Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (1:30 PM CDT)
Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Broadcast: ESPN
Records: Showboats (0–2), Roughnecks (0–2)
Week 3 brings a pivotal clash between two winless teams desperate to keep their playoff hopes afloat. The Memphis Showboats and Houston Roughnecks are both sitting at 0–2, and Saturday’s meeting is likely a “must-win” scenario for each.
🛳️ Memphis Showboats: So Close, Yet So Far
Despite their record, the Showboats have been competitive in both games — narrowly falling to the Defenders (17–12) in Week 2. The defense has shown flashes, and quarterback E.J. Perry appears to be finding his groove.
Key Storylines:
- Jonathan Adams (WR): Leads the entire UFL with 221 receiving yards and 15 catches through two weeks. His 128-yard effort in Week 2 was the season’s first 100-yard receiving game.
- Steele Chambers (LB): A tackling machine. He’s the only UFL player with back-to-back 10+ tackle games, ranking first in total tackles (20).
Offensive Notes:
- E.J. Perry completed 18 of 28 passes for 205 yards and rushed for a touchdown last week.
- Memphis has led or been within one score late in both games — this team is on the cusp.
🛠️ Houston Roughnecks: Looking for Answers
Houston’s offense remains in low gear. After being dismantled by St. Louis in Week 1 (31–6), they showed signs of life in a tight 11–9 loss to Arlington — but it wasn’t enough.
Key Concerns:
- Inconsistent QB play and minimal production in the red zone.
- The team failed to convert a critical 2-point try that would’ve tied the game last week.
Strengths:
- The defense has held opponents under 20 points in both games — keeping Houston in games despite offensive struggles.
🧠 Matchup Breakdown
| Category | Showboats | Roughnecks |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 0–2 | 0–2 |
| Offensive MVP | WR Jonathan Adams | TBD – No standout yet |
| Defensive Anchor | LB Steele Chambers | LB Reuben Foster |
| QB Confidence | Growing | Uncertain |
🔮 Prediction
- Final Score: Showboats 20, Roughnecks 14
- Why: Memphis is trending in the right direction — especially on offense. If E.J. Perry keeps progressing and Adams continues his WR1 dominance, expect the Showboats to grab their first W at home.
🗣️ Final Word
Both teams have something to prove. For Memphis, it’s about converting close losses into wins. For Houston, it’s about finding any offensive spark. Expect urgency, hard hits, and maybe even a few trick plays in this Southern-style slugfest.
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