (-114)
Despite Perez's honest efforts of 2,307 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories, the Arlington Renegades only pieced together a disappointing 3-7 SU record. His top targets, TE Sal Cannella and WR Tyler Vaughns, return for another season.
However San Antonio, with the UFL’s top-ranked passing defense last year, pose a serious challenge for Perez and his offense. Last season, the Brahmas allowed just 169 passing yards per game and were the league’s strongest defense across the board. Perez's passing yards is one of the largest of opening weekend, but I'm not so quick to jump on the former passing leader here. It's too early. Head coach Wade Phillips led San Antonio to a 2-0 record against Arlington last season, with each win decided by five points or more. So, that 3-point spread at plus-money is definitely worth a look on Saturday night, too.
UFL Week 1 Betting Odds
| When | Favored Team | Point Spread Odds | Underdog Team | OVER/UNDER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 28th, 8 p.m. ET | St. Louis Battlehawks | -5.5 (-110) | Houston Roughnecks | 39.5 (-110) |
| March 29th, 4 p.m. ET | San Antonio Brahmas | -3.0 (+100) | Arlington Renegades | 39.5 (-110) |
| March 30th, 12 p.m. ET | Michigan Panthers | -6.5 (-115) | Memphis Showboats | 38.5 (+100) |
| March 30th, 3 p.m. ET | Birmingham Stallions | -7.5 (-110) | DC Defenders | 41.5 (-110) |
