DC Defenders vs. Houston Gamblers | Week Three Preview

The United Football League’s defending champions finally have their home-opener this week, as the DC Defenders (1-1) host the Houston Gamblers (1-1) at Audi Field in Washington, DC this Saturday at noon.

Both teams are coming off of important wins last week after falling short in Week 1.

The Defenders handled the Aviators last week on the road, 44-26, in a dominant rushing performance.

While the Gamblers surprised many by defeating the Stallions in their home-opener, led by kicker John Hoyland, who was a perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts last week. Hoyland won UFL Special Teams Player of the Week for his stellar performance

Let’s dive into how this Saturday afternoon tilt may play out this weekend in The District.

Quarterback Play

This is an important week for Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu, who has not had the start to the season he was hoping for after an MVP-candidate 2025 campaign.

Ta’amu has started this season just 17/23 with one touchdown and three interceptions. This past week he only attempted 11 passes, mostly due to how strong the rushing attack was against Columbus, led by Deon Jackson. Another facet of Ta’amu’s game that seems to have gone by the wayside thus far is his mobility and overall rushing volume. He’s currently on pace to rush for slightly less this season compared to last year.

For Houston, they are facing quite the uphill battle this week, as Week 2 starter Hunter Dekkers has been ruled out this week after leaving last week’s game with a shoulder injury. Along with Dekkers, Nolan Henderson, who won Week 2 UFL Offensive Player of the Week, is doubtful with a finger(s) injury. 

The injuries propel former Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa as the projected starter this week against DC. Tagovailoa, who was signed just prior to Week 1, would be starting the first UFL game of his career this weekend.

Standout Playmakers

With the passing game falling short so far for DC, the receiving numbers are not close to what they were last year. Primarily with Ty Scott, who failed to haul in his only target last week against Columbus. Cornell Powell led the way in his season-debut with four receptions for 41 receiving yards, including this impressive first-quarter catch.

One player who is standing out for DC on all facets of the field is tight end Mason Fairchild, who was the highest-graded PFF Defenders player against Columbus with a 92.5 rating.

As mentioned before, Deon Jackson was a stud last week with 97 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with the rest of the running backs room who all performed. DC fans were introduced to Xazavian Valladay, who finished last week’s game with nine rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown. Abram Smith was another solid contributor with seven rushes for 40 yards.

Looking at Houston, they’re headlined by two names that spring league fans should be very familiar with, as Jontre Kirklin and Justin Hall lead the Gamblers wideouts group. Kirklin leads the team and is currently fourth in the UFL with 145 receiving yards in two games, while Hall leads the team in targets (14).

Jalen White leads the backfield for Houston, with a healthy mix of Marcus Yarns involved as well.

Defensive Players to Watch

DC Defenders

• DE Derick Roberson: Roberson cracks the list again this week, which may happen more often than not. With Houston on QB3 this week, Roberson will be a constant menace and nuisance for the Gamblers offense. Expecting a potential multi-sack game with a handful of pressures.
• LB Ferrod Gardner: With Brandon Smith out this week (hamstring), Gardner should see an increase of snaps. Expect Macklin Ayers to also see a jump.
• CB Gabriel Taylor: Taylor played the third-highest amount of snaps on defense last week and iced the game with a late interception. He should continue to see a ton of volume.

Houston Gamblers

• DE Malik Fisher: Former Defenders sack-leader Malik Fisher returns to face his former team this week. If not accounted for on each play, Fisher can wreck the game, similarly to how Pita Taumoepenu did for St. Louis in Week 1 against DC.
• LB Anthony Hines: Another former Defenders player who was added during this offseason’s draft process, Hines is a clear leader for this Gamblers defense and is certainly looking to defeat his former squad.

Final Injury Report

Final Thoughts

If you plan on being at Audi Field this weekend for the Defenders home-opener, make sure to stay in your seat for the UFL Kickoff Halftime Show featuring legendary DMV hip-hop artist Wale.

For an even deeper breakdown, check out my recent CP’s Sports Talk Podcast episode, where we preview this matchup with Houston. 

Are you excited for this upcoming game between the Houston Gamblers and DC Defenders? Who will win? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!