“Get expert UFL Week 8 picks, power rankings, injury updates, and betting insights to help you cash in on spring football.”
The UFL playoff race is heating up fast, and with just three weeks left in the regular season, every game matters. Whether you’re chasing profit or bragging rights, locking in sharp bets now could be the difference between a winning and losing season. In this breakdown of UFL Week 8 picks, we cover everything you need to know.
From power rankings and injury reports to betting angles and best bets. With key matchups on deck and teams fighting for postseason spots, there’s plenty of value on the board for savvy bettors. Let’s dive into the slate and uncover where the edge lies.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)
The Playoff Picture Sharpens as the Stakes Rise
There are only three weeks left in the UFL regular season. With every game now critical, separation is finally taking hold. Four teams have emerged as clear playoff frontrunners. DC, St. Louis, Birmingham, and Michigan each sit at 5–2. All have a strong grip on a postseason berth. But the door isn’t fully shut on Houston and Arlington, both sitting two games back.
San Antonio and Memphis, now at 1–6, are officially eliminated. While those teams battle for pride, bettors can capitalize on motivation angles. Favorites are beginning to solidify, and power rankings are stabilizing. Still, volatility remains high, especially with injuries mounting across the league.
Despite another rocky week for attendance, the UFL is already selling 2026 season tickets. The league appears confident in its future. But as bettors know, the only thing that truly matters is how teams perform now.
Week 7 Recap: Betting Highs and Crushing Collapses
Week 7 delivered three tight, competitive games and one dud. It started strong for bettors backing DC, who covered against San Antonio. Michigan edged out Arlington in a thriller. Rice Perkins’ last-second heroics were unforgettable, scoring and converting to win it. Houston, however, delivered one of the worst beats of the season. Up 25–6, the Roughnecks collapsed, losing outright and against the spread.
St. Louis took care of Memphis in a snoozer. Across the board, the top teams won, while the bottom teams lost. For betting purposes, this week established a clear separation tier.
The betting card finished down –5.81 units for the week. Yet, the season total remains in the green at +3 units. The UFL remains unpredictable, but opportunity lies in knowing how to time the momentum swings.
Power Rankings Hold Steady
For the first time all season, the power rankings didn’t change. DC, Michigan, St. Louis, and Birmingham held firm at the top. Their Week 7 wins didn’t just keep them in position—they validated their status. The bottom of the league, meanwhile, remained just as consistent in losing.
A running joke persists around Michigan being ranked “with or without Bryce Perkins.” His dynamic play has given life to an offense once led by the much-maligned Danny Etling.
With teams finally showing consistency, handicapping becomes a bit clearer. But the betting edge still lies in key injuries and situational angles.
Key Injuries and Roster Moves Heading Into Week 8
Injuries will shape the outcomes this weekend. Memphis loses RB Wes Hills (calf), a devastating blow to their revived ground game. San Antonio is likely down McFarland and multiple key offensive weapons.
Birmingham faces a quarterback carousel. J’Mar Smith just came out of retirement and led a game-winning drive. Meanwhile, starter Alex McGough is returning from injury. That gives Birmingham three viable quarterbacks heading into Week 8.
Michigan’s defense is battered. They’re down their top two linebackers, including defensive leader Frank Ginda. They’ve also lost pass rusher Breeland Speaks and interior lineman Walter Purns.
On a brighter note, DC gets safety Montae Nicholson back. His return shores up a depleted secondary that has allowed big plays in recent weeks.
For bettors, these injuries open value on underdogs and overs where depth is lacking.
Memphis vs. San Antonio: Battle of the Basement
The Week 8 opener pits 1–6 Memphis against 1–6 San Antonio. The game is a pick ‘em, with both sides at –110 and a total of 36.5. Despite their records, both teams have improved under third-string quarterbacks.
Kevin Hogan has added stability for the Brahmas. Dresser Winn gives Memphis a spark, but he’s turnover-prone and lacks protection without Wes Hills. San Antonio, while flawed, has a major edge in turnover margin, only –3 to Memphis’ –10.
That’s the difference here. Expect a fired-up San Antonio crowd and a defensive touchdown or two. The UFL Week 8 picks advice is to take the Brahmas –1 and the over 36.5 in what could be a surprisingly entertaining shootout between bad teams.
Birmingham vs. St. Louis: Clash of Contenders
This is the headliner. The 5–2 Birmingham Stallions visit the 5–2 St. Louis Battlehawks. The spread favors St. Louis by 2.5 at home. However, Birmingham has a real edge in the trenches and coaching.
St. Louis leads the league in rushing offense but ranks last in passing. Birmingham fields the league’s best run defense and just welcomed back several defensive starters. The return of Ike Brown bolsters their struggling secondary.
St. Louis is still missing their best offensive lineman, Abdul Beecham. That spells trouble against Birmingham’s front seven.
The UFL Week 8 picks play here is the Stallions +2.5 and the under 39.5. It’ll be physical, low-scoring, and likely decided by which team wins on early downs. Trust Skip Holtz and the reigning champs to show up in the dome.
Michigan vs. Houston: Dangerous Underdog Alert
Michigan enters as 6-point road favorites over Houston. But the Panthers are dangerously thin on defense. Frank Ginda’s absence removes the heart of their unit. Houston, meanwhile, is trending up behind QB Jalen McClendon.
The Roughnecks are 2–1 since McClendon took over. They should be 3–0 if not for the historic collapse against Birmingham. More importantly, they’re +5 in turnover margin.
This is a sharp spot for bettors. Take Houston +6, especially at home, where they’ll be desperate to keep playoff hopes alive. Michigan may win, but it likely won’t be by a margin of six.
Arlington vs. DC: Revenge Game with Playoff Stakes
DC beat Arlington earlier this season with the largest comeback in UFL history. Arlington had control for three quarters before imploding. Now, the 3–4 Renegades visit DC as 3-point underdogs.
The key difference? Arlington no longer has running back Kalen Ballage. Their rushing attack has vanished, and now they face the number-two pass defense in the league. DC, meanwhile, gets reinforcements in the secondary and looks playoff-ready.
Expect Jordan Ta’amu to take over through the air. DC has too much firepower and a rowdy home crowd on their side. The UFL Week 8 picks for this game is to lay the three with DC and look for a 7–10 point victory.
UFL Best Bets and Degen Picks for Week 8
Best Bet #1: Birmingham +2.5 – The champs match up perfectly vs St. Louis’ run-heavy attack. Coaching edge seals it.
Best Bet #2: Houston +6 – The Roughnecks are trending up while Michigan’s defense is falling apart.
Degen Play: Birmingham –3 (+158) – Alternate line for bettors looking to cash in on an outright win with value.
With just three regular-season games left, these spots matter more than ever. Keep an eye on injury news and line movement.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by an IDP+ Staff Member. Be sure to check out the video above by the DegenDoc, which this article is based on, talking about UFL Week 8 picks. Follow the hosts @TheDegenDoc on the X!
