Week 3 of the 2026 UFL season is here, and the playoff picture is already starting to take shape. Only two teams remain undefeated: the high-powered Orlando Storm and the explosive Dallas Renegades, both sitting at 2-0. The action kicks off with an immediate rematch as Orlando travels to face the Louisville Kings, while Dallas looks to stay perfect against the Columbus Aviators on Sunday. For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend slate, SportsLine football expert Emory Hunt has broken down his top bets.
Hunt brings a unique perspective to the table. A former college running back at Louisiana-Lafayette and a seasoned coach, his analysis through Football Gameplan has proven sharp, boasting a 132-111-2 record on NFL picks over the last three seasons. Now, he's turning his expert eye to the spring league gridiron.
First on the docket is the Orlando Storm's quick turnaround against Louisville. These teams just met in Week 2, with Orlando securing a 19-9 victory. The story of that game—and perhaps Orlando's season so far—was a dominant defense that has been consistently stifling. While the offense finds its rhythm, the Storm's defense travels well, making them a tough out in this rare back-to-back rematch on the road.
Another intriguing matchup features the D.C. Defenders hosting the Houston Roughnecks. Keep an eye on D.C. quarterback Nolan Henderson, who stepped in admirably for an injured Hunter Dekkers last week. Henderson, who began camp as the starter, showed poise and could be settling into the role for good. He'll need it against a formidable Houston defense known for generating pressure. Expect a physical, close contest as D.C. plays its first home game of the season, energized by a crowd looking to will their team to a bounce-back victory.
The weekend's showcase might be the Dallas Renegades' clash with Columbus. Dallas has looked like the league's most complete team, particularly on offense. Quarterback Austin Reed is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, and under the guidance of coach Rick Neuheisel, this unit is operating with frightening efficiency. While the Columbus Aviators are competitive, their bouts of inconsistency could be fatal against a Renegades squad ready to capitalize on every mistake. Dallas's offensive firepower makes them a compelling watch—and a tough team to bet against as they aim for 3-0.