The UFL is five weeks in, and a myriad of changes have been made to teams. The UFL can call them trades, however, we aren’t dumb. We know it’s just moving pieces around with no rhyme or reason. We will talk about those moves as we discuss the best UFL Week 5 picks and bets!
2026 UFL Week 5 Preview, Picks, and Best Bets
D.C. Defenders (-5.5) @ Birmingham Stallions
The first game on our UFL Week 5 picks slate is the DC Defenders on the road against the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions are one of the teams that had some changes. Starting quarterback Matt Corrall and defensive end Amani Bledsoe were both traded to the Orlando Storm. In return, the Stallions got quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
DTR may be able to revitalize this one-win Stallions team. He is drawing the start right away, despite just being with the team for five days. He will be without the Stallions’ top running back, Anthony McFarland, who is injured.
The Defenders were also part of a trade, though it won’t really affect them. They sent backup quarterback Mike DeLiello to the Kings for quarterback Jason Bean. Bean will now back up Ta’amu. The Defenders were sleeping in Week 1, but have looked great ever since then.
They’ve been the most complete team, winning games multiple ways. The Defenders have won games with only 99 passing yards, but three rushing touchdowns. They’ve won games with Ta’amu throwing for almost 300 yards and multiple touchdowns. The defense has also been strong. This line is fishy, but I’m taking it anyway. Give me D.C. Defenders -5.5. They are going to crush the Stallions.
St. Louis Battlehawks @ Orlando Storm (-3)
The next game on our UFL Week 5 picks and best bets is the St. Louis Battlehawks at the Orlando Storm. The Battlehawks “traded” a backup offensive tackle to the Renegades for quarterback Luis Perez. Head Coach Ricky Proehl has said that they hopefully don’t have to play him this week, as Harrison Frost remains the starter. That’s not good news for Battlehawk fans.
They hit the road to take on the undefeated Orlando Storm, who are three-point favorites. The Storm have had a smothering defense, completing the UFL’s first shutout last week. They have also done enough on offense. Quarterback Jake Plummer has been solid and has far exceeded my expectations.
This game really comes down to two things. Orlando has done well at home, and I don’t think that will change. The other thing is, this is a revenge game for Anthony Becht. As he faces the team he coached for three years, he’ll be ready for them. These types of things are important to a guy like Becht, and you’ll see that on the field. Give me the Storm -3 to win this one.
Columbus Aviators (-3.5) @ Houston Gamblers
Next up on our UFL Week 5 picks and best bets list is the Columbus Aviators as 3.5-point road favorites against the Houston Gamblers. The Aviators are coming off their first win. Don’t get me wrong, they looked really good as they ran the ball for over 200 yards and three touchdowns with three different running backs.
However, this is still a team that just had its first win. The fact that they are now road favorites doesn’t quite feel deserved. Not yet, anyway. They’ll take on the Houston Gamblers, who have struggled this year but have been much better at home. Their offensive points are wildly different at home. They’re also 2-0 ATS while at home.
Neither of these teams is at the top of the league. However, I 100% believe that the home dog will prevail. Give me the Houston Gamblers +3.5, and I’ll take the moneyline +154 as well.
Louisville Kings @ Dallas Renegades (-7.5)
Our final game on the UFL Week 5 picks slate is the Louisville Kings on the road against the Dallas Renegades. The Kings won their first game last week. That came after a 350, 3-touchdown explosive game from their starting quarterback, Jason Bean. They then proceeded to trade Jason Bean for a backup quarterback. While I don’t think Bean was a very good quarterback, it’s still an odd move.
Chandler Rodgers will now draw the start for them. I don’t think he’s a downgrade from Bean. However, I’m not sure he’s an upgrade either. On top of the quarterback changes, they released two of their starting linemen and their starting running back. This team gets its first win and somehow spirals more.
They’ll hit the road to take on the Dallas Renegades, who are coming off their first loss of the season. Listen, the Renegades did not look good when they lost to Columbus. However, I believe in Rick Neuheisel. I also believe in quarterback Austin Reed. This is a classic bounce-back spot where the Renegades will pour it on. They’ll easily cover the -7.5 as this one will get out of hand.
