By: R. J. Reid (SA) and Amirah Razman (STL)
Our weekly breakdowns associated with UFL games will follow the format of both correspondents providing a brief write-up of who they think holds the advantage at each position group on the field. This will be followed up with a brief prediction of how the game will turn out, followed by a score prediction. Las Vegas betting odds will be provided, along with how the correspondents would play their money when evaluating the match-up.
To see previous iterations of The Shakedown (and more) from this season, check out the AFN News Page!
The Brahmas (1-7) travel to St. Louis (6-2) for their final road game of the season to face off against the Battlehawks. St. Louis is playing a game for seeding position, as they have already secured a playoff spot. In related news, the UFL announced that the XFL Conference Championship game will be played in “The Battledome”. This means regardless of what seed St. Louis is, they will play a home game even if they’re the visitors. Conversely, the Brahmas dwell in the UFL cellar with the worst record in the league. That said, their lone win came against a very good D.C. Defenders squad. St. Louis can’t simply rest on their laurels!
We at Alternative Football Network bring you a look inside who has the advantage at each position group this weekend. You can catch the game on Friday, May 23rd on FOX at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT.
Quarterbacks
R. J. Reid (SA)
Kevin Hogan has provided a spark in a struggling Brahmas offense, despite throwing a pick-six to Showboats corner Cam Dantzler. The Brahmas have scored 20+ points the past two games compared to the 3 points a game in Weeks 5-6. In the previous matchup against the Battlehawks, it was Kellen Mond at the helm. Mond struggled in Week 2, completing 17-of-31 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception and was sacked, which led to a turnover on downs. His third-down conversion rate was poor (2/11), and he failed to sustain drives consistently. Coach Payton Pardee announced on May 21st that Kellen Mond would be the starter for this game. This is an interesting move considering that Hogan has performed leaps and bounds better than Mond. Mond hasn’t played since being pulled half-way through the Houston Roughnecks game.
In Week 2, Manny Wilkins was efficient, completing a 58-yard pass to Gary Jennings Jr., setting up a key scoring drive. Wilkins’ ability to manage the game and contribute to a balanced attack (192 yards in the first half) suggests competence. His mobility and decision-making under new offensive coordinator Phil McGeoghan’s schemes give St. Louis a dynamic edge. Wilkins showed better game management and fewer mistakes compared to Mond’s struggles or Hogan’s recent performance.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
Max Duggan recorded 110 yards and an interception last week against Birmingham, in contrast to Kevin Hogan’s 93 yards and three interceptions against Memphis. Duggan’s strengths are more in the running game, and he continues to struggle with his throwing motion, but we’ve seen some improvements, especially after this past week. The Brahmas are going back to Kellen Mond for this week’s showdown, but they have struggled all year on all sides of the ball. Max Duggan is yet to be the strongest quarterback in the pack, but he is capable of winning games for the Battlehawks – no matter how clean the performance.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Running Backs
R. J. Reid (SA)
Jashaun Corbin scored a rushing touchdown in Week 2, but the Brahmas’ rushing attack was limited. Corbin gained no yards on a critical fourth-down play late in the game. The Brahmas’ ground game lacked consistency, with no standout rusher matching Jacob Saylors’ output.
Saylors was the standout in Week 2, setting a UFL single-game record with three rushing touchdowns (20 yards, one yard, and five yards) on 11 carries for 46 yards. His ability to convert in the red zone and score on a two-point conversion highlights his impact. Saylors’ explosive scoring and efficiency outshine the Brahmas’ committee approach, which failed to generate significant yardage.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
I finally got my wish last week — Jacob Saylors scored his first touchdown since Week 2! The Battlehawks have been heavily relying on the run game recently, and Jacob Saylors is capable of moving the ball, even if it’s only for a few yards per drive. He ran for 118 yards on 16 attempts, and he continues to be a driving force for the Battlehawks’ offense. Jashaun Corbin has had to step it up recently due to the injury to Anthony McFarland, and last week he ran for 142 yards on 25 attempts. The running back room with both teams are strong, despite the injuries on the Brahmas’ side.
Advantage: Push
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
R. J. Reid (SA)
Jontre Kirklin was a bright spot, catching a 24-yard pass on fourth down to set up a touchdown. However, the Brahmas’ receiving corps struggled to create separation, and no other receiver stood out significantly in Week 2.
Gary Jennings Jr. had a 58-yard reception in Week 2, the longest pass play of the season for St. Louis, showcasing big-play potential. Hakeem Butler did not factor in Week 2, despite Butler being the UFL’s leading receiver in 2024. The Battlehawks’ passing game, though limited, stretched the field effectively.
Jennings’ big-play ability give St. Louis a slight edge over Kirklin’s individual effort.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
Although Hakeem Butler and Jahcour Pearson were pretty quiet last week, they both continue to be studs at the wide receiver position (and Pearson’s punt returns have improved drastically). They have both been targeted a decent amount, but have not been able to produce much in part due to Max Duggan’s inability to throw the ball. However, the Brahmas have struggled heavily with their receiver core, dealing with dropped passes all over the board. STL has a stronger advantage due to an experienced and reliable WR room.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Offensive Line
R. J. Reid (SA)
The Brahmas’ offensive line struggled, as evidenced by Mond being sacked 4 times, most notably by Pita Taumoepenu and poor third-down conversions (5/13). They failed to protect Mond consistently or create running lanes, limiting offensive output.
