While the UFL is a new league, that doesn't mean we don't have some knowledge that can prove useful for bettors looking to make a couple smart bets. Daniel Dopp and Matt Willis are here to break down what you need to know about betting on Week 9 of the UFL. Check back every Friday as Daniel and Matt take you all the way through to the UFL championship game on June 16.
All odds by ESPN BET. 
Dopp: We're almost to the end! I actually can't believe we're nine weeks deep into the UFL season. Our four playoff teams have been set, Adrian Martinez looks like he has locked up the MVP and my Michigan Panthers have shocked the football world by being one of them! All in all, I'm ready for another great weekend of football, what about you, Matt?
Willis: Daniel, its Memorial Day weekend, so I hope your barbeque tongs are well-oiled and your slip 'n' slide is adequately moistened. But you know I'm a gearhead at heart (gearheart?)
Dopp: Gasoline Heart! You know who you are.
Willis: I'm also pumped for 1,262 miles of racing that will make up 3,882 turns. Just the thought alone makes me wiggly with anticipation. I'm ready with my motorsports picks when you need me, but if you've come to this place, you're ready for some UFL thoughts and nuggets.
Dopp: Between you, Mike Clay and my dudes Marty & McGee, I've got a trucks load worth of motorsports hot takes! But for right now, let's dive into some UFL lines.
Willis: Daniel, the four playoff teams are locked in at this point, how do you weigh that in when you're making your picks?
Dopp: That's a great question, Matt! I don't think this is the kind of league where you've had a grueling season that's left you shorthanded at nearly every turn. If it were the NFL, I would understand players being benched to preserve health and get healthy. In the UFL, the season is shorter, players aren't as fast or strong and we haven't seen nearly as many injuries. If I'm a playoff team, I'm continuing to run out my starters to keep the normal game flow going while ironing out any kinks before a championship run.
Willis: Well, that gets me going on the headline matchup of the weekend, two of those four playoff teams square off in San Antonio as the San Antonio Brahmas host the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions weren't firing on all cylinders last week in a win over the Roughnecks, but still put up 35 points. However, defensively it was the first time they've allowed 300 yards this season.
Dopp: That was surprising! Especially against such an abysmal offense in the Roughnecks.
Willis: The Brahmas are still playing for homefield advantage in their conference championship and have been hot starters recently, outscoring opponents 29-0 in the first quarter in their past five games. I don't know if San Antonio will deal Birmingham its first loss, but I'll take the Brahmas getting 8.5.
Dopp: Whoa. I was not expecting you to take the Brahmas, in spite of the fact that they have more to play for than the Stallions. Still keeping me on my toes in Week 9, Willis. Alright, what about my Michigan Panthers? How are you feeling about them this week?
Willis: Bad news for the Michigan Panthers this week, as they've lost running back Wes Hills for the season. Running is Michigan's game, but since they've moved away from E.J. Perry at QB, Michigan averaged 27.3 PPG and 9.2 net yards per pass attempt last week. The Roughnecks are allowing 26 PPG over their past four games, all losses. The numbers 27 and 26 add up to me wanting the over 40.
Dopp: It crushed me when I heard the Hills news. He has been incredible so far this season, so we'll be wishing him well in his recovery. Let's do one more game from this week's slate. Where you want to go next?
Willis: Let's go to the matchup this week without a playoff team, the D.C. Defenders visiting the Memphis Showboats. The Showboats kept it close at Michigan in Week 8, but committed 13 penalties. The Defenders defense, much maligned this season, looked better last week against the St. Louis Battlehawks, albeit against a backup QB. But I'm not going to overthink this. The Showboats have lost their last two home games by 17 and 18 points. I'll take D.C. laying 5 on the road.
Dopp: I still can't believe we've already reached Week 9... only a few more weeks left to really enjoy this UFL season. Hopefully we see a number of these dudes playing in the NFL come fall. So, with that, we're going to wrap up another week of our UFL betting column. As always, thanks to Matt Willis for bringing the heat when it comes to UFL stats and analysis. Appreciate you, my friend.
Don't forget to love each other, be kind to yourself, enjoy the games, and we'll see everyone next week!
If you still want more UFL content on top of this, check out Daniel Dopp, Skubie Mageza and Joe Gioia every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. ET for the definitive UFL recap show! UFL Today will bring fans the top moments from the weekend, with game highlights, airing live on ESPN's YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App, in most cases following the last game of the weekend.
Follow Dopp and Willis on X @danieldopp and @WillisOnNascar.