The 2026 UFL season moves into Week 2 with the D.C. Defenders and Columbus Aviators meeting on Friday, April 3. Both sides are looking for their first win after setbacks in Week 1. The Dallas Renegades and St. Louis Battlehawks will also face off in a matchup of 1-0 sides who looked solid in Week 1, especially Dallas. The Renegades racked up 36 points in their victory behind Austin Reed’s 376 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Those interested in making wagers on UFL games should see what SportsLine football expert Emory Hunt is betting. Born and raised in New Orleans, Hunt played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and coached high school football before starting Football Gameplan, an in-depth analysis site. Over the past three seasons, Hunt is 132-111-2 on NFL bets. Here’s a look at his picks for Week 2 of the UFL season. Use the latest DraftKings promo code to tail Hunt’s picks and get a great offer.

UFL Week 2 bets

D.C. (-1.5) vs. Columbus

The Defenders looked like they would pick up right where they left off last season but ran out of gas in the second half. This is partly due to their own inconsistencies and undisciplined defense, which they must clean up. Columbus had some opportunities in their opener against Orlando, but couldn’t capitalize on those enough to win the game. Expect a much better showing in front of their home crowd, but will their defense be strong enough to slow down the Defenders?

Pick: D.C. -1.5

Louisville vs. Orlando (-3.5)

Louisville let that game against Birmingham slip through its fingertips, but it was still an impressive showing for Jason Bean. I think the Kings have something special there and will be one of the better offenses this season. The Storm had arguably more explosive plays on offense than expected; they frankly looked in mid-season form. Defensively, they got after the quarterback and made things difficult for the Aviators as a whole. This game is going to be one of the most exciting of the weekend, and I also expect it to be a high-scoring contest.

Pick: Louisville +3.5

Birmingham (-7.5) vs. Houston

Birmingham looked like a battle-tested group under first time coach A.J. McCarron last weekend. The Stallions didn’t let the bad plays define them; they galloped back into the game and ultimately secured the win. On the other side of the field, the Gamblers were playing a two-quarterback system with both Nolan Henderson and Hunter Dekkers getting reps in the game. It seems like Dekkers will get the start this week, considering he played more consistently in the loss to Dallas. But quarterback controversy aside, I’m more worried about the Gamblers’ defense in this matchup than anything else.

Pick: Birmingham -7.5

St. Louis vs. Dallas (-3.5)

What a start to the season for both teams, coming off thrilling victories in Week 1. St. Louis pulled off the upset against the Defenders, partly due to a smothering defensive effort. And we saw how explosive the Renegades are on both sides of the ball. Austin Reed broke the regular season UFL passing record by throwing for 376 yards. Usually when you have a great offense facing a great defense, you want to side with the defense. However, the Renegades defense, to me, has the edge over the Battlehawks’ offense. Both sides point to the Renegades in this one.

Pick: Dallas -3.5