The UFL playoff race is heating up, and Week 8 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the season. With three teams tied at 5-2 and three more sitting at 3-4, every snap counts as the regular season winds down. If you're looking to add some excitement to your game-day gear and betting strategy, SportsLine football expert Emory Hunt has you covered with his top picks for the week.
The action kicks off Friday night at 8 p.m. ET when the Orlando Storm (5-2) visit the Dallas Renegades (3-4). Saturday brings a championship rematch as the defending league champions, the D.C. Defenders (5-2), head to Louisville to take on the Kings (3-4) at noon ET. Later that afternoon, the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-2) host the Houston Gamblers (2-5) at 3 p.m. ET. The week wraps up Sunday at 1 p.m. ET with the Columbus Aviators (2-5) facing the Birmingham Stallions (3-4).
Hunt, a New Orleans native who played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and later coached high school football, brings deep insight to every matchup. His analysis site, Football Gameplan, has made him a trusted voice in the game, and over the past three seasons, he's posted an impressive 132-111-2 record on NFL bets. Now he's turning his attention to the UFL.
For the Dallas Renegades, it's been a steep fall from grace. Once looking like the league's top team with MVP candidate QB Austin Reed at the helm, they've struggled since Week 4. Meanwhile, the Storm grinded out an ugly win last week against Houston, but their offense hasn't clicked yet. Hunt sees this as the perfect bounce-back spot for Orlando, especially with a defense that can feast on a Renegades offense in free fall. He's also leaning toward the Under on the 45.5-point total.
The Kings stunned the Defenders last weekend as 10-point underdogs, winning outright in D.C. After QB Chandler Rogers took a massive hit, the offense caught fire and never looked back. If Louisville can pair that offensive explosion with their usual defensive intensity, they'll be a tough out down the stretch. Hunt expects the Defenders to come in more focused for the rematch, making the Over on the 45.5-point total an intriguing play.
As for the Battlehawks, head coach Ric's squad continues to impress. With a balanced attack and a defense that rises to the occasion, St. Louis looks poised to make a deep run. Whether you're repping your favorite team's gear or looking for an edge on the betting lines, Week 8 promises plenty of drama.