Birmingham, D.C. Biggest Favorites on UFL Week 2 Slate

The 2024 UFL schedule is off and running.

The inaugural league, the product of a merger between the XFL and USFL, kicked off last week. Bettors were treated to a few surprises, as four of the league’s five biggest favorites are already sitting at 0-1. Surely, that is worth considering as they make their picks for Week 2.

What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down the matchups and assess the UFL Week 2 odds.

Expectations aren’t very high for the Brahmas, the preseason’s biggest longshot at 14/1 championship odds. However, that made no difference in Week 1, as San Antonio kicked things off with a 27-12 victory over D.C. Chase Garbers starred in the win, passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for another score.

Memphis was equally impressive, knocking off Houston 18-12. The Showboats limited the Roughnecks to just 174 total yards.

At -1.5, San Antonio is the smallest favorite of Week 2. The Brahmas are also -125 on the moneyline, with Memphis priced +105 to win outright. Meanwhile, this matchup also boasts the lowest projected total among UFL Week 2 odds at 40.

St. Louis, a +350 preseason favorite, is staring at a possible 0-2 start. It lost 18-16 to Michigan on a 64-yard field goal by Jake Bates.

AJ McCarron was efficient, completing 24 of 37 passes for 216 yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, the Battlehawks managed only a field goal over the first three quarters and were held to 261 total yards.

Meanwhile, Arlington, which surprisingly won the XFL title last season despite a sub-.500 record, was overwhelmed 27-14 by Birmingham. The Renegades allowed over 400 yards, raising concerns about their defense.

Oddsmakers expect the Battlehawks to bounce back, pricing them as 4-point favorites and -205 on the moneyline, with Arlington +170 to win outright. The projected total is 41.5.

Billed as the one of the top teams in the UFL odds, Birmingham lived up to form against Arlington. Former Ole Miss standout Matt Corral threw for 201 yards on 12 of 21 passing, connecting with Deon Cain for a 39-yard score. The Stallions went 8 for 12 on third down and averaged 6.4 yards per play, making for an encouraging start.

Michigan, a far bigger longshot, surprised St. Louis thanks to a strong rushing attack. The Panthers ran for 112 yards on 22 carries (5.1 yards per carry), along with two touchdowns from quarterback E.J. Perry.

At -6.5, Birmingham is the biggest favorite among UFL Week 2 odds. The Stallions are also -290 on the moneyline, with Michigan priced +235 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 41.

Houston struggled against Memphis, recording more penalties (12) than first downs (10). Things should improve, but it will need more bang for its buck on offense. While Jarrett Guarantano was efficient, the former Tennessee and Washington State standout threw for only 157 yards on 16 of 21 passing.

D.C., meanwhile, already has the same number of losses from all last regular season after falling to San Antonio. Jordan Ta’amu, the reigning XFL Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 235 yards and one interception.

Oddsmakers expect the Defenders to bounce back, listing them as 5-point favorites and -238 on the moneyline, with Houston +195 to win outright. The projected total is 41.

For 2024 UFL rules, betting news, odds, and analysis, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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