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The DC Defenders (3-4) take on the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-2) Sunday at The Dome at America’s Center at noon ET (ABC/ESPN+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Defenders vs. Battlehawks odds and make our expert UFL football picks and predictions.
The Defenders laid an egg in a 22-9 home loss to the Michigan Panthers last week. QB Jordan Ta’amu went 10-for-14 for 127 yards, 1 TD and no INTs before leaving with a concussion. Seven players combined to rush 13 times for 58 yards in the game.
The Battlehawks had a 5-game winning streak snapped with a 30-26 road loss to the undefeated Birmingham Stallions last week. QB AJ McCarron went 19-for-32 for 161 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT in the game. He took a low hit late in the game that caused an ankle injury, which will keep him out this week.
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Defenders at Battlehawks odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:13 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Defenders +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Battlehawks -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Defenders +7.5 (-115) | Battlehawks -7.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Defenders at Battlehawks key injuries
Defenders
- LB Francis Bernard (shoulder) out
- OT Jarrid Williams (pectoral) out
Battlehawks
- WR Marcell Ateman (illness) out
- QB AJ McCarron (ankle) out
- WR Jahcour Pearson (ankle) out
- CB Brandon Sebastian (hand) out
Defenders at Battlehawks picks and predictions
Prediction
Battlehawks 21, Defenders 20
Moneyline
The Battlehawks are without 3 key starters in McCarron, Pearson and Ateman. That should not be glossed over. Yes, they play in the loudest venue in the league in the Battledome, but Ta’amu played there in the 2020 version of the XFL before Covid shut things down. He’ll be able to navigate the noise.
I think St. Louis has enough to get the job done, and I’m just not seeing enough on offense from DC to make the leap. PASS and look to the spread.
Against the spread
The Defenders are 2-3-2 ATS this season. They beat the Battlehawks twice in the XFL last season. Ta’amu is fit to return, and he’ll help the DEFENDERS +7.5 (-115) cash.
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Over/Under
The Battlehawks have been crushing Overs, but being without their top QB and 2 of their 3 top wideouts will sting. They’ll likely rely on the running game to open some things up, and I look for more of a low-scoring affair. The Defenders are averaging just 14.3 PPG their last 4 games.
Take the UNDER 43.5 (-105).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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