High stakes in the sunshine state this weekend, as the DC Defenders (5-3) head south to take on the Orlando Storm (6-2) at Inter&Co Stadium in the regular season home finale for Orlando.
The Storm became the first UFL team to clinch the playoffs last week as they defeated the Dallas Renegades 31-24 on the road at Fort Hood.
On the other side, the Defenders are coming off of their second-straight loss against the Kings and lost their fearless leader in the process as quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Even with the turmoil, DC controls their own destiny this week as it’s a win and in scenario for the defending champions.
Before jumping into the preview, let’s take a look at the Week 9 UFL Playoff clinching scenarios.
Quarterback Play
With Ta’amu now out, the Defenders turn to Spencer Sanders and recently acquired Jason Bean to handle the reigns.
For a team with such continuity over the last three seasons, this could end up being a brutal blow to DC’s back-to-back championship odds. Ta’amu has been a rock and as steady as they come in the spring football landscape…
Looking at Orlando, Jack Plummer may be the biggest surprise of the season when you look back at previous preseason takes from media and fans alike, as many expected Dorian Thompson-Robinson to run away with the QB1 job out of the gate. Plummer’s consistency has proven to be a valuable piece of the Orlando offense and a big reason why they are sitting first in the UFL.
Personally, Plummer is my pick for MVP heading into this week…
Standout Playmakers
Even without their QB1, the Defenders have no shortage of playmakers on the outside for either Sanders or Bean to deal to. Led by Ty Scott and Cornell Powell, the DC wideouts group is as deep as they come in spring football. Both Scott and Powell have been major pieces of the offense in recent weeks.
The Storm are another team with extremely viable weapons, led by KJ Hamler and Elijah Badger.
On the ground for both sides, Deon Jackson (3rd in rushing) will be the focal point for DC’s rushing attack, while Jashaun Corbin (2nd in rushing) leads the way for Orlando.
Defensive Players to Watch
DC Defenders
- DE Derick Roberson: One of the most-feared defenders in the league is hoping to end the 2026 campaign on a strong note, currently at six sacks on the season.
- CB Gareon Conley: Conley will have his hands full this weekend with Badger primarily lined-up on the outside.
Orlando Storm
- DE Keshawn Banks: While Banks’ production has slowed in the last month, he is still one of the most dangerous pass-rushers in the league and must be accounted for on each down.
- LB Darien Butler: Though he’s undersized for an inside linebacker, Butler has been as disruptive as anyone on Orlando’s defense this season.
Final Thoughts
With nearly the entire league on DC’s tail in a tight playoff-race, the Defenders would much rather clinch this week rather than forcing it to come down to the final week of the regular season. Next will be part two of a back-to-back against the projected number one seed…
Whatever the outcome is on Sunday, it should be a down to the wire affair. The action all kicks off on Friday, at 8pm ET on FOX.
Full Roster Breakdowns: Orlando, DC
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Orlando Storm and DC Defenders? Who do you think will win? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
