Protective Stadium — Birmingham, Alabama
Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
Broadcast: FS1 / FOX Sports App
A critical Week 8 matchup unfolds in Birmingham as the Columbus Aviators (2–5) travel south to face the Birmingham Stallions (3–4). Both teams are fighting for playoff survival: Columbus needs a win to stay mathematically alive, while Birmingham is trying to claw back to .500 and keep pace in the crowded Southern Division.
This is a matchup of two teams with talent but wildly inconsistent execution — and both enter with urgency bordering on desperation.
WEATHER REPORT — BIRMINGHAM, AL
(Game is outdoors; conditions matter.)
- Temperature: 78°F at kickoff
- Wind: 5–8 mph (light breeze)
- Humidity: 64%
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Field Conditions: Dry, fast surface — ideal for passing and perimeter speed
Weather will not hinder either offense; expect a clean, high‑tempo game.
INJURY REPORT
Columbus Aviators
- QB Connor Sampson — Probable (shoulder tightness) Threw fully Thursday; expected to start.
- RB Darius Bradwell — Questionable (ankle) Game‑time decision; huge for Columbus’ run game.
- WR Jeff Badet — Out (hamstring) Major loss to Columbus’ vertical passing attack.
- LB Tegray Scales — Probable (knee) Key for containing Birmingham’s run game.
Birmingham Stallions
- QB J’Mar Smith — Probable (rib bruise) Cleared for full reps; mobility slightly limited.
- RB C.J. Marable — Questionable (foot) Trending toward playing but may be limited.
- WR Marlon Williams — Probable (ankle) Expected to play; key chain‑mover.
- DE Jonathan Newsome — Out (elbow) Weakens Birmingham’s edge pressure.
TEAM FORM & MOMENTUM
Columbus Aviators (2–5)
- Last 3 Games: L–L–W
- Offense: 20.7 PPG (6th)
- Defense: 24.9 PAPG (7th)
- Trend: Competitive but unable to close games.
- Identity: Spread passing attack + inconsistent run defense.
Birmingham Stallions (3–4)
- Last 3 Games: W–L–L
- Offense: 22.9 PPG (4th)
- Defense: 22.7 PAPG (5th)
- Trend: Inconsistent but dangerous at home.
- Identity: Balanced offense + red‑zone efficiency.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Columbus QB Connor Sampson vs. Birmingham Secondary
Sampson is accurate but struggles under pressure. Birmingham’s secondary has allowed just 3 passing TDs in the last 3 games. Advantage: Birmingham
2. Columbus RB Darius Bradwell (if active) vs. Birmingham Front Seven
Bradwell is Columbus’ best chain‑mover, but Birmingham allows only 3.9 YPC. Advantage: Birmingham
3. Birmingham QB J’Mar Smith vs. Columbus Pass Rush
Columbus ranks 7th in sacks, and Smith is less mobile due to rib soreness. Advantage: Columbus (slightly)
4. Birmingham WR Marlon Williams vs. Columbus CB2
Williams is a matchup nightmare in the slot; Columbus has struggled against slot receivers all season. Advantage: Birmingham
SERIES HISTORY
- All‑Time: Birmingham leads 2–1
- Last Meeting: Birmingham 24, Columbus 16 (2025)
- Trend: Birmingham has controlled the trenches in all three matchups.
BETTING TRENDS
Columbus Aviators
- 3–4 ATS this season
- 1–3 on the road
- 0–5 when allowing 24+ points
- Overs hit in 4 of last 6 games
Birmingham Stallions
- 4–3 ATS this season
- 2–1 at home
- 4–0 when rushing for 100+ yards
- Unders hit in 3 of last 5 games
Matchup Trends
- Birmingham has covered 2 of last 3 vs. Columbus
- Last 3 meetings averaged 40.0 points
- Birmingham averages 25.3 PPG at home this season
GAME ODDS
Columbus Aviators 46.5
Birmingham Stallions – 3
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 16, 2026
