UFL DFS: 2025 Season Preview and Week 1 DFS Picks
Welcome to Spring Football! For the UFL players, it is a fight to keep the dream alive. For gamers, we chase the dream of DFS glory and sports betting success all while getting more football in our lives. It’s a beautiful thing.
The 2025 UFL season kicks off with unprecedented excitement and uncertainty, a hallmark of spring football. Rosters are fresh, teams are reshaped, and the unpredictability early on offers both intrigue and challenge for DFS enthusiasts and football fans alike. As teams adapt quickly to new schemes and personnel changes, early-season matchups can be especially volatile, rewarding sharp DFS players who identify key insights and hidden opportunities.
Here at RotoGrinders, we are excited to once again offer UFL projections and picks all through the 2025 season in LineupHQ, our DFS lineup optimizer, as well as DFS Pick’Em (check out the best DFS apps) and sports betting takes.
To help kickstart your season, let’s break down the league first. After that, we’ll take a look at Week 1 in DFS and find some strong options to consider as you tackle a nice $20,000 to 1st contest offered by DraftKings to start the season. Let’s gooooooooo!
Team-by-Team Depth Chart and Championship Odds Preview
Birmingham Stallions (+190)
QB: Alex McGough, Matt Corral (UPDATE: McGough announced as starter 3/28)
RB: C.J. Marable, Ricky Person Jr., Larry Rountree III
WR: Deon Cain, Marlon Williams, Austin Watkins, Davion Davis, Amari Rodgers, Jalen Camp, Cade Johnson
TE: Jace Sternberger, Jordan Thomas
DST Rank: 1st of 8
The Birmingham Stallions, under the leadership of coach Skip Holtz, have established a dynasty with three consecutive spring football championships, including the inaugural UFL title in 2024. This season, they welcome back quarterback Alex McGough, the 2023 USFL MVP, to helm their offense. With a roster boasting top talents like receiver Deon Cain and tight end Jace Sternberger, the Stallions are favored to continue their dominance in the UFL on both sides of the ball.
Arlington Renegades (+1000)
QB: Luis Perez
RB: Kalen Ballage, Dae Dae Hunter
WR: Tyler Vaughns, Deontay Burnett, Isaiah Winstead, Lujuan Winningham, David Durden
TE: Sal Cannella, Seth Green, Curtis Hodges
DST Rank: 6th of 8
The Arlington Renegades return QB Luis Perez, whose consistent accuracy and quick decision-making form the cornerstone of their methodical offensive scheme. Arlington tends toward controlled offense with concentrated usage to TE Sal Cannella and WR Tyler Vaughns in higher-percentage routes. This makes them pretty straightforward to stack. While their running game remains an uncertain committee-based lead by Kalen Ballage, the Renegades’ passing attack is well-positioned for DFS upside.
St. Louis Battlehawks (+340)
QB: Manny Wilkins, Max Duggan (Wilkins listed 1st, but still not solidified)
RB: Jacob Saylors, Jarveon Howard, Kevon Latulas
WR: Hakeem Butler, Jahcour Pearson, Frank Darby, Denzel Mims, Blake Jackson
TE: Jake Sutherland, Chase Allen
DST Rank: 3rd of 8
The St. Louis Battlehawks enter 2025 with questions at quarterback. Manny Wilkins is tentatively listed as the starter but is expected to share snaps with Max Duggan, introducing uncertainty into an otherwise talented offense. Despite this ambiguity, the Battlehawks will rely heavily on RB Jacob Saylors, whose workload and efficiency in both rushing and receiving make him a premium DFS option. Their elite receiving corps—highlighted by reigning Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler and Jahcour Pearson—ensures explosive upside, while their strong defense (ranked 3rd league-wide) should keep games close and favorable for fantasy production.
