The hottest team in the UFL heads back into battle against an opponent it just handled less than a week ago. After starting the season 1-4, the Birmingham Stallions suddenly look like a legitimate playoff threat again, riding a three-game winning streak into Saturday’s rematch against the Columbus Aviators.
Last week’s 14-3 Birmingham victory was dominated by defense, field position, and mistake-free football. Now the question becomes whether Columbus can make enough offensive adjustments at home to flip the script — or if the Stallions are simply peaking at the perfect time.
With Birmingham gaining momentum behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson and one of the league’s most aggressive defenses, this matchup feels like another strong opportunity to back the hotter, more complete football team.
Stallions vs. Aviators DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | Historic Crew Stadium – Columbus, Ohio |
| When | Saturday, May 23, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Betting Odds & Public Betting
The Stallions enter as 1.5-point road favorites, while the Aviators return home as slight underdogs. The total is set at 43.5 points.
Despite last week’s low-scoring meeting, Birmingham’s offense has quietly become one of the most explosive attacks in the UFL over the past month. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has stabilized the quarterback position, and the Stallions now have legitimate playmakers all over the field, including Jaydon Mickens, Justyn Ross, and Deon Cain.
Columbus remains dangerous defensively, but the offensive inconsistency continues to be a major concern. The Aviators managed just three points last week despite dominating time of possession, and quarterback Jalan McClendon struggled badly whenever Birmingham forced obvious passing situations.
Public bettors are expected to back Birmingham after last week’s result, and it’s difficult to argue against the way the Stallions are trending entering Week 9.
Stallions vs. Aviators ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| Stallions | -1.5 (-170) | -125 | U 43.5 (-105) |
| Aviators | +1.5 (+145) | +105 | O 43.5 (-115) |
Odds change, get the latest UFL Odds
Key Notes & Storylines
Birmingham’s turnaround has been fueled by defense and quarterback efficiency. The Stallions completely erased Columbus’ rushing attack last week, holding the Aviators to only 61 rushing yards after they entered the matchup as one of the league’s top ground offenses.
That defensive performance forced McClendon into uncomfortable passing situations, leading to two interceptions and several stalled drives. If Birmingham repeats that blueprint, Columbus could once again struggle to generate points.
The Stallions also continue to improve offensively every week. Thompson-Robinson has gone 3-1 as the starter and has quickly become one of the UFL’s most efficient quarterbacks. His ability to stretch the field vertically adds another layer to an offense that suddenly looks dangerous.
For Columbus, desperation is now the biggest storyline. At 2-6, the Aviators are essentially in must-win mode the rest of the way. Teams playing with urgency can become dangerous, especially at home, but they also tend to press offensively when things go wrong early.
Betting Trends
The Stallions have covered in three straight games and continue to gain confidence offensively and defensively each week.
Meanwhile, Columbus has now lost two straight and continues struggling offensively against physical defensive fronts. The Aviators have also had issues finishing drives consistently throughout the season.
Birmingham’s defense has become one of the league’s most disruptive units lately, especially against the run, which directly attacks the strength of the Columbus offense.
Stallions vs. Aviators Prediction
Everything about this matchup points toward Birmingham continuing its late-season surge.
The Stallions already showed they can completely neutralize Columbus’ rushing attack, and there’s little evidence the Aviators can suddenly become a dangerous passing offense overnight. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s offense is improving every week behind Thompson-Robinson, and the Stallions simply look more balanced, confident, and explosive right now.
Columbus being at home helps, but desperation alone usually isn’t enough against a team playing this well defensively.
Expect another physical game, but Birmingham’s momentum and defensive edge should once again be the difference.
Final Score Prediction: Stallions 24, Aviators 17
Betting Pick: Stallions -1.5