DC Defenders vs Orlando Storm Picks and Prediction for Friday May 22 2026
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The DC Defenders travel to face the Orlando Storm on Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM on May 22, 2026, in an important UFL matchup between two teams battling near the top of the standings. Orlando enters the game with a 6-2 record while DC sits at 5-3 heading into the contest. The Storm are listed as 2.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -138, while the Defenders are +117 underdogs. The total for the game is set at 45.5 points. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks at free UFL picks.
Starting Quarterbacks Set the Tone
Jordan Ta'amu enters this matchup after throwing for 1,515 passing yards with 14 touchdown passes and nine interceptions this season for DC. On the other side, Jack Plummer has been productive for Orlando with 1,710 passing yards, 12 touchdown passes, and only one interception through the first eight games. Both quarterbacks have played a major role in keeping their offenses competitive throughout the season, and each offense has leaned heavily on the passing attack entering this key matchup.
DC Searching to End Recent Slide
The Defenders come into this game with a 5-3 overall record and are attempting to bounce back after recently lost to Louisville twice by scores of 33-30 and 30-13. Prior to those defeats, DC recently won over Dallas, Birmingham, and St. Louis during a strong three-game stretch. The Defenders have shown the ability to score points consistently throughout the season, particularly during the 45-point effort against Birmingham and the 28-point performance against St. Louis.
DC is averaging 29.9 points per game this season while producing 186.6 passing yards and 125.3 rushing yards per contest. Defensively, the Defenders are allowing 19.3 points per game while holding opponents to 181.3 passing yards and 102.3 rushing yards. The offense has been balanced throughout the year, combining an efficient rushing attack with steady quarterback production to remain among the league’s better scoring teams.
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One of the biggest strengths for DC has been the rushing attack combined with overall scoring consistency. The Defenders are averaging more rushing yards and significantly more points per game than Orlando entering this matchup. However, the recent defensive struggles against Louisville remain notable after allowing 63 combined points across the last two games.
Orlando Looking to Stay on Top
Orlando enters Friday night with a 6-2 overall record and currently sits atop the conference standings. The Storm recently won over Dallas 31-24 and Houston 24-23 after previously recently lost to Birmingham and St. Louis in back-to-back games earlier this month. Orlando also recently won over Birmingham 16-0 on April 18 during one of the team’s strongest defensive performances of the season.
The Storm are averaging 22.0 points per game while producing 202.5 passing yards and 95.8 rushing yards offensively. Defensively, Orlando has been strong throughout the season, allowing only 18.0 points per game while surrendering 218.6 passing yards and 90.9 rushing yards per contest. The Storm have relied heavily on efficiency and defense to maintain control in close games, including the recent one-point win against Houston.
One area that stands out for Orlando is the defensive consistency against the run. The Storm are allowing only 90.9 rushing yards per game this season, which could become important against a DC offense that has relied heavily on its rushing production. Orlando has also shown the ability to close out competitive games recently with consecutive narrow victories entering this matchup.
DC Defenders vs Orlando Storm Picks and Prediction
DC Defenders vs Orlando Storm Pick
- Pick: Orlando Storm -2.5
Orlando enters this game with momentum after back-to-back victories and continues to hold the top spot in the standings with a 6-2 record. The Storm defense has been one of the stronger units in the league, allowing only 18.0 points per game while limiting opposing rushing attacks effectively. DC has produced more offense overall this season, but the recent back-to-back losses against Louisville exposed defensive concerns after allowing 30 or more points in both contests. With Orlando playing at home and coming off consecutive wins, the Storm appear to have the edge entering Friday night.
DC Defenders vs Orlando Storm Total Pick
- Pick: Over 45.5
I believe this matchup has a strong chance to go over the total based on the recent offensive performances from both teams. DC is averaging nearly 30 points per game this season and has recently played in games finishing with 63 and 43 combined points. Orlando has also seen the over hit in consecutive games against Dallas and Houston while scoring at least 24 points in both matchups. With both quarterbacks producing solid passing numbers and the offenses entering this game in decent form, the scoring opportunities should be available throughout the night.
Final Score Prediction: Orlando Storm 27 – DC Defenders 24
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