San Antonio Brahmas (+500)
QB: Kellen Mond
RB: Anthony McFarland, John Lovett, Jashaun Corbin
WR: Jontre Kirklin, Greg Ward, Jacob Harris, Marquez Stevenson, Racey McMath
TE: Alize Mack, Jacob Harris, Izaiah Gathings
DST Rank: 5th of 8
The San Antonio Brahmas enter 2025 anchored by QB Kellen Mond, whose dual-threat capabilities perfectly fit offensive coordinator AJ Smith’s scheme. Mond’s rushing upside, combined with the high-volume passing attack targeting top receiver Jontre Kirklin, makes the Brahmas an exciting DFS stack. Though their backfield workload remains split among Anthony McFarland and John Lovett, the overall offensive explosiveness (balanced by a capable defense ranked 5th) sets San Antonio up as strong contenders in DFS-friendly games.
Michigan Panthers (+650)
QB: Bryce Perkins, Danny Etling (No starter announced)
RB: Matthew Colburn II, Nate McCrary, Jaden Shirden
WR: Marcus Simms, Siaosi Mariner, Samson Nacua, Devin Ross, Malik Turner, Jaylon Moore, Xavier Malone
TE: Cole Hikutini, Gunnar Oakes, Jalen Wydermyer
DST Rank: 2nd of 8
The Michigan Panthers are poised for success in 2025, powered by a top-ranked defense (2nd overall) that consistently creates favorable rushing game scripts for fantasy purposes. Offensively, the Panthers offer tantalizing DFS upside at quarterback, where Bryce Perkins’ exceptional rushing ability complements Danny Etling’s steadier pocket presence, though their exact usage remains uncertain heading into Week 1. The receiving corps, featuring Marcus Simms and Siaosi Mariner, provides dynamic playmaking potential, while Matthew Colburn II headlines a productive yet somewhat crowded backfield committee also featuring Nate McCrary and Jaden Shirden.
DC Defenders (+650)
QB: Jordan Ta’amu
RB: Abram Smith, Deon Jackson, Darius Hagans
WR: Ty Scott, Chris Rowland, Cornell Powell, Braylon Sanders, Jaydon Mickens, Javon Antonio
TE: Mason Fairchild, Ben Bresnahan
DST Rank: 4th of 8
The DC Defenders enter 2025 with stability at quarterback in Jordan Ta’amu, whose dual-threat abilities anchor their balanced, run-oriented offensive scheme. Abram Smith returns from injury as a potential workhorse. His early-season usage may be cautious following a serious injury, so we can’t be overly confident Week 1. While the receiving group lacks marquee names, Ty Scott and Chris Rowland provide solid value due to their established chemistry with Ta’amu, complementing a capable defensive unit ranked 4th .
Houston Roughnecks (+2400)
QB: Anthony Brown, Nolan Henderson (Brown announced as starter)
RB: Kirk Merritt, Lorenzo Lingard, Zaquandre White
WR: Justin Hall, Keke Chism, Lawrence Keys, Emmanuel Butler, T.J. Vasher
TE: Josh Pederson, Cam Sutton, Geor’Quarius Spivey
DST Rank: 7th of 8
The Houston Roughnecks head into 2025 led by dynamic quarterback Anthony Brown, whose rushing ability provides immense DFS upside despite some uncertainty around his long-term job security. Offensive coordinator Eric Price emphasizes the pass, benefiting players like slot receiver Justin Hall. While their defensive ranking (7th) suggests frequent negative game scripts, that scenario might actually boost the fantasy prospects for the passing game pieces.
Memphis Showboats (+2400)
QB: E.J. Perry
RB: Deneric Prince, Jacob Kibodi, Jalen Jackson
WR: Jonathan Adams, Kwamie Lassiter, Dee Anderson, Isiah Hennie, Kai Locksley, Isaiah Washington
TE: Ryan Izzo, Jay Jay Wilson
DST Rank: 8th of 8
The Memphis Showboats enter 2025 amid coaching turmoil and significant uncertainty. This is reflected in their lowest-ranked defense (8th overall), suggesting they’ll frequently play from behind. Quarterback E.J. Perry steps into a challenging role, likely forced into a pass-heavy game script, which could elevate the target volume for receivers like Jonathan Adams but call into question their effectiveness as a unit. In the backfield, Deneric Prince leads a relatively unproven trio and should see ample opportunities, though overall offensive efficiency could be hard to come by.
Week 1 DFS Slate Breakdown
DraftKings’ unique UFL roster format, which eliminates a mandatory TE spot, offers exceptional strategic flexibility. This allows DFS players to focus heavily on WR and RB, which historically offer higher floors and ceilings in spring football.
