“Get expert UFL Week 9 picks, betting breakdowns, and key takeaways from a wild Week 8. All games analyzed, with top picks for bettors!”
With just two weeks left in the United Football League regular season, there’s still profit to be made. Week 8 delivered chaos, controversy, and big betting swings. In this article, we’ll break down the wild week that was, preview every Week 9 matchup, and highlight our best UFL Week 9 picks. Only using insights pulled straight from the IDP Plus Bets video, this is your one-stop betting preview.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)
Week 8 Was Chaos: Recap and UFL Missteps
Week 8 may have been the most chaotic of the season. All four games hit the over, and a total of 214 points were scored. However, bettors were left frustrated by several baffling UFL decisions.
Two key playoff-deciding games—Michigan vs. Houston and St. Louis vs. Birmingham—were aired at the same time on the same channel. Viewers were forced to choose just one. Worse yet, fans were blindsided when MVP candidate Bryce Perkins was benched late with almost no warning.
In another blow, the DC vs. Arlington game was cut off during a thrilling final drive. Instead, a meaningless NBA pregame show took its place.
And the biggest issue? Despite being the top seeds, Michigan and DC will not host playoff games. Stadium conflicts mean Birmingham and St. Louis get home-field advantage regardless of seeding. This has made the final two weeks largely irrelevant for standings, raising serious concerns about league planning.
Updated Power Rankings and League News
Michigan stays at No. 1, led this week by quarterback Danny Etling and the return of defensive end Breeland Speaks. DC moves to No. 2 after beating both Birmingham and St. Louis. St. Louis and Birmingham remain strong but flawed playoff teams.
The Memphis Showboats rise to No. 7 with a win over San Antonio. The Brahmas, once title contenders, fall to last after a disastrous year. Memphis also made news by cutting running back Wes Hills and signing JT Aveyers.
Etling’s emergence and Speaks’ return bolster Michigan as title favorites. DC’s improved run game and elite turnover margin also make them a strong postseason threat.
Game 1: St. Louis Battlehawks at San Antonio Brahmas
This Friday night matchup pits 6-2 St. Louis against 1-7 San Antonio. In their Week 2 meeting, St. Louis won 26–9. However, don’t expect a blowout this time.
St. Louis has become a one-dimensional offense under quarterback Max Duggan. They rank last in passing but lead the league in rushing. San Antonio’s defense is poor, but easier to manage when only the run needs stopping.
Kevin Hogan and Peyton Pardee have sparked more life in the Brahmas recently. Despite their record, San Antonio has played with more fight, especially at home.
With St. Louis already locked into their playoff spot and coming off an emotional win over Birmingham, this could be a letdown spot in our first bets in the UFL Week 9 picks.
Pick: San Antonio +8
Total: Under 41.5
Game 2: Arlington Renegades at Memphis Showboats
Next up on our UFL Week 9 picks is the first Saturday game. Saturday’s early game features 3-5 Arlington heading to Memphis to face the 2-6 Showboats. Arlington is favored by four points.
Arlington is a high-upside team that keeps losing tight games. They’ve taken nearly every top team to the wire but can’t close. Memphis, meanwhile, somehow won last week despite just 36 passing yards.
Turnovers were key to that Memphis win. Their offense is dysfunctional, their quarterback situation is unstable, and their run game is usually terrible. Arlington’s defense should dominate, forcing mistakes from a turnover-prone Memphis team.
Memphis ranks last in total offense. Arlington, despite their flaws, is clearly more talented.
Pick: Arlington -4
Total: Under 40.5
Game 3: Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions
The next game on our UFL Week 9 picks is a playoff preview. The 6-2 Panthers travel to Birmingham (5-3) for a Saturday afternoon battle. Michigan has never beaten the Stallions.
They lost 21–12 earlier this season, but were splitting reps between Perkins and Etling at the time. This time, they expect Perkins to start, with Etling available if needed. However, can we trust head coach Mike Nolan? Michigan’s defense also gets a boost with Breeland Speaks returning from IR.
Birmingham is dealing with quarterback uncertainty. No clear starter has emerged. J’Mar Smith threw a costly pick-six last week. Michigan’s defensive line should dominate a weaker Birmingham front.
Pick: Michigan -1.5
Total: No play
Game 4: DC Defenders at Houston Roughnecks
Sunday’s lone game features the surging DC Defenders (6-2) visiting the 3-5 Roughnecks. DC is favored by three points in a game with the week’s highest total (45.5).
DC has developed a strong run game behind Deon Jackson. They lead the league in turnover margin and are now a balanced offensive unit. Houston has no home-field advantage and is trending down.
The Roughnecks have major issues on both lines. They can’t stop the run or protect the quarterback. Expect DC’s pass rush to cause havoc and force key turnovers.
Pick: DC -3
Total: No play
Best Bets and Degen Play of the Week
Two best bets stand out from the Week 9 slate for our UFL week 9 picks. Arlington -4 and DC -3 are both stronger, more complete teams facing weaker opponents. Their defensive edges and stability give them the upper hand.
Best Bet #1: Arlington -4
Best Bet #2: DC -3
For a value play, parlay Arlington and DC on the moneyline. The combo pays out at +141 and avoids worrying about the spread.
Degen Play: Arlington + DC Moneyline Parlay (+141)
Final Thoughts on UFL Week 9
Week 8 was thrilling but tough for bettors. Week 9 offers clearer edges, especially with teams like Memphis and Houston crumbling.
With the playoff picture already locked, motivation may vary. But individual players are still fighting for NFL looks, keeping the intensity high.
As always, expect the unexpected in spring football. Let’s cash in while the UFL still has action left on the board. Stay locked in for more coverage from IDP Plus Bets.
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 9 picks. Follow the hosts @TheDegenDoc on the X!
