UFL Week 4 Picks & Predictions: Defenders vs. Brahmas (Sunday)
The final game in Week 4 in the UFL is a battle of the undefeated and the defeated. The 3-0 Defenders will host the 0-3 Brahmas, and the latter will be without their head coach, Wade Phillips, after he took a leave of absence earlier this week. The Defenders are understandably favored, but can they cover the spread?
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
UFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Week 4 (Sunday)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
D.C. Defenders vs. San Antonio Brahmas
Payton Pardee’s meteoric rise on San Antonio’s coaching staff will continue. One week after taking over the reins as the offensive coordinator, he’ll serve as San Antonio’s interim head coach. In fairness, Pardee was also thrust into the role of head coach last week after Wade Phillips fell ill before the game. Still, his coaching chops will immediately be put to the test as the Brahmas’ season spirals down the toilet bowl.
The Brahmas are tied for the second-fewest points scored (41) this year. Moreover, they’ve allowed the most points (85). They’ve coughed up 24 points more than the second-worst defense this year.
San Antonio had their most competitive showing of the year in Week 3. The Panthers beat the Brahmas 26-23 after San Antonio missed a last-second game-tying field goal attempt. The Brahmas lost by 24 and 17 points in the first two weeks. So, while their competitive showing last week was encouraging, the larger body of work this season is less flattering.
San Antonio’s defensive shortcomings are the most concerning element of their 0-3 start to the season. The Brahmas have allowed the second-most yards per game (326.7) and the most points per game (28.3). San Antonio has also forced the second-fewest turnovers (two). They can’t stop opponents from moving the ball or scoring points, and they can’t get off the field with timely turnovers, either. The defense is unlikely to dramatically improve in their first week without long-time defensive guru Phillips on the sideline.
The Defenders have an above-average offense, ranking second in yards per game (300) and third in scoring (20.7 points per game). They have enough juice to further San Antonio’s defensive woes this week, especially since they’re back home after scoring a season-high 27 points on the road in St. Louis last week.
While D.C.’s offense is good, their defense is the better unit. They’re first in sacks (11), tackles for a loss (23), fumbles forced (three), and interceptions (five). The Defenders have also allowed the fewest yards per game (202.7) and the second-fewest points per game (12.7). The Defenders aren’t flawless, but they’ve recaptured their 2023 mojo after a disastrous 2024 campaign, and they should cover the spread against the winless and interim-head-coach-led Brahmas.
Pick: Defenders -7 (-110)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.