Quarterbacks
Stable, Higher Owned Options
Anthony Brown (HOU, $6,900) is significantly underpriced given his rushing upside; he is ideal for DFS lineups. He was announced as the starter this week after flip-flopping speculation between him and Nolan Henderson. His leash may not be a mile long, but the high-rushing floor and Konami-code ceiling put him in the conversation for top overall play.
Kellen Mond (SA, $9,000) brings dual-threat explosiveness but was absolutely awful in the NFL. We’ll have to see if the downgrade in opponent difficulty raises his game, but he will certainly get the chance to prove it with a secure role in the early going. His dreadful NFL preseason stats of 56.2% completions and 5.7 YPA on 176 attempts should give you pause, but you can unpause when you consider his mobility and the stability it can bring your fantasy team. I’d be concerned about the ownership if he really is as wildly popular as it appears on paper now.
Luis Perez (ARL, $10,000) offers reliability and proven production, though you will have to pay for it, and we can project others with a better raw score. He has clear correlation options, which is nice in a league filled with uncertainty.
Jordan Ta’amu (DC, $9,800) offers dependable scoring potential and one of the lowest threats to be usurped in Week 1. The matchup is suboptimal against the reigning champions, but the floor is relatively stable considering the alternatives.
Low-Owned, High Upside, but Uncertain
Bryce Perkins (MICH, $9,300) has elite rushing capabilities. Rushing was a key driver in his NFL preseason success, which continued into his UFL career late last season. The concern here is uncertainty, as we are extremely unlikely to get clarity on his exact usage. Coaches speak with intentional ambiguity, noting both Perkins and Danny Etling could play in the opening game.
UPDATE 3/28: McGough was announced as starter and enters the conversation of Top QB plays.
Alex McGough (BIR, $8,500) has a different kind of uncertainty, but it exists nonetheless. He’s a former MVP on this team who graduated briefly to the NFL, where he underwent a position switch to attempt to extend his career. He’s returned to the UFL, where his teammate Matt Corral is fighting hard for the starting role. Most are expecting McGough to be the starter, and almost nobody—notably his head coach—expects him to play WR. That said, the Stallions haven’t named a starter and may not until the last minute. If he does start, he could be criminally under-owned on the best roster in the league.
Manny Wilkins (STL, $8,600) could exceed expectations due to his rushing prowess despite uncertainty. He was listed first on the depth chart distributed to the media, but the coaching staff has been ambiguous about how much each quarterback will play. If coach speak is to be believed, they’ll surely use both Wilkins and Max Duggan. However, Wilkins seems to be in the driver’s seat for an extended run and is an upside play if you’re in the mood to live dangerously.
Running Backs
Stable Option
Jacob Saylors (STL, $9,300) is projected for significant touches and scoring opportunities based on what we know about his prior usage. Active as both a rusher and receiver, bookmakers (50+ yard rushing prop) and analysts alike seem to agree he’s due for a busy workload. Kevon Latulas and Jarveon Howard—on paper—don’t pose a menacing threat to an otherwise remarkable workload projection, and thus Saylors represents the safest bet on the board to produce, with upside for a big outing. Without much else to hang our hats on at RB, look for Saylors to be very popular.
Less Stable Options
Kalen Ballage (ARL, $6,600) is listed first on the Arlington Renegades depth chart despite the re-signing of spring football veteran De’Veon Smith. Coach Stoops has praised his showing in UFL camp, and the momentum seems to be flowing his way for a solid share of the snaps. He’ll split work with Dae Dae Hunter and perhaps Smith but seems to be the favorite for at least early-down work and possibly work near the goal line. You can’t feel sure about much here in Week 1, but you can assure yourself at least a chance at a heavy workload and TD upside with Ballage.
Matthew Colburn (MICH, 7700) is the leader in a backfield where he has had big games before. Nate McCrary will race him for key touches near the goal line at times, but Colburn, in theory, is the mathematical favorite to lead the team in fantasy points for now. It’s a committee situation you’d be better off avoiding in your most optimal lineup and might be a little too popular to fall in love with at high exposure in the big GPP.