The Battlehawks’ offensive line supported a balanced attack in Week 2, producing 192 total yards in the first half, including Saylors’ three touchdowns. They provided adequate protection for Wilkins to execute key passes and opened lanes for the run game.
St. Louis’ line enabled a more effective run and pass game compared to San Antonio’s struggles.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
STL’s offensive line has not been strong in recent weeks, allowing one interception last week, as well as two sacks on Max Duggan. Their line is reeling from the absence of Abdul Beecham, who is on IR with a hand injury. San Antonio’s offensive line has also not been strong, as they allowed three sacks on Kevin Hogan last week. Both teams’ offensive lines have their fair share of problems, but I give the advantage to St. Louis for having the more experienced (and stronger) line of the two.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Defensive Line
R. J. Reid (SA)
The Brahmas’ defensive line allowed 17 points in the first half and failed to contain Saylors’ three touchdowns. While they showed some resilience, they couldn’t disrupt St. Louis’ rhythm consistently.
St. Louis recorded four sacks in Week 2, tying a franchise single-game record, with Taumoepenu sacking Mond on a critical fourth-down play. Their pressure disrupted the Brahmas’ offense, contributing to turnovers and stalled drives.
St. Louis’ sack production and ability to stop the Brahmas’ run game gives them a clear edge.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
STL’s defensive line continues to dominate week in and week out. It’s evident that no matter who they’re playing, they can always come in clutch. They were responsible for three turnovers last week, while the Brahmas were responsible for two. The Brahmas have struggled all season across the board — and there’s no stopping the Battlehawks’ defense.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Linebackers
R. J. Reid (SA)
San Antonio’s linebackers struggled to contain Saylors, who scored three times, and failed to generate significant pressure on Wilkins. They were outplayed in run defense and coverage.
The Battlehawks’ linebackers contributed to a defense that held the Brahmas to nine points and 135 first-half yards. Their tackling and coverage limited San Antonio’s short-pass game.
St. Louis’ linebackers were more effective in stopping the run and supporting the pass rush.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
STL’s linebackers dominated last week, with Callahan O’Reilly making a statement pick six in the fourth quarter to retake the lead. Even against a team like the Stallions, the Battlehawks continue to be a threat in the backfield, and they continue to make a statement. And of course, you cannot forget about Pita Taumoepenu, who was responsible for a sack last week and continues to hammer down heavily on quarterbacks.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Defensive Backs
R. J. Reid (SA)
The Brahmas’ secondary allowed a 58-yard completion to Jennings and struggled to prevent St. Louis’ scoring drives. They also committed a roughing-the-kicker penalty, extending a Battlehawks drive.
The secondary intercepted Mond in Week 2 (Brandon Sebastian’s pick at the SA 24) and limited the Brahmas’ passing game to 111 yards. Their ability to create turnovers and contain Kirklin’s impact was crucial. St. Louis’ secondary outperformed San Antonio’s with a key interception and better pass defense.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Amirah Razman (STL)
The Battlehawks’ defensive backs continue to dominate on the field. Kameron Kelly, Chris Payton Jones, and Lukas Denis were responsible for over five total tackles, and have proven to be strongholds in the backfield. It’s no question that they will continue to dominate heading into next week as well, given that the Brahmas don’t have too much to clamor about defensively.
Advantage: St. Louis Battlehawks
Win and Score Predictions
R. J. Reid (SA)
Advantage Count: Saint Louis Battlehawks (7), San Antonio Brahmas (0), Push (0)
The Battlehawks hold a clear advantage at every position, particularly in the trenches (offensive and defensive lines) and at running back with Saylors’ proven scoring ability. Their defense, with four sacks and an interception in Week 2, is likely to pressure Hogan, while Wilkins’ efficiency and home-field advantage (32,115 fans in Week 2) tilt the scales further. The Brahmas’ offense struggled with Mond and a limited run game but still face an uphill battle against St. Louis’ top-ranked scoring offense (57 points in two weeks) and stingy defense even with Hogan behind center.
However, the Brahmas’ defense, has historically challenged St. Louis, and players like Kirklin could keep the game close if they capitalize on big plays. Despite this, the Brahmas have never beaten the Battlehawks in the regular season.
This prediction accounts for St. Louis’ superior execution in Week 2 and their ability to exploit San Antonio’s weaknesses, while acknowledging the Brahmas’ potential to improve but likely fall short on the road. St. Louis, 27-13.
Amirah Razman (STL)
Advantage Count: St. Louis Battlehawks (6), San Antonio Brahmas (0), Push (1)
I’ve been predicting high-scoring games for the past couple weeks, but the Battlehawks remain stagnant on offense — starting off slow, but eventually finding their rhythm. I think the same is going to happen this week — despite the Brahmas’ struggling defense, I think they’ll find themselves with some pretty decent chances this week. However, the Battlehawks will take this one — it might not be pretty on the offensive side; but they will score points, and they will find a way to win the game like they always do. St. Louis, 16-6.
Betting Predictions
Line: Battlehawks (-6.5) O/U: 42.5
R. J. Reid (SA)
Despite the fact that this game means nothing for the Battlehawks, as they will play at home regardless of their playoff seeding, I believe that St. Louis covers the -6.5 spread, but the game goes over the 42.5-point total. The Battlehawks have nothing to play for, and San Antonio’s offense has come alive recently, so seeing each team score at least 21 points is not too far a stretch.
Amirah Razman (STL)
The Battlehawks cover the spread, but I’d take the under here. The Battlehawks have been struggling offensively, and the Brahmas have not been strong either, so I doubt there will be enough points scored to take the over on this one.
