Sports

San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson

Staff Writer

Feb 23, 2023; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Brahmas (7-2) travel to the most hostile stadium in the league to face the St. Louis Battlehawks (6-3) Saturday at the Dome at America's Center at 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Brahmas vs. Battlehawksodds and make our expert UFL football picks and predictions.

This game will determine where these teams will meet in the Conference Championship Game Sunday, June 9, for the right to play in the UFL Championship Game in St. Louis June 16.

The Brahmas are runnin' wild after handing the Birmingham Stallions their 1st defeat of the season last week by an 18-9 score. QB Chase Garbers returned for his first action since the April 14 loss to the Battlehawks and went 16-for-23 for 139 yards, no scores and no INTs. He missed more than a month with a left wrist injury. He was one of the league's leading passers upon the time of his injury. RB Anthony McFarland was good on the ground with 15 rushes for 81 yards, and he caught 6 balls for 34 yards.

The Battlehawks also lost their signal caller and were roughed up by the Arlington Renegades 36-22 last week. QB Manny Wilkins was 18-for-32 for 179 yards, 1 TD and 3 INTs. He also rushed 10 times for 51 yards and 2 TDs. RB Jacob Saylors led the RB tandem with 14 rushes for 104 yards. The loss dropped them a game behind the Brahmas for the top spot in the XFL conference. A win Saturday would clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. QB AJ McCarron is questionable this week.

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Brahmas at Battlehawks odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Brahmas +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Battlehawks -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Brahmas +2.5 (+100) | Battlehawks -2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Brahmas at Battlehawks key injuries

Brahmas

OL Rashaad Coward (shoulder) out
QB Quinten Dormady (shoulder) probable
DB A.J. Hendy (hamstring) out
LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe (foot) out
RB John Lovett (chest) doubtful
RB Anthony McFarland Jr. (shoulder) out
S Jordan Mosley (shoulder) questionable
LB Garrett Nelson (shoulder) probable
DT Caeveon Patton (ankle) out
LB Tim Ward (ankle) out

Battlehawks

WR Ja'Marcus Bradley (neck) out
WR Jerome Kapp (hamstring) out
QB AJ McCarron (ankle) questionable

Brahmas at Battlehawks picks and predictions

Prediction

Battlehawks 27, Brahmas 24

Moneyline

McCarron's status is crucial here. The Brahmas got their QB back, and they're on a roll. But the Battlehawks are unbeaten at home this season. They know they need this game because they're 2-3 on the road.

Even if it's on a limited basis, I think McCarron goes. But risking -160 here with his status up in the air isn't worth it.

PASS.

Against the spread

Other books have it at an even 3, so I like the Battlehawks having the extra room here to cash this one. They cashed 6 straight spreads before McCarron went down against the DC Defenders a couple of weeks ago. They took care of San Antonio in their house 31-24 in Week 3, and I look for a close one, but I'll take the BATTLEHAWKS -2.5 (-120).

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Over/Under

The Battlehawks' defense has been shaky the last 3 games, giving up 29 points per game. They've also averaged 24.7 PPG during the stretch, and this is a pretty generous total.

My favorite bet in this game is OVER 42.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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