We’re at the midpoint of the 2025 United Football League season, and things are heating up. With eight teams competing for just four playoff spots, the pressure is on as we hit Week 5. Last weekend delivered chaos, with underdogs barking and favorites faltering, including a major upset by San Antonio over previously unbeaten DC. Let’s take a look at the UFL Week 5 picks!
If you’re betting on UFL games, now’s the time to find value as teams begin to separate themselves. This article breaks down updated Power Rankings, key game previews, and the top bets for the weekend.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)
UFL Power Rankings – Heading Into Week 5
Before we get into our UFL Week 5 picks, let’s take a quick look at the power rankings!
1. Arlington Renegades (3-1)
Arlington tops the rankings due to their balance and consistency. Despite losing to Birmingham earlier in the season, Arlington played the better game and has shown to be the more complete team. Their defense is dominant, allowing just 10.8 points per game.
2. Birmingham Stallions (3-1)
Three-time Spring League champs are still strong but show signs of vulnerability at quarterback. Matt Corral’s injury could force third-stringer Case Cookus into action, though he looked solid last week.
3. Michigan Panthers (3-1)
QB controversy looms. Bryce Perkins has shown spark, but head coach Mike Nolan refuses to commit to him over Danny Etling. That indecision might hurt them.
4. DC Defenders (3-1)
The defense is legit, but the offense is inconsistent. QB Jordan Ta’amu leads the league in yardage but struggles with accuracy. Injuries to Ty Scott and Abram Smith could limit their explosiveness.
5. St. Louis Battlehawks (2-2)
After a hot start, they’ve lost two straight. QB Manny Wilkins is out (Achilles), and Max Duggan steps in. Good news: Hakeem Butler and Abdul Beacham return, boosting both the pass game and protection.
6. San Antonio Brahmas (1-3)
Trending up. A new OC and better usage of weapons, like Anthony McFarland, have made this offense more dangerous. Impressive win over DC.
7. Houston Roughnecks (1-3)
With QB Nolan Henderson likely out, backup Jalen McClendon showed flashes of talent but also volatility. The defense continues to struggle.
8. Memphis Showboats (0-4)
Winless and spiraling. No clear QB, a dreadful offensive line, and coaching turnover make them the weakest team in the league.
UFL Week 5 Game Previews & Top Picks
Memphis Showboats @ Birmingham Stallions
Friday – 8 PM ET | Line: BIR -10.5 | Total: 37.5
Memphis can’t get out of its own way offensively, and now they face one of the UFL’s most physical defenses. Regardless of whether it’s Corral or Cookus at QB, Birmingham should dominate.
UFL Week 5 Top picks: Birmingham -10.5 and Under 37.5
Michigan Panthers @ St. Louis Battlehawks
Saturday – 7 PM ET | Line: STL +1 | Total: 37.5
Big question: Will Mike Nolan sabotage Michigan’s momentum with more Etling snaps? Duggan has had a full week to prep, and St. Louis gets its top receiver and left guard back. Home-field advantage in the Battle Dome should be a factor.
UFL Week 5 Top picks: St. Louis +1
DC Defenders @ Arlington Renegades
Sunday – 12 PM ET | Line: ARL -3.5 | Total: 39.5
DC’s offensive inefficiency and key injuries are hard to ignore. Arlington’s defense ranks #1 in scoring and should limit big plays. With both teams leaning toward defense, expect a low-scoring battle.
UFL Week 5 Top picks: Arlington -3.5 and Under 39.5
Houston Roughnecks @ San Antonio Brahmas
Sunday – 3 PM ET | Line: SA -3.5 | Total: 38.5
McClendon has the arm to light up San Antonio’s porous defense, but he’s also turnover-prone. San Antonio, meanwhile, looks revitalized behind a simplified offense and electric RB play.
UFL Week 5 Top picks: San Antonio -3.5 and Over 38.5
Top UFL Week 5 Picks
1. Under 39.5 – DC vs. Arlington
Both teams have top-three defenses, and DC is missing its most explosive weapons. Arlington tends to settle for field goals. Recipe for an under.
2. Birmingham -10.5 vs. Memphis
Memphis is incapable of sustaining drives. Birmingham should cruise, especially in the trenches.
3. St. Louis +1 vs. Michigan (Degen Play)
The return of Butler and Beecham, plus QB stability with Duggan, makes this a perfect bounce-back spot for the Battlehawks.
With the regular season hitting its midpoint, the playoff race is intensifying. Smart bettors can take advantage of evolving team dynamics, especially in a volatile league like the UFL. Stay tuned for Friday player props on X (@TheDegenDoc), and as always, like and subscribe for more breakdowns.
Let’s make some money this weekend and enjoy what this unique football league has to offer!
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Justin Mark. Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc, which this video is based on, talking about fantasy football dynasty running backs’ landing spots. Follow him @TheDegenDoc on X!
