DC Defenders vs Michigan Panthers Picks, Predictions & Odds (May 4)

• The Michigan Panthers are 2.5-point home favorites over the DC Defenders in UFL action on Sunday
• DC and Michigan rank first and second in total offense
• See my Defenders vs Panthers Picks and Predictions below, plus the best odds

The best game of the Week 6 UFL slate goes down Sunday in Michigan, as the Panthers (3-2) host the DC Defenders (4-1). DC is fresh off the biggest comeback in league history, while Michigan dropped a barn burner to St. Louis. Kick-off is scheduled for Noon ET, with ESPN and ESPN+ providing the broadcast coverage.

DC Defenders vs Michigan Panthers Odds

The Panthers are currently favored by 2.5 points and -162 on the moneyline. DC comes back as a +136 underdog, while the game total sits at 42.5. Michigan is 2-1 at home this season, and I’m expecting them to defend home turf in this matchup.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Defenders vs Panthers Predictions

My prediction is that the Panthers offense overwhelms the Defenders defense. Michigan enters play leading the league in touchdowns and all-purpose yards, while ranking second in scoring and total offense. The Panthers abandoned their two-QB strategy, and have handed over the offense to Bryce Perkins.

The former NFL backup is playing at an MVP level, throwing for 923 yards and 6 TD so far. He’s added 143 yards and three scores with his legs, making him one of the most dynamic players at his position.

UFL Passer Efficiency Rating

Perkins has an excellent crop of pass catchers to throw to, led by Siaosi Mariner and Malik Turner. The duo rank second and sixth respectively in receiving yards so far, while six different receivers have caught touchdowns from Perkins.

On the ground, in addition to Perkins’ legs, Michigan is also getting 5.0 yards per pop from Toa Taua. The Nevada product has also found the box three times, and is averaging 9.0 yards per reception.

The matchup on paper is tough, as DC ranks number one against the pass. A closer look at their schedule however, may explain why. The Defenders have faced four of the five worst passing teams so far. They finally played a competent quarterback last week in Arlington’s Luis Perez, and the Renegades hung 33 points on them.

Perez was super efficient completing 70% of his passes, while the Arlington rushing attack went for 108 and 2 on 19 carries. The Renegades offense is inferior to Michigan’s on the ground and through the air, giving us confidence that the Panthers can replicate Arlington’s success.

DC Defenders vs Michigan Panthers Picks

• Michigan Panthers -2.5 (-118 at DraftKings)

On the other side of the ball, I like Michigan’s chances of slowing down the Defenders. Yes, DC ranks first in total offense, but that’s partly attributed to their soft schedule to date.

Despite last week’s heroic 15-point comeback, there are red flags to be weary of, especially with QB Jordan Ta’amu. For starters, Ta’amu is not an efficient thrower. His passer efficiency rating is just 49.7, 23 points lower than Perkins’. Ta’amu is completing less than 50% of his throws, and has been picked off four times, the second most in the league.

Chris Rowland and Ty Scott have been beasts at the receiver position, but they’ll be in tough against a good Panthers pass defense. Michigan ranks second against the pass, and has allowed the fewest receptions in the league. They’ve already racked up 5 interceptions, and are next to impossible to run against.

The Panthers are yielding only 3.6 yards per carry, and have racked up 25 tackles for loss. I like their matchups on both sides of the ball, which is why I’m picking them to cover the 2.5 point spread.