UFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions Week 1: Saturday (2024)

Welcome to the United Football League. After the XFL and USFL had successful seasons in 2023, the two spring football leagues merged to create a new eight-team UFL. While many players have changed teams from last season, several big-name stars are back with their squad from 2023.

Anytime there is a new league or a reshuffling of players within a league, it creates uncertainty in the betting market. However, let's recap the 2023 XFL and USFL seasons before diving into Week 1 of the 2024 UFL season.

The XFL had a few elite teams last year, led by the DC Defenders with a 9-1 regular season record. They represented the North division in the Championship game after defeating the Seattle Sea Dragons 37-21 in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 4-6 Arlington Renegades defeated the heavy-favorite 7-3 Houston Roughnecks 26-11 in the South division. While many expected the Defenders to come away as champions, the Renegades pulled off another upset, winning 35-26, despite having five fewer regular season wins.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham Stallions won the 2022 USFL Championship in the league's first year. They were heavy favorites entering the 2023 season to repeat as champions. Birmingham went 8-2 during the regular season, winning the South division. While the New Orleans Breakers gave them a test during the regular season with a 7-3 record, they were no match for the Stallions during the playoffs, losing 47-22 in the first round. Birmingham made easy work of the 4-6 Pittsburgh Maulers in the Championship Game, securing their second consecutive title, winning 28-12.

Thankfully, the UFL decided to pit the reigning XFL and USFL champions against each other in the first matchup of the year.

Let's dive into my favorite Week 1 bet for each UFL matchup on Saturday.

UFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions Week 1

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Birmingham Stallions @ Arlington Renegades

The Stallions are arguably the best team in the league, with several big-name former NFL and College Football stars on their roster. Offensively, they are led by former Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez. Former third-round pick Matt Corral is also on the team. Furthermore, Birmingham has an impressive trio of running backs led by C.J. Marable. Last year, he finished fourth in the USFL in rushing attempts (118) and fourth in yards (525).

Arlington doesn't have as many former College Football stars on their roster, but they do have a solid quarterback in Luis Perez. Despite getting traded at the mid-way point of the year, Perez finished fourth in passing yards (1,630) while ranking fifth in pass attempts (148). Former USC teammates Deontay Burnett and Tyler Vaughns had limited roles in 2023 but could become difference-makers this year on an improved passing attack.

While these two teams are the reigning champions, they have different expectations in 2024. Birmingham is tied for the best odds to win the UFL Championship at +300, while Arlington is fourth at +550. The Renegades pulled off a pair of upset victories to win the XFL Championship. Meanwhile, the Stallions have been arguably the best spring football team in either league over the past two years. Expect them to start the season with a win.

Pick: Stallions -3.5 (-110)

St. Louis Battlehawks @ Michigan Panthers

The Battlehawks might have the most big-name offense in the UFL. Quarterback A.J. McCarron was a star in college and has spent time in the NFL, including last year with the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran has an impressive receiving core led by Hakeem Butler. The former Iowa State star and Arizona Cardinal fourth-round pick was the top wide receiver in the XFL last season, ranking second in receiving yards (599) and first in touchdowns (eight) for St. Louis.

Meanwhile, the Panthers' roster lacks big-name stars compared to the Battlehawks. Their quarterback room consists of Danny Etling, E.J. Perry and Brian Lewerke. However, Perry is the only one with any spring football experience, playing in one game for Michigan last year. The team's top receiving threat is former Washington Commanders seventh-round pick Trey Quinn. The former SMU receiver finished 11th in the USFL in receptions (37) and receiving yards (438) last season.

This contest shouldn't be close. The fact that the spread isn't over seven points yet is surprising. With A.J. McCarron under center, St. Louis was one of the top teams in the XFL last year. Meanwhile, the Panthers don't have the firepower to keep up with the Battlehawks' offense. There is a reason why St. Louis is one of the favorites to win the UFL Championship at +300, while the Panthers have the second-longest odds at +1300. This one could get out of hand early.

Pick: Battlehawks -6.5 (-120)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday:

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.