Failing to nab the 2023 XFL Championship, the DC Defenders will have the same title aspirations, only this time it’s in the UFL.
They open their 2024 campaign in a rematch of its regular season finale from a year ago, taking on the San Antonio Brahmas. DC is a 6-point betting favorite on the road in Week 1’s UFL odds.
Can a revamped San Antonio roster upend the early title favorites in the league? Check out our free betting picks for Defenders vs. Brahmas on Sunday, March 31.
Defenders vs Brahmas odds
| Defenders | Brahmas | |
|---|---|---|
| -6 (-110) | Spread | +6 (-110) |
| -278 | Moneyline | +225 |
| Over 43.5 (-110) | Total | Under 43.5 (-110) |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of March 29.
Defenders vs Brahmas predictions
After guiding the DC Defenders to a 9-1 record and a berth in the XFL Championship, it was a forgettable final for DC quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.
Ta’amu, the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, was picked off three times and was outplayed by Arlington’s Luis Perez, as the Renegades dumped the Defenders 35-26.
While Ta’amu is back, a lot has changed, including 2023 XFL leading rusher Abram Smith being sidelined for the year with a torn ACL. Luckily, the pivot's new receiving corps does come with NFL experience, featuring the likes of Kelvin Harmon, Keke Coutee, and Vyncint Smith.
The San Antonio Brahmas are in transition as well, with veteran Wade Phillips taking over from Hines Ward as the new head coach, and Chase Garbers being named the new starting QB.
Garbers does have some weapons at his disposal, including wideout Jontre Kirklin and WR convert Cody Latimer, who now lines up at tight end. With last-place Orlando last season, Latimer hauled in 50 balls for 593 yards and four touchdowns.
There’s so much uncertainty in this one, and an abundance of roster overhaul that makes last year’s 29-28 DC win barely matter.
In this instance, Phillips should present a workable defense against an offense that could take some time to gel. Because of that, I’m going to take points in a game that should be decided by a field goal or less.
My best bet: Brahmas +6 (-110 at Caesars)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
Defenders vs Brahmas same-game parlay
Brahmas +6
Under 43.5
DC’s offense was among the best in the XFL but it didn’t take off until Week 3. In the opener, the Defenders beat Seattle 22-18 and followed it up with an 18-6 win over Vegas — both falling Under the 43.5 line.
San Antonio has a whole new coach-QB battery, so that will take some time, and last year’s team didn’t even crack the 44-point barrier until Week 9. I’m more than happy to see these teams fumble around and shake the rust off in Week 1 of the UFL.
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Defenders vs Brahmas spread and Over/Under analysis
- DC won by seven or more points in four of 10 games last season.
- San Antonio lost by seven or more points three times in 2023.
- The Brahmas went Under 43.5 points eight times in 10 games in 2023.
- The Defenders went Over 43.5 points eight times last season.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Defenders vs Brahmas game info
| Location: | The Alamodome, San Antonio, TX |
| Date: | Sunday, March 31, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
