Week 8 features a battle between two 5–2 teams.
The St. Louis Battlehawks and Birmingham Stallions have both enjoyed very good seasons. However, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
Both teams are looking to win their conference and enter the playoffs with momentum on their side.
St. Louis Battlehawks
The Battlehawks are currently tied with the DC Defenders for 1st place in the XFL Conference.
They’re two games above the Arlington Renegades. However, the Renegades own the tiebreaker, so the Battlehawks want to keep winning.
With a win this week, the Battlehawks’ spot in the playoffs will be virtually secured.
They also play the Defenders in week 10, which could be the fight for 1st place if both teams keep winning.
Keys to victory
- Play a full game: The Stallions have proven themselves capable of making a comeback several times this season. If the Battlehawks want to walk away with the win, they need to play a full four quarters.
- Establish the run: This is the matchup between the best rushing offense and the best rushing defense. The Battlehawks are currently averaging 136.6 rushing yards per game.
- Win the turnover battle: The Stallions have thrown an interception in 6 of their 7 games. A takeaway or two would increase the Battlehawks’ chances.
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions are tied with the Michigan Panthers for first place in the USFL Conference.
They are also two games above the Houston Roughnecks, and they hold the tiebreaker.
Their playoff spot feels fairly secure, but that doesn’t make this game any less important.
A win this week sets up a huge rematch with the Michigan Panthers for first place.
But now isn’t the time to look ahead. The Battlehawks are 5–2 for a reason.
Keys to victory
- Establish the run: With J’Mar Smith making his first start since 2023, a strong run game will make things easier.
- Stop the run: The Stallions have allowed a UFL low 78.8 rushing yards per game. They’re facing their toughest test of the season in the UFL’s top rushing offense.
- Limit penalties: The Stallions have had real penalty issues this year. They’ve been penalized 51 times this season, 13 more than the Battlehawks.
Kicking Matchup
This game features the UFL’s two best kickers.
Rodrigo Blankenship and Harrison Mevis have both been on fire this season.
They’ve both attempted 16 field goals. Blankenship is yet to miss, and Mevis’s only miss was from 63 yards.
Without PAT’s it’s impossible to say how many attempts each will have. Regardless of the number of attempts, fans should enjoy watching these two while they can.
There’s a good chance both will get NFL opportunities after the season.
Game Information
Date and Time: May 17, 1:00 PM ET
Location: The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO
TV Broadcast: Fox
Betting Odds Per DraftKings (May 16th:)
Spread: Battlehawks -1.5
Moneyline: Stallions -102, Battlehawks -118
Over/Under: 39.5