Houston Roughnecks UFL Week 1 Betting
The Houston Roughnecks found early success in the reboot XFL season of 2023, with Wade Phillips leading the team to the South Division regular-season title after securing seven wins and covering several games at the crypto sportsbook. However, injuries derailed their postseason hopes, as a depleted roster fell to the eventual champion Arlington Renegades in the division title game. Despite the disappointing finish, there was optimism heading into the UFL’s debut season—though that took a hit when Phillips left to coach the in-state rival San Antonio Brahmas.
While the Brahmas thrived under Phillips’ leadership, Houston struggled mightily in its first season under CJ Johnson. The Roughnecks managed just a single victory and proved to be bankroll killers in going 4-6 against the UFL odds. The rough campaign prompted the front office to overhaul the roster in hopes of fielding a more competitive team for 2025. UFL bettors won’t have to wait long to see if those changes pay off, as Houston kicks off the season at home against the XFL Division powerhouse St. Louis BattleHawks. Entering the season with the longest championship odds (20/1), the Roughnecks will have plenty to prove and linemakers don’t appear bullish of a solid start lining Houston sizable home underdogs for its season opener.
Odds to Win UFL Season 2025
UFL Week 1 Betting Lines
St. Louis BattleHawks -5.5
Houston Roughnecks +5.5
Total: 38
Houston Roughnecks UFL Week 1 Matchup
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the Houston Roughnecks will take on the St. Louis Battlehawks from TDECU Stadium in Houston, TX. Kickoff time is set for 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX. The UFL Week 1 betting lines opened with the Roughnecks taking back 6-points with the total lined 37.5. The Roughnecks finished 1-4 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS) at home last season, with their four losses coming by an average margin of 9.0 points per game. That number was however inflated by a lopsided 32-9 defeat to the USFL Division rival Birmingham Stallions.
Houston’s matchup with St. Louis last season was a forgettable one. The Roughnecks managed just 217 total yards and failed to score through three quarters before ultimately falling 22-8 as 12.5-point underdogs. The 30 combined points never threatened the 46.5-point total. However, Houston’s defense did have one bright spot, limiting a strong BattleHawks rushing attack to -5 yards on the ground. Unfortunately, that effort was overshadowed by the secondary’s struggles, as St. Louis wide receiver Hakeem Butler torched them for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be out to repeat that feat testing Houston’s retooled secondary in this early-season rematch.
Though the Roughnecks wrapped 2024 with just one win in front of the hometown faithful, the loss to the eventual UFL champions skewed the stats. In their other three home losses to Michigan, San Antonio, and Memphis, Houston was far more competitive, falling by an average of just 4.3 points per game. The under also cashed in four of their five played home contests, with games averaging fewer than 35 total points. In all, the Roughnecks cashed under tickets on six of 10 occasions with an average of 39.1 points scored.
Houston Roughnecks 2024 Season Recap
Houston’s offense was a mess last season, posting a league-worst 15.8 points and averaging fewer than 255 yards per game. Ranked No. 7 in rushing and No. 5 in passing, the unit’s consistent struggles held back what could have been a dominant defense. Despite the offensive woes, the defense still held opponents to 23.3 points per game (#5) and allowed just over 275 yards per game (#5). The defense excelled against the run (#4) but had significant issues in the secondary, surrendering over 186 yards per game (#6).
Former quarterback Reid Sinnett finished as the UFL’s sixth-best passer with 1,136 yards, but his five touchdowns and four interceptions painted a picture of inconsistency. Overall, the QB play was underwhelming, leading the team to overhaul the position in the offseason. Despite the struggles, wide receiver Justin Hall emerged as a breakout star, leading the league with 56 receptions for 604 yards and three touchdowns. Although the season was tough, Houston ended on a positive note, covering three of its final four games, including a strong performance in a losing 35-28 decision to the eventual champion Stallions as 16.5-point underdogs. It’ll be interesting to see if the end-of-season momentum gained carries over to 2025.
2025 Houston Roughnecks Schedule & Scores
WEEK |
DATE |
MATCHUP |
TIME (ET) |
RESULT |
RECORD |
Week 1 |
March 28 |
vs. St. Louis Battlehawks |
8:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 2 |
April 6 |
at Arlington Renegades |
12:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 3 |
April 12 |
at Memphis Showboats |
2:30 PM |
- |
- |
Week 4 |
April 19 |
vs. Birmingham Stallions |
7:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 5 |
April 27 |
at San Antonio Brahmas |
3:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 6 |
May 3 |
vs. Memphis Showboats |
12:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 7 |
May 11 |
at Birmingham Stallions |
12:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 8 |
May 17 |
vs. Michigan Panthers |
1:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 9 |
May 25 |
vs. D.C. Defenders |
4:00 PM |
- |
- |
Week 10 |
May 31 |
at Michigan Panthers |
3:00 PM |
- |
- |
UFL Teams
Access live betting lines and Football Betting Articles from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and, money line odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker now!