The race for the XFL conference title is set for this Friday at Audi Field, as the 7-2 St. Louis Battlehawks take on the 6-3 DC Defenders at 8 p.m. ET. DC is favored by a narrow 1-point with a total of 45.5, highlighting the offensive power of both teams and the playoff intensity. Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht is eager to complete a season sweep and enter the playoffs with a six-game winning streak. Conversely, DC aims to clinch the top seed with a win, promising a playoff-like setting under the Friday night lights. Read on for our prediction of the St. Louis Battlehawks vs DC Defenders matchup.
St. Louis heads into the game after a dominant 39-13 win over San Antonio in Week 9, showcasing their balanced offense and strong defense. Quarterback Max Duggan, undefeated in his five starts, offers moderate passing stats (696 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT) but excels as a dual-threat with 299 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Their running attack, led by Jacob Saylors (499 yards, 4.4 per carry), is a key component of their strategy.
Defensively, coordinator Donnie Abraham leads a unit that disrupts opponents’ backfields, with Pita Taumoepenu (7.5 sacks) posing a constant threat, and their secondary ranks first in takeaways since Week 6. This pressure will be crucial against a Defenders team featuring the league’s top passer.
DC has showcased Jordan Ta’amu this season, the leading passer in the UFL with 2,153 yards and 17 touchdowns against 4 interceptions, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. Cornell Powell, tied for the league lead with 7 receiving TDs, and Chris Rowland, with 1,087 all-purpose yards, are key offensive pieces. DC aims to recover from last week’s 24-21 loss to Houston—their first loss since Week 6.
On defense, the Defenders allow 23.4 points per game but excel at generating splash plays. Derick Roberson ranks top-five in sacks with 5.5 this season, while Joe Wallace (4.5 sacks) anchors a strong pass rush. However, their run defense remains a vulnerability, especially against the Battlehawks’ ground game.
Betting Odds:
– Point spread: Opened at DC -1.5, now DC -1
– Total: 45.5
– Moneyline: Battlehawks +100, Defenders -120
– Head-to-head 2025: DC defeated the Battlehawks 27-15 in Week 3 in St. Louis.
Current betting promotions include a DraftKings Sportsbook offer allowing you to bet $5 on this game and earn $300 in bonus bets if your wager wins.
Prediction:
The spread suggests a close game, but metrics slightly favor St. Louis. Since Week 6, the Battlehawks boast a league-best plus-0.18 expected points added per play, largely due to a rushing attack that achieves first downs on 31% of rush attempts. DC’s rush defense ranks seventh during this period, having recently given up 174 yards to Houston. If DC focuses on the run, Duggan has been ready to exploit one-on-one opportunities without recklessness.
Conversely, Ta’amu will face the season’s toughest pass rush. The speed of Taumoepenu off the edge will be a deciding factor. When pressured, Ta’amu’s completion rate and depth of target decrease.
Prediction: Battlehawks +1 (bet to pick ’em) and Over 45.5. Duggan’s mobility, Saylors’ running, and a strong pass rush are expected to counter Ta’amu’s passing, aiding St. Louis in securing an eighth win and rewarding those backing the hottest team in spring football.
Projected score: Battlehawks 26, Defenders 23.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com