Venue: Audi Field — Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: FOX / FS1
The Defenders enter Week 7 as one of the UFL’s most complete teams, riding a 5–1 start behind elite defensive efficiency and a balanced offense. Louisville, meanwhile, is fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race, but their inconsistency—especially on the road—makes this a difficult matchup.
WEATHER UPDATE — Washington, D.C.
Audi Field is an outdoor venue, so weather matters.
Kickoff Temperature: 68°F
Wind: 9–12 mph (cross‑field)
Humidity: 62%
Rain: 10% chance, light and unlikely
Field Conditions: Normal; no precipitation expected to affect footing
Handicapping note: Moderate crosswinds may slightly suppress deep passing but should not materially affect scoring.
INJURY REPORT
Louisville Kings
QB Chase Brice — Probable (shoulder) Expected to start; arm strength slightly reduced.
RB Jordan Ellis — Questionable (ankle) Game‑time decision; major impact on Louisville’s run‑pass balance.
WR De’Mornay Pierson‑El — Out (hamstring) Removes a key possession receiver.
LT Marcus Tiller — Questionable (knee) If out, Louisville’s pass protection becomes a major liability.
D.C. Defenders
QB Jordan Ta’amu — Probable (wrist) Full practice; no limitations expected.
RB Abram Smith — Probable (quad) Trending toward full workload.
WR Chris Blair — Questionable (illness) Expected to play.
CB Michael Joseph — Out (foot) Slight downgrade to D.C.’s secondary depth.
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Louisville Kings (2–4)
Last 3 games: L–W–L
Point differential: –34
Offense: 19.0 PPG (6th in UFL)
Defense: 25.7 PPG allowed (7th)
Trend: Inconsistent; strong first halves, poor closing ability
D.C. Defenders (5–1)
Last 3 games: W–W–L
Point differential: +41
Offense: 24.5 PPG (3rd)
Defense: 17.7 PPG allowed (2nd)
Trend: Elite situational football; best 4th‑quarter team in the league
SERIES HISTORY
D.C. leads the all‑time series 3–1
Defenders have won three straight
Louisville has not won in Washington since the UFL’s reorganization
Average margin in D.C. wins: +11.3 points
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Chase Brice (LOU) vs. D.C. Pass Rush
Louisville allows 3.2 sacks per game (bottom‑3 in UFL)
D.C. ranks 2nd in pressures and 3rd in sacks Advantage: D.C.
2. Louisville WRs vs. D.C. Secondary
Without Pierson‑El, Louisville loses its chain‑mover
D.C. allows only 5.9 yards per attempt Advantage: D.C.
3. Jordan Ta’amu (DC) vs. Louisville Coverage
Louisville allows 8.1 yards per attempt (worst in UFL)
Ta’amu at home: 70% completion, 6 TD, 1 INT Advantage: D.C.
4. Louisville Run Game vs. D.C. Front Seven
Louisville averages 4.0 YPC, but drops to 3.3 YPC without Ellis
D.C. allows 92 rushing yards per game Advantage: D.C.
BETTING TRENDS
Louisville
1–4 ATS in last 5
0–3 ATS on the road
Under is 4–2
Have not scored 20+ points in three straight road games
D.C.
4–1 ATS in last 5
3–0 ATS at home
Over is 3–1 in last 4
GAME ODDS
Louisville Kings 47.5
D. C. Defenders – 10
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 8, 2026
