The UFL is eight weeks in, and three teams could lock up the playoffs this weekend. As we get closer to the playoffs, teams will continue to push for not only making the playoffs but also for the number one seed. Certain teams are standing out more than others, while some are hard to predict each week. Let’s take a look at the best ways to cash during UFL Week 7 in this UFL Week 8 preview, picks, and best bets!
2026 UFL Week 8 Preview, Picks, and Best Bets
Orlando Storm @ Arlington Renegades (-1.5)
Everything tells you to take the Storm. Everything tells you the Storm should be favored. The Renegades have dropped four straight, despite the fact that last week they got robbed. The Storm have slowed its pace slightly. However, they’re still tied for best record in the UFL.
A win here and the Storm are in the playoffs, guaranteed. A loss here, and the Renegades can pretty much kiss all hope of playoffs goodbye. This will be a home game in front of the Fort Hood soldiers, which could help spark the home team.
This is all about desperation. The Storm will want to win, but they aren’t in a desparate spot like the Renegades. I think the Renegades win this one 33-27. Austin Reed finally stopped the turnovers last week. This week, he’ll stop the turnovers and add touchdowns.
DC Defenders (-6) @ Louisville Kings
The next game on our UFL Week 8 picks is on Saturday morning between the DC Defenders and the Louisville Kings. These two just played last week in DC, and DC got caught with their pants down. Louisville blew them out after DC went up 13-3.
However, it was a trap game, and now DC had its wakeup call. I don’t expect them to falter this time. In fact, I expect them to be pissed off and ready for a little revenge. Don’t fade a team that is pissed off. They were embarrassed at home. Now it’s their turn.
Not to mention, the Kings are a different team at home than on the road. On the road, they’ve scored 110 points, 27.5 per game. At home, they’ve scored just 43 points, 14.3 per game. DC -6 is the lock of the week, and with a win, they lock the playoffs.
Houston Gamblers @ St. Louis Battlehawks (-7.5)
The afternoon game is the Houston Gamblers heading to the Battledome to take on the St. Louis Battlehawks. Remember how we just talked about a trap game when Louisville headed to DC to take on the Defenders and won? That’s exactly how this game feels.
The Battlehawks could lock up the playoffs this week with a win. Even though they’ve been stacking wins, they haven’t looked quite as impressive. Luis Perez will be making his second start, and the Gamblers will have a better idea of how he runs this offense.
The Gamblers looked decent with Hunter Dekkers last weekend. While John Rhys-Plumlee will likely get some playing time again, Dekkers should be able to ball out. However, the biggest thing will be the Gamblers’ defense. They’ll pick Luis Perez off several times to help seal this win. Gamblers +7.5 and +310 on the Moneyline.
Columbus Aviators @ Birmingham Stallions (-3.5)
Credit to the Stallions for battling back through the adversity and staying in the mix with several wins over the past couple of weeks. They are trending in the right direction and could push into that last playoff spot.
They are 3.5-point favorites in our UFL Week 8 picks over the Columbus Aviators. The Aviators’ offense has looked better the past couple of weeks. They can run the ball very efficiently, which opens up the passing game for Jalen McClendon.
With the Stallions’ defense struggling, it will be key for Columbus to take an early lead. However, this is another game where I think the road dog could surprise the home team. Give me the +3.5 and +160 on the Moneyline.
