The following is a breakdown of where each team stands through week nine of the 2024 UFL regular season:
1. Birmingham Stallions (8-1)
Week Nine Result: L 18-9 @ SA
The Stallions were upset by the Brahmas in their first loss since May 13, 2023. Birmingham put up just nine points in its loss, the least amount of points the team has scored during a game in franchise history.
Birmingham’s offense struggled to get into a groove against one of the top defenses in the UFL, while the defense was simply outdone by San Antonio’s.
The Stallions face the Panthers two weeks in a row—next Saturday in their regular season finale and then Jun. 8 for the USFL Conference Championship.
2. San Antonio Brahmas (7-2)
Week Nine Result: W 18-9 vs. BHAM
Wade Phillips’ squad pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, taking down the previously undefeated Stallions. Quarterback Chase Garbers went 16-for-23 passing with 139 yards in his first action since week three after an Injured Reserve stint.
The Brahmas won at the line of scrimmage against Birmingham, something we haven’t seen from any other team. Tailbacks Anthony McFarland and Morgan Ellison combined for 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns for San Antonio, while the Stallions were limited to 78 yards on the ground, most of which came from quarterback Adrian Martinez, who was sacked three times in the loss.
The Brahmas played complementary football in their win, which is exactly what you need to do to beat a team like the Stallions. Next week, San Antonio is playing St. Louis for home-field advantage in the XFL Conference Championship.
3. Michigan Panthers (7-2)
Week Nine Result: W 26-22 @ HOU
Three of Michigan’s last five games have been determined by six points or less, with the Panthers coming out on top in each of them. On Sunday, Mike Nolan’s squad battled the most adversity it has faced yet, coming back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Roughnecks and extend their winning streak to five straight.
It goes without saying, the Panthers are rolling heading into a big test against the Stallions next week. While the result of this contest will have no impact on playoff implications, it should be a good precursor of what to expect come the USFL Conference Championship in two weeks.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins, who split snaps with Danny Etling on Sunday, totaled 197 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Defensive end Breeland Speaks, who has emerged as a DPOY candidate, totaled a season-high three sacks against the Roughnecks, wreaking havoc on their offensive line.
4. St. Louis Battlehawks (6-3)
Week Nine Result: L 36-22 @ ARL
If you want to use the fact that quarterback A.J. McCarron didn’t play in St. Louis’ loss to Arligngton as an excuse, then fine. The Battlehawks did not look like their usual-self on offense without their star quarterback, but there were also issues on the other side of the ball.
St. Louis’ defensive effort which saw it allow 36 points in the loss to the Renegades was certainly concerning. While the Renegades, despite their poor record, are one of the more high-powered offenses in the UFL, a defensive performance like what we saw on Saturday from the Battlehawks will not be acceptable in the playoffs.
5. D.C. Defenders (4-5)
Week Nine Result: W 36-21 @ MEM
D.C. snapped its two-game losing streak in quarterback Jordan Ta’amu’s best performance yet. Ta’amu went 20-for-24 passing with 237 yards and two touchdowns, while the Defenders’ rushing attack totaled a season-high 168 yards.
Montae Nicholson and Gareon Conley came down with interceptions as D.C.’s defensive unit was in control for most of the game, allowing 231 total yards from Memphis.
Inconsistency has plagued the Defenders all season. Sunday saw one of their better performances, albeit it was against an underwhelming Showboats squad. D.C. takes on the Renegades next week in both teams’ season finales.
6. Arlington Renegades (2-6)
Week Nine Result: W 36-22 vs. STL
While his team’s record doesn’t necessarily reflect it, Luis Perez has been the best quarterback in the UFL statistically. His performance in Arlington’s upset win on Saturday certainly attested to that.
This season, Perez is 202-for-299 passing with a league-high 2,093 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is the only quarterback who has eclipsed 2,000 passing yards thus far.
The Renegades, who have suffered numerous heartbreaking losses this year, have the chance to finish what has been an underwhelming season with a two-game winning streak, with wins over XFL-conference rivals St. Louis and D.C.
7. Houston Roughnecks (1-8)
Week Nine Result: L 26-22 vs. MICH
The Roughnecks have struggled all season and Sunday’s result against Michigan was no different, as they blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.
While the team lost, one player stood out—wide receiver Justin Hall had six catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Hall is now second UFL-wide in receiving yardage.
The Roughnecks wrap up their season next week against the Showboats, another team that has been struggling.
8. Memphis Showboats (1-8)
Week Nine Result: L 36-21 vs. DC
Memphis’ first offensive drive against the Defenders on Sunday ended in a punt, followed by a touchdown drive on D.C.’s first turn with possession. From there, Reggie Barlow’s squad never faltered its lead to the Showboats.
John DeFillipo’s team was one I projected to at least be in contention for playoffs, but they haven’t even come close.
The Showboats will try to snap their eight-game losing streak next week against the Roughnecks in their regular season finale.
