Defenders o34.5 @ Vipers -3
These teams are coming off completely opposite weeks. The Defenders, for the most part, got outdueled in week 1 versus the Sea Dragons, but came out on top. They were outgained by 154 total yards, ran 21 less plays and their time of possession was 11 minutes less than the Sea Dragons. But hey, a win is a win.
The Vipers on the other hand didn’t allow the Renegades to score an offensive TD. They turned the ball over on four straight possessions and Luis Perez threw 2 pick-sixes. That’s hard to do. Even with all of that, converting a 2-point conversion would have sent that game to OT and given them a chance to win the game.
The Vipers are the better team here. Perez can perform with Ta’Amu on offense, and we know their defense has the firepower with Vic Beasly at the helm. Look for them to find their groove offensively and for their defense to make some key plays to keep the Defenders out of the endzone.
Best Bet: Vipers -3
Brahmas -3.5 @ Guardians o37.5
The Brahmas are coming off a devastating loss to the Battlehawks in week 1 and head to Orlando to take on the Guardians.
There are 2 things keeping me from pulling the trigger on the Brahmas this week. First, Orlando Head Coach Terrell Buckley made it clear that Deondre Francois would have his chance at some snaps this week. While XFL Bets rated him as the 8th best QB in the XFL this season, a change from Paxton Lynch will not prove to be a bad decision. Nonetheless, how many snaps Francios will get is still up in the air.
The other concern is around where the game is being held. The Brahmas has the best crowd last week by a long shot. I believe having that energy behind them, and the longest wave ever recorded (someone fact check me), played a big part in the defense efficiency for the first 58 minutes. Can they still hold the Guardians to minimal offense without the crowd support?
Nonetheless, I still don’t fully trust Jack Coan at the helm. Let’s see if the Brahmas can win one they should while on the road before making another decision on them.
Best Bet: No best bet. Lean u37.5
Renegades o40 @ Roughnecks -5
The Roughnecks finished last week as the “obvious” top team in the XFL as they climbed power rankings as well as Vegas future odds. But should they be? Let’s talk about it.
The Roughnecks won last week 33-12 at home taking on the Orlando Guardians, a team that was consensually ranked as the worst team this year. They accounted for 6 sacks, 4 of them coming from Trent Harris. However, the defense still allowed 300+ yards. While much of this came late on the last scoring drive, we can’t shy away from the fact that the Guardian’s turnovers and inability to take advantage of deep drives cost them quite a few points.
The Renegades on an interesting read as well. Everyone who watched their game against the Vipers will tell you that they really didn’t have much business winning that game. But their defense in the second half was relentless. Their ability to get to Luis Perez and create turnovers has to count for something, right?
And that brings us to this matchup. A game where both defenses are their strong suits. Where both defensive lines are able to get to the QB and both secondaries can stick with their men. Plus, we have the highest total in the 2023 XFL season? Count me in for the under.
Best Bet: u40 (Lean Renegades +5)