Defenders vs Roughnecks Picks and Prediction – 5/25/2025

The final game of the week nine UFL schedule will feature a matchup between the DC Defenders and the Houston Roughnecks from TDECU Stadium. Check out all of our free UFL picks. The Defenders (6-2) lead the league in total offense and are tied with St. Louis for first place in the XFL Conference. On Sunday, DC CB DeAndre Baker intercepted a pass in the closing seconds to seal a 33-30 home victory versus Arlington.

MVP front runner Jordan Ta’amu led the DC offensive attack with 240 passing yards and two touchdowns. Ta’Amu also caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from WR Chris Rowland that gave the Defenders a 21-11 advantage. DC surpassed their season average with 384 total yards on the afternoon. 

The Houston Roughnecks have dropped consecutive games and have been eliminated from postseason contention. The Roughnecks (3-5) sealed their own fate two weeks ago when they were unable to protect a 19-point lead against Birmingham during a 33-25 road loss. Last week, Houston was outscored by ten points during the second half of a 30-18 home loss versus Michigan. 

Houston erased an early 11-point deficit on a Keke Chism 33-yard touchdown reception and a Chris Blewitt 51-yard field goal. QB Jalan McClendon continued his stellar play for the Roughnecks with 316 passing yards and two touchdowns. Justin Hall caught 11 passes for a game-high 88 yards and a score.

DC has already clinched a playoff spot and is in a good position to host a playoff game against St. Louis. This is the highest total on the board for week nine and UFL overs have cashed in 17 of the last 24 games overall. Look for the Defenders to escape with a tightly contested road victory that goes over the total. Final Score Prediction, DC Defenders win 28-25.