DC Defenders at St Louis Battlehawks Predictions & Picks – Defending Champions DC To Take UFL Opener

leigh-copson
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Leigh Copson 2 hours ago
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  • DC Defenders at St Louis Battlehawks picks for Saturday, March 28
  • Game is taking place at The Dome at America's Center
  • Preview, predictions, stats & form
Jordan Ta'amu of the DC Defenders (Getty Images)

DC Defenders at St Louis Battlehawks Predictions & Picks

DC are tipped to cover as they begin their defence of the UFL crown with a win.

The Defenders return the coaching staff and a core of the roster that won the championship a year ago, while the Battlehawks may need time to gel under first-time head coach Ricky Proehl.  

  • DC Defenders have won 5 of their last 7 games away from DC
  • DC Defenders were 2-1 in the 3 meetings with St Louis in the inaugural UFL season
  • Each of last season’s Week 1 UFL games produced under 44.5 total points

Head To Head

  • DC Defenders lead the all-time series 5-3
  • DC Defenders won 36-18 when the two teams last met in June 2025 

DC Defenders Form

DC enter the season as the defending champions of the United Football League thanks to their 2025 success.

The Defenders were one of the XFL teams to survive the merger with the USFL following the 2024 season, and they entered the last campaign on the back of a disappointing 4-6 season.

They got off to a flying start though, overcoming a last-minute change of head coach to win six of their first eight games.

DC dropped the final two matchups, but their 6-4 record was enough for second place in the division and a playoff berth.

The Defenders won 36-18 at St Louis in the XFL Conference Championship, and then claimed the UFL crown with a 58-34 victory over Michigan in the championship game.

St Louis Battlehawks Form

St Louis come into the new season looking to better a 2025 campaign that saw them make the postseason but fall short in their championship chase.

The Battlehawks compiled the best regular season record in the entire league as they won eight of their 10 games to finish top of the XFL Conference.

However, that regular season form did not transfer over to the postseason, as they suffered a surprise 36-18 defeat at home to DC in the conference championship.

St Louis made a major chance in the wake of that postseason disappointment.

The Battlehawks appointed a new head coach, with former wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl replacing Anthony Becht, who is now with league newcomers Orlando.

Verdict

DC had St Louis’ number last year and they silenced the Dome with that playoff win over the Battlehawks.

The Defenders enter the new campaign with more consistency in the coaching staff and with large chunk of the roster returning from 2025, so we are backing them to begin their defence with a win.

Best Bet1: DC -3.0 Spread @-111.11 at Stake.us - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Under 44.5 Total Points @-111.11 at Stake.us - 2 Units
DC -3.0
Spread
@-111.11 - 4 Units
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Bet at Stake.us
Under 44.5
Total Points
@-111.11 - 2 Units
55 Stake Cash no deposit & 550,000 Gold Coins & 5% Rakeback
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Sign up with the code NEWBONUS. When you verify your account get 25 Stake Cash for free PLUS 250,000 Gold Coins and 5% Rakeback! No deposit required. Login each day for the next 30 days and get an additional 30 Stake Cash AND 300,000 Gold Coins. 21+ only. T&Cs apply. Excludes WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT, NJ, DE, WV, PA, RI & MD.

Bet at Stake.us

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