Anthony McFarland (SA, $8,700) offers PPR upside and the chance at “explosive” efficiency, but the depth chart mafia will be disappointed to learn he was listed behind John Lovett on the initial posting. Not ideal, but to me the play with McFarland was never about consolidated work share. The player can absolutely achieve success with big plays, receiving work, and via goal line usage. Placing too much faith in a media depth chart is a fool’s errand anyway, so we can absolutely still enjoy McFarland as an option in the big GPP player pool. If anything, the depth chart listing could limit ownership.
Abram Smith (DC, $9,000) was once a bell-cow running back in spring football but suffered a serious injury at the start of last season. Should he return to a role like that, he’d be wildly underrated to start the season. He rushed for 788 yards and 7 TDs in 2023. The matchup is less than ideal for his first game back, but in a league like this, we should more often favor opportunity over matchup.
Deneric Prince ($7,500) was nearly promised a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs. Instead, he finds himself going from the NFL’s best-ish team to the UFL’s worst-ish team. His competition for work is mild between Jacob Kibodi and Jalen Jackson. Pending news, we’re expecting Prince to be first in rotation and have upside for a large share of duty. The Showboats have a tough on-paper matchup with Michigan out of the gate, but Prince at least has a volume-based chance at success.
Lorenzo Lingard (HOU, $4,000) is a cheaper option thanks to an uncertain scenario. He’s a favorite for a noteworthy rushing share. However, the presence of Kirk Merritt (a former WR) diminishes the prospect of a larger passing game role for Lingard. That said, the bar is low when you’re available at a 50% discount to any other usable back on the slate. He’s 60th percentile burst and 66th percentile speed per player profiler, and as such, could reasonably produce with enough volume.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Tyler Vaughns (ARL, $7,600) returns as Arlington’s most dependable receiver, ranking among league leaders in targets and receptions. With veteran QB Luis Perez under center again, Vaughns provides a strong floor in DFS lineups thanks to his reliable weekly volume. He makes a great stacking partner with Perez in tournaments.
Jontre Kirklin (SA, $9,200) was a target hog in 2024, leading the UFL in catches, and he’s poised to reprise that role in San Antonio’s high-powered offense. Paired with dual-threat QB Kellen Mond, Kirklin represents elite fantasy upside, especially if the Brahmas continue their aggressive passing approach. Despite a premium price tag, Kirklin’s target consistency justifies heavy exposure in Week 1 DFS.
Hakeem Butler (STL, $9,500) enters the season as the reigning UFL Offensive Player of the Year and remains the Battlehawks’ top receiving option due to his unique size-speed profile. Though St. Louis faces quarterback uncertainty, Butler’s dominant role ensures high-end target volume and substantial red-zone opportunities. His DFS upside is significant, even if the efficiency of his targets declines with new QB play.
Justin Hall (HOU, $8,800) Hall emerged as a slot receiver last season, ranking among league leaders in fantasy production once Houston found ways to consistently involve him. With QB Anthony Brown starting and potential for negative game script, Hall’s target share should be noteworthy. He’s one of the safer WR plays, with clear slate-breaking potential due to volume after the catch productivity.
Marcus Simms (MICH, $7,400) returns as a primary target within Michigan’s balanced attack. He thrived in his role last year, consistently posting high-end fantasy production until injury struck him down. Simms’ price and projected role make him a strong DFS option capable of outperforming expectations, especially against a vulnerable Memphis secondary.
Ty Scott (DC, $7,900) was productive last year, finishing strong despite the Defenders’ inconsistent passing attack. His established chemistry with QB Jordan Ta’amu, coupled with limited competition, positions him to command a large share of DC’s passing targets. In Week 1, Scott offers DFS value as a high-floor, high-upside play who could benefit from favorable game scripts as DC tries to compete with Birmingham.
Lawrence Keys, and Jacob Harris ($3,000 each) represent possible starters for their respective teams but would be mispriced at the minimum salary if true. Even with conservative projections, they would have low bars for success at this price.
Defense/Special Teams Rankings – Week 1
1. Panthers
2. Stallions
3. Battlehawks
4. Brahmas
Image Credit: Getty Images