Win and you’re in (with some help) the Battlehawks go into week 8 with the ability to clinch a playoff spot for the 2nd consecutive year. The UFL’s most supported franchise is set up for a rematch against the Birmingham Stallions in addition to sweeping the USFL conference with a win against the 2024 champions. The Battlehawks will need D.C. to take care of the Arlington Renegades, giving Battlehawks fans plenty to watch this weekend.
Weather: The game will be played in a dome.
Location: The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO 1:00PM (ET) Kickoff May 17th, 2025 on FOX
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (May 16th):
Spread: Battlehawks -1.5
Moneyline: Battlehawks -118, Stallions -102
Over/Under: 39.5
Depth Chart:
The Stallions are set to start J’Mar Smith who is making his appearance as QB1 since 2023 Week 1. He’ll be the 4th starting QB for Birmingham this week as Cookus will be his backup nursing an Elbow and a Knee injury. Freedom Akinmoladun returns with T.J. Pesefea inactive this week. Newly signed Defensive Back Micah Abraham is inactive, with Avery Young making his debut.
Inactives:
Despite being activated off Injured Reserve, Alex McGough will be inactive this week. Birmingham is currently carrying Four Quarterbacks with Andrew Peasley serving as QB3.
The Battlehawks will continue to lean on Kyler Baugh, and Isaiah Mack this week as Austin Faoliu and Austin Faoliu remain inactive.
Three Keys to Victory:
Timing and Accuracy:
Max Duggan has been undefeated as a starter since taking the reins from Manny Wilkins due to injury. While no one can doubt Duggan’s ability to move the chains with his legs (he’s the UFL’s 10th leading rusher), his ability to beat you through the air remains in question. Duggan’s been criticized for his throwing motion which has hurt his ability to remain in sync with his receivers. With a dominating pass-rush from Birmingham, Duggan needs to get the ball out quick or Battlehawks fans could see a similar stat line as his week 7 outing.
Who is J’Mar Smith:
The Battlehawks defense will see a different QB this year compared to Adrian Martinez in 2024. While J’Mar Smith is definitely mobile, he doesn’t possess the same rushing ability as Alex McGough or Matt Corral. The former LA Tech QB holds an 11-1 record as a starter and will now have full control of the offense for the first time in over 2 years. While Smith is could be considered an experienced QB you have to wonder if last week was adrenaline based or Smith continuing to do what he does best.
Tight Ends and Running Backs:
While it’s no fault of their own, historically the Battlehawks have never been heavily reliant on their Tight Ends (ironic). With Duggan currently owning a 54.2% completion rate, it may behoove of Phil McGeoghan to involve Jake Sutherland and Chase Allen in the passing game a bit more. Running Back Jacob Saylors have been one of the UFL’s best pass catchers out of the backfield and saw a bit more attention last week from Duggan through the air. With Duggan struggling to hit his Wide Receivers, the Battlehawks Offense may need at least 50 receiving yards from the Tight End and Running Back positions.
Final Thoughts:
In a game where both teams are looking to punch their playoff ticket, expect both teams to open the playbook in an effort to lock up their postseason appearances. With the Defenders and Panthers unable to host, the conference championship as it stands will be in Birmingham or St. Louis making a Defenders/Panthers #1 seed a conference champion in name only.
I expect Saturday’s game to be a defensive slugfest with believe or not the kickers being put on the forefront. Both teams have be extremely ferocious up front, in addition to having two kickers that can hit beyond 50. With questions at Quarterback and sub-par offensive line play for both teams it’s no surprise that J’Mar Smith and Max Duggan will be the focal points of each team’s success. If Duggan is able to utilize his safety blankets, lean on Saylors, and manage to scamper for some first downs with his legs the Battlehawks should be able to clinch by 3pm (Central time).
I like expect St. Louis to squeak this one out on the legs of Duggan and Saylors, in addition to keeping J’Mar Smith bottled up with a 20-17 Victory setting themselves up for hopefully a playoff berth come Monday.