Overview
The San Antonio Brahmas and D.C. Defenders are set to face off in a United Football League (UFL) Week 4 match-up on April 20, 2025, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. This game, airing at 4:00 PM ET on FOX, pits two XFL Conference teams with contrasting early-season trajectories. Below is a comprehensive overview of the game, including team outlooks, key match-ups, keys to victory for the Brahmas, the X-factor, and in-game predictions.
Series History
The Defenders lead the series 2-1.
Brahmas Outlook
The San Antonio Brahmas are 0-3, having recently lost to the Michigan Panthers after a close game where kicker Donald De La Haye missed a 53-yard field goal that would have forced overtime. The team has faced challenges, including the departure of offensive coordinator A.J. Smith due to reported coaching staff disagreements, with WR/Special Teams Coordinator Payton Pardee taking over play-calling duties.
Defenders Outlook
The D.C. Defenders have started the 2025 season with a 3-0 record, behind a dominant defensive performance. The Defenders have faced upheaval, losing Head Coach Reggie Barlow and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The Defenders aim to leverage their home-field advantage at Audi Field and their stout defense to maintain their XFL Conference supremacy.
Key Matchups
- Brahmas’ Run Game (Anthony McFarland Jr.) vs. Defenders’ Front Seven. McFarland’s explosiveness makes him a threat in the run and return game. The Defenders’ defense, which leads the UFL in sacks, will look to contain him. If McFarland breaks loose, he could shift field position and open the passing game for Mond.
- Jordan Ta’amu vs. Brahmas’ Pass Rush. Ta’amu’s mobility and passing are critical to the Defenders’ offense, but the Brahmas’ defense, led by All-UFL linebacker Tavante Beckett and Jordan Williams are looking to get back to their 2024 dominance. The Brahmas must pressure Ta’amu to disrupt his rhythm, while the Defenders’ offensive line needs to protect him to exploit San Antonio’s secondary.
- Brahmas’ Kellen Mond and Jacob Harris vs. Defenders’ Secondary. Mond’s connection with Jordan Harris is the Brahmas’ best offensive weapon. The Defenders’ secondary, featuring returning many player makers have feasted on quarterbacks, recording three interceptions last week. This matchup will test whether Mond can exploit any coverage lapses or if the Defenders’ defensive backs shut down Harris.
Keys to Victory for the Brahmas
- Establish the Run with McFarland. The Brahmas must lean on McFarland’s versatility to control the clock and keep the Defenders’ offense off the field. His ability to gain yards on the ground and via kick returns could set up favorable field position. A strong run game will also open play-action opportunities for Mond.
- Win the Turnover Battle. The Brahmas’ defense, which held opponents to 13 touchdowns in 2024, needs to force turnovers. This year, the Brahmas’ defense has taken a major step back. Jordan Williams did, however, had a pick-six last week against the Panthers, perhaps a sign of better performances to come. Avoiding giveaways and capitalizing on Ta’amu’s occasional mistakes will be crucial.
- Improve Red-Zone Efficiency. Against the Panthers, the Brahmas scored a season-high 23 points but failed to convert key opportunities, including the missed field goal. With new play-caller Payton Pardee, the offense must execute in the red zone to match the Defenders’ scoring output. They must score touchdowns, and not settle for field goals.
- Contain Ta’amu’s Dual-Threat Ability. The Brahmas’ defense must spy on Ta’amu to limit his scrambling and force him into uncomfortable passing situations. Beckett and Williams need to replicate their 2024 performance against mobile quarterbacks to disrupt the Defenders’ game plan.
X-Factor
With the recent news that Head Coach Wade Phillips is stepping down, the Brahmas face their second coaching upheaval this season. How will the Brahmas respond? After A.J. Smith stepped down as Offensive Coordinator, the Brahmas responded with their best offensive output of the season. This, however, is the head coach. How will Payton Pardee handle his newfound responsibility? He went from a position coach to head coach in a span of two weeks. Is ready for such a quick promotion? This is truly the X-Factor of this game.
Game Predictions
Before I get into my predictions for this week, it’s time for me to hold myself accountable for last week’s predictions. Let’s see how I did:
- Low-Scoring Affair. Both teams’ defenses shined early (Panthers 9 points allowed, Brahmas 9 points scored), suggesting a game under 40 total points.
- Incorrect. The combined score was 49 points.
- Kellen Mond will not finish the game. Mond will start the game, but his struggles will continue, and he will be pulled at some point in the game, mostly like replaced by Jarrett Guarantano.
- Incorrect. Mond finished the game.
- Perkins Scores a Rushing TD. His mobility exploits San Antonio’s defensive focus on the pass, finding the end zone once.
- Correct. Perkins scored two rushing touchdowns.
- Brahmas Defense Records 2+ Sacks. Phillips’ unit pressures Perry, but it’s not enough to overcome offensive woes.
- Incorrect. The Brahmas recorded one sack.
So far, I have a season record of 4-10 and an overall record of 25.5-58.5.
Week 3 Predictions:
- Jordan Ta’amu throws a 20-yard touchdown pass.
- Tavantte Beckett record a sack.
- Anthony McFarland breaks a 40-yard run.
- Donald De La Haye nails a 45-yard field goal.
The Brahmas are starting to show offensive fight, but the Defenders have arguably the best defense in the UFL and they rarely lose at home. San Antonio could keep it close, but their porous run defense may struggle against Ta’amu’s mobility and D.C.’s offense is more explosive. The Brahmas’ late-game fight against Michigan suggests resilience, but D.C.’s defensive dominance tips the scales. Predicted Score: D.C. Defenders 24, San Antonio Brahmas 17.