Week 1 of the UFL is in the books. We went 3-1 against the spread on opening weekend, and now we have an even better idea of how the teams are playing. Last week held a few surprises, but we won’t be surprised this week as we go 4-0. Let’s take a look at the 2026 UFL Week 2 preview, complete with picks and best bets!
2026 UFL Week 2 Preview, Picks, and Best Bets
DC Defenders (-2.5) @ Columbus Aviators
Last week, the returning champs, the DC Defenders, got embarrassed. Their offensive line was atrocious, and Jordan Ta’amu had very little time to throw the ball. They’ve made some offensive line adjustments now. However, we may not see that play out this weekend.
The Aviators didn’t look too great last week either. Ted Ginn Jr.’s coaching debut left a lot to be desired from the team. Jalan McClendon can sling it. However, he also has a tendency to be a gun-slinger with turnover tendencies.
The Defenders opened as 1.5-point dogs. If you checked out the UFL Gambling Podcast on YouTube, we mentioned on the reaction show to jump on them then. Now they’re 2.5-point favorites. It’s still a good price on a team that won the Championship last year.
UFL Week 2 Picks: DC Defenders (-2.5)
Louisville Kings @ Orlando Storm (-3.5)
The second game on our UFL Week 2 picks is the Louisville Kings at the Orlando Storm. The Kings lost to the Stallions last week by two. Their offense struggled, but the defense looked like it had a lot of promise. Had Bean not thrown two interceptions, and Ian Wheeler fumbled on the goalline. Expect those mistakes to get cleaned up a little.
The Orlando Storm beat the Aviators 23-16 in Week 1. Jack Plummer looks okay, but didn’t move the needle much. The Storm did commit to the run, and Jashuan Corbin rushed for two touchdowns. This will be a battle of defenses.
While I really like under 40.5 points in this one due to the good defenses, I also think it’ll be a close game. This really feels like a 16-13 type of game. Which favors the dogs either way.
UFL Week 2 Picks: Louisville Kings (+3.5)
Birmingham Stallions (-7.5) @ Houston Gamblers
The Stallions dominated the USFL and the XFL for three years straight. Since then, they’ve gone through a lot of changes, including losing head coach Skip Holtz. Matt Corral looked okay last week. There were some flashes here and there, but nothing that jumped off the charts. However, he didn’t make any mistakes either. This is a quarterback who has performed at a high level in the spring leagues before.
The Gamblers looked pretty bad last weekend. In fact, on defense, they allowed Austin Reed to break the UFL passing record. They also had to make a quarterback change already. They rolled out Nolan Henderson to begin with. He went 3 for 9 with two interceptions. Hunter Dekkers replaced him and looked much better.
My favorite bet in this one is to take over 44.5. I think Dekkers will be able to help the Gamblers put up some points. However, I don’t think the Gamblers’ defense will be able to stop the Stallions, and they’ll win this one at a rate of 32-18.
UFL Week 2 Picks: Birmingham Stallions (-7.5)
St. Louis Battlehawks @ Dallas Renegades (-3.5)
On Tuesday night football, the Battlehawks take on the Dallas Renegades. The Renegades looked like the most impressive team last week, with Austin Reed throwing for 376 yards and three touchdowns. There was a lot of chatter that they only looked that good because the Gamblers were that bad. With this game on our UFL Week 2 picks, we will see the Renegades truly tested.
The Battlehawks defeated St. Louis in St. Louis, 16-10. Their quarterback, Brandon Silvers, looked mediocre, at best. He threw for 198 yards and one touchdown. The defense looked very good, however. It’ll be a strong matchup for Austin Reed to prove that last week wasn’t a fluke.
If the Renegades get pressure on Silvers, this one will easily go their way. I also think Reed is the real deal. Tuesday night, home-field advantage in front of the home-crowd, give me the Renegades.
UFL Week 2 Picks: Dallas Renegades (-3.5)
