UFL Week 2 picks against the spread: Will Stallions bounce back vs. Panthers?
Favorites went 2-2 against the spread and straight up during Week 1 of the 2025 UFL season. Will that happen again in Week 2?
After the season's opening week saw three of the spring football league's games end in blowouts, sportsbooks have adjusted the Week 2 lines accordingly. Only one game has less than a 7-point spread – the Friday night game between the Birmingham Stallions and Michigan Panthers.
Can UFL bettors trust the big favorites in what look like advantageous spots, or is it too early to count out some of the big underdogs? Here are Paste BN Sports' picks straight up and against the spread for the Week 2 of the 2025 UFL season.
UFL picks against the spread
All odds from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Birmingham Stallions at Michigan Panthers
- Spread: Stallions (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Birmingham (-130); Michigan (+110)
- Over/under: 38.5
The Stallions have not lost back-to-back games since their 2022 debut in the USFL. The Panthers are looking to change that and profile as a team that could give the Stallions some trouble.
Most of Birmingham's issues in its 2025 loss to the Defenders came on offense. DC was able to relentlessly pressure Alex McGough, who failed to complete any of his second-half passes while being sacked a whopping seven times after intermission.
Can Michigan generate similar pressure? The Panthers sacked Memphis' quarterbacks three times in their season opener and have some experienced UFL pass rushers like Breeland Speaks and Kenny Willekes. That should position them to keep this game close, but it's still hard to pick against Skip Holtz's track record with the Stallions.
- Prediction: Stallions 20, Panthers 18
Memphis Showboats at DC Defenders
- Spread: Defenders (-7.5)
- Moneyline: DC (-400); Memphis (+310)
- Over/under: 37
The Defenders pulled off a massive Week 1 upset over the Stallions despite being 7-point underdogs. Now, they are 7.5-point favorites and will have a target on their backs against a Showboats team that has gone 2-9 in its last 11 games.
The Showboats won't be a push-over, however. They played the Panthers tighter than the final score indicates in Week 1 and had a chance to mount a late, game-tying drive. EJ Perry threw a pick-six to Kai Nacua that ultimately padded Michigan's margins at the end.
That said, Perry and Troy Williams combined to complete 18 of 28 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. If they can cut down on the interceptions, they may be able to keep this within one score.
Of course, that may be easier said than done against a DC team that just limited the Stallions to 11 points while recording eight sacks.
- Prediction: Defenders 21, Showboats 13
Houston Roughnecks at Arlington Renegades
- Spread: Renegades (-8.5)
- Moneyline: Arlington (-450); Houston (+350)
- Over/under: 39
It's hard to have any confidence in the Roughnecks after they were thrashed in the season opener against the Battlehawks. They allowed a combined 273 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground while letting Manny Wilkins complete 17 of 22 passes for 189 yards through the air.
Meanwhile, the Renegades trounced a Wade Phillips-coached defense in their season opener, running for 183 yards and four touchdowns in that contest. As long as Arlington continues to lean on Kalen Ballage, Dae Dae Hunter and De'Veon Smith to rip through Houston's vulnerable run defense, the Renegades should be able to win this matchup with ease.
The only question is whether the Roughnecks will score enough points to allow the over to hit. That may depend on whether Nolan Henderson is given a chance to start for Houston.
- Prediction: Renegades 27, Roughnecks 13
San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks
- Spread: Battlehawks (-7)
- Moneyline: St. Louis (-350); San Antonio (+275)
- Over/under: 39.5
The Battlehawks kicked off the post-AJ McCarron era in style, crushing the Roughnecks in the season opener and seeing Manny Wilkins establish himself as the team's top quarterback.
Last year's version of the Brahmas would provide a stronger test for Wilkins. However, San Antonio was just gashed on the ground by Arlington and allowed Luis Perez to complete 20 of 25 passes for 164 yards with an interception. That should position St. Louis to have the upper hand in this game, especially if the Battlehawks' offensive line can dominate off the ball as it did against Houston in Week 1.
- Prediction: Battlehawks 24, Brahmas 14