Coming off a hot streak in Week 9 and Week 10, I was on vacation for the playoffs. However, have no fear, I am back for the UFL Championship preview and picks to get you ready for this weekend’s showdown. If you followed the advice of my futures article at the start of the season, you’re going to cash either way. Of the three teams I suggested putting money on, DC and Louisville were two of them. I’ll break down why I think each team could win, and then give you my final pick. Let’s go!
UFL Championship Preview And Picks
Why The DC Defenders Could Win
Before we jump into my UFL Championship picks, let’s talk about why each team could win. We’ll start with the DC Defenders. The first reason why I think they can win this game is an obvious one. They’ve been here before. In fact, they were just here last year, when they won the 2025 UFL Championship.
Of course, that was with Jordan Ta’amu leading the way. Ta’amu, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury, leaving question marks on who will continue to lead this team. The storylines were written perfectly in the fact that DC completed a trade earlier this season with Louisville for Jason Bean. Bean now faces off against the team he started with, ready to play a perfect revenge angle.
It’s not just quarterback play that could help the DC Defenders win. This is a team that knows having a backup quarteback make the start means they need to run the ball. They did exactly that last week against the Orlando Storm. DC ran a total of 36 times for 172 yards. That’s a 4.8 yards per carry average. The defense has also stepped up.
Another thing DC has going for them is that they’re playing in their home stadium. This year’s United Bowl will be at Aldi Field, and the Defenders will be playing in front of their home crowd. The beer snake will be flowing, the crowd will be loud, and could fuel their team to victory.
Why The Louisville Kings Could Win
On the other side of the coin for our UFL Championship picks, we have the Louisville Kings. There are several reasons they could win. First of all, UFL owner Mike Repole is a big horse guy. The Kings are a nod to the horses and Derby days. He wants this team to win. The somewhat smaller market new kids on the block vibe sets the perfect story for UFL success. DC is already playing in front of their home crowd. The UFL doesn’t need them to win anymore, and a Louisville win sets the perfect tone.
That’s all if you believe it’s rigged. However, if you don’t think it’s rigged, there are several other reasons they could win. This is the hottest team in the UFL right now. After starting the season 0-3, the Kings have won seven of their last eight games to carry them to the Championship game. In those first three games, they averaged 16 points per game. Since then, they’ve averaged 30 points per game!
They’ve thrived on a strong run game with former Jacksonville Jaguar James Robinson and former Chicago Bear Ian Wheeler. Just last week, they combined for 14 carries for 140 yards. In case you can’t do math, that’s 10 yards per carry! Their physicality in the run game opens up the pass game for Chandler Rodgers to hit receivers like Isaiah Winstead and former DC Defender Lucky Jackson.
UFL Championship Picks
While both these teams COULD win, only one will. For me, I think it’s the Louisville Kings. DC got to the United Bowl to play in front of their home stadium. From this point, without Ta’amu, it feels like they’re playing with house money. Meanwhile, the Kings are coming in hot and will keep their foot on the gas.
I think the Kings will be able to control the narrative of this game on the ground. That’ll keep it a slower-paced game where they will dominate the possession clock. Because of that, I like the under.
On top of liking the Kings’ momentum and their run game, Louisville head coach Chris Redman knows Jason Bean. Redman may not have the UFL experience that DC coach Shannon Harris has. However, Redman started with Jason Bean at quarterback. He knows his weaknesses, and he’ll look to exploit them. He knows his strengths and will look to stop them. Kings +1.5, Kings moneyline, and the under are the bets I’m taking this weekend.
For a bonus pick, I like Lucky Jackson anytime touchdown (revenge angle) and James Robinson/Ian Wheeler over on rushing. I’ll also throw in an Abram Smith anytime touchdown.
