Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C. (D.C. Defenders home).
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EDT.
National broadcast on ABC.
This is a key early-season matchup between two strong teams in the UFL standings, with the defending champion Defenders hosting a dangerous Renegades squad.
Weather Updates: Mild spring conditions expected for the noon kickoff. Temperatures will be in the mid-50s to low-60s°F (around 58-62°F at kickoff), with partly cloudy skies and a moderate chance of scattered showers (30-50%). Winds light (5-10 mph). Any light rain would make the turf slightly slick but is unlikely to cause major delays or significantly impact play. Typical comfortable early-May D.C. weather.
Injury Report:
Dallas Renegades: LB Andrew Dowell is out (placed on Reserve/Injured List after Week 4; minimum 5+ games). This forces more snaps for veterans like Donald Payne and J.T. Tyler at inside linebacker. Otherwise, the roster is relatively healthy for a spring league.
D.C. Defenders: No major long-term injuries widely reported entering this game. The team has maintained good depth and health while riding a hot streak.
Key Player Matchups & Team Leaders:
D.C. Defenders Offense: QB Jordan Ta’amu (efficient leader with strong deep ball) pairs with RB Deon Jackson (explosive rusher and goal-line threat). The Defenders boast one of the league’s most balanced attacks and have been scoring at a high clip.
Dallas Renegades Offense: Look for QB play (recent mix including veterans like Luis Perez or Austin Reed in the system) and a potent passing attack featuring big-play receivers. RB Day Day Hunter (or primary lead back) provides balance.
Defensive Battle: Dallas edge rush and linebacker depth (minus Dowell) vs. D.C.’s opportunistic secondary and pass rush. The Defenders have forced turnovers consistently during their win streak.
Key matchup: Can Dallas contain D.C.’s run game and pressure Ta’amu, or will the home crowd and Defenders’ offensive firepower overwhelm the visitors?
Team Records & Recent Forms:
Dallas Renegades (3-2): Currently sitting in the upper half of the standings but have dropped their last two games (L2). They remain a dangerous team with offensive explosiveness and have shown the ability to score in bunches, though recent defensive lapses have hurt them.
D.C. Defenders (4-1): One of the top teams in the league with a strong 4-game winning streak (W4). Excellent point differential (high-powered offense paired with a stingy defense). They are playing with confidence as defending champions and have dominated at home.
Series History: The teams have met multiple times in recent UFL/XFL history with competitive results, but this is their first 2026 regular-season meeting. D.C. has often had the edge in recent encounters at Audi Field.
Betting Trends
D.C. has covered as favorites during their current streak, especially at home. Games involving these two teams have often produced competitive scoring. Dallas has been playable as underdogs but struggles to win on the road against top-tier teams.
GAME ODDS
Dallas Renegades 47.5
D.C. Defenders – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 1, 2026
