The DC Defenders and Houston Roughnecks are 3-0 and remain the only undefeated teams in the XFL entering Week 4.
Last week, the Roughnecks, led by three touchdowns from quarterback Brandon Silvers, beat the San Antonio Brahmas 22-13, while the Defensists were able to get to quarterback A.J. McCarron, leading to four sacks and two interceptions. . Louis BattleHawks 34-28.
The Roughnecks open week four on Saturday against the Orlando Guardians, while the Defenders take on the Vegas Serpents on Sunday night.
Week 3 was no different from the first weeks in the entertainment department, with the most exciting matchup being a battle between two unbeaten teams.
With 3:34 left in the fourth quarter, the Seattle Sea Dragons trailed the Vegas Vipers 26-18 before quarterback Ben DiNucci set up a comeback. DiNucci threw two touchdowns, one of which was a 65-yard game-winner with former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon in fourth and second with 59 seconds left.
DiNucci finished with 377 passing yards and four touchdown passes.
Here’s what to expect in Week 4, plus picks from Sportzshala sports betting insider Doug Kezirian. The betting lines are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.
Houston Thugs (3-0) to Orlando Guardians (0-3)
Saturday 7:00 pm ET | Forex, Sportzshala+
Spreading: NEW -8.5 (37.5)
This is a Week 1 rematch as the Roughnecks beat the Guardians 33-12. The Roughnecks lead the league in points per game (26) and fewest points per game (13). On offense, Silvers is second in passes (723) and tied for first in touchdown passes (7). Defensively, linebackers Trent Harris and Tim Ward each had 7.5 sacks. The Roughnecks continue to lead the league in sacks (13) and steals (5), while the Guardians have been on the losing side for three weeks, averaging 11 points.
Players to watch: The beneficiary of Silvers’ explosive passing attack is wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, who ranks third in the league in receiving yards (204) and tied for first in touchdown receptions (3). For the Guardian, former Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch is fifth in passing yards (423), and his former Denver teammate, wide receiver Cody Latimer, continues to be effective in the midst of a heavy offense. Latimer is sixth in receiving yards (155) and has landed twice.
Kezirian: Last week, Orlando showed signs of life and scored a point for the first time, losing one point to Arlington. However, the Guardians are still the worst team in the league, with problems in most positions and Houston (-8.5) probably the best team in the league.
New week, new goals ‼️#XFL | #Houston #underarmor pic.twitter.com/aVKuBhpdBT
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) March 8, 2023
San Antonio Brahmas (1-2) – Seattle Sea Dragons (1-2)
Saturday 22:00 ET | Forex, Sportzshala+
Spreading: SEA -4.5 (40.5)
This match gives both teams an opportunity to get back to .500. The Sea Dragons have the best aerial attack in the XFL. DiNucci, a former Dallas Cowboy, leads the league in passing yards (855), passes completed (83), first-down passes (37), and tied for the lead in touchdown passes (7). On the other hand, Brahmas quarterback Jack Coan also had success with five touchdowns, but Coan struggled against the Roughnecks last week for just 64 yards.
Players to watch: Two of DiNucci’s beneficiaries are wide receivers Jacur Pearson, who ranks first in receiving yards (272), and Gordon, who ranks second (225). In addition to their dynamic passing offense, they also have the best XFL rusher in Morgan Ellison (170). The Brahms are tied for second in rushing (297) with running back Calen Ballage and Jacques Patrick leading the way with 235 yards combined.
Kezirian: Seattle quarterback Ben DiNucci is built for high-scoring games thanks to his ability to play, as well as his penchant for losses. San Antonio quarterback Jack Coan has some shots, and the Seattle defense is suspicious. Taking for 40.5.
Arlington Renegades (2-1) – St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1)
Sunday 4:00 pm ET | Sportzshala2, Sportzshala+
Spreading: STL-4 (36.5)
Both teams showed a penchant for drama with late-game winning brawls. Battlehawks victories in the last seconds went to McCarron. The Renegades relied on their strong last-second defense, including a goal line stand against the Vipers in the first week. The Battlehawks are looking to bounce back from their first loss despite McCarron’s four touchdowns, and the Renegades are looking to tie back-to-back wins after going 10-9 against the Guardians.
Players to watch: McCarron’s track record in the NFL has proved valuable as he is third in passing yards (636) and tied for first in touchdown passes (7). Receiver Hakim Butler’s three touchdowns also rank first in the league. Renegades De’Veon Smith has been consistent and is sixth in the XFL in sprinting (107).
Kezirian: Arlington is limited on offense but has a huge coaching advantage with Bob Stoops. I’m not thrilled with the Battlehawks given the problems with the offensive line, so I think that in St. Louis we will see a less effective game. Up to 36.5.
POV: you are a fly on the wall in the locker room before the game pic.twitter.com/uBO2uEMfAF
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) March 8, 2023
Vegas Vipers (0-3) to DC Defenders (3-0)
Sunday 7:00 pm ET | Sportzshala 2, Sportzshala+
Spreading: DS -6 (42)
It’s a rematch from Week 2 that saw the Defenders win 18-6 with 15 points in the fourth quarter. Although the Vipers fell short in the fourth quarter, quarterback Brett Hundley threw for 224 yards with two touchdown passes and rushed for 66 yards and scored a goal. The Defenders have the best rushing offense in the XFL, averaging 149 yards. On the other hand, their defense is second in steals (4) and sacks (10).
Players to watch: The Defenders’ ground game goes through a duo of running backs Abram Smith and Rykell Armstead, who rushed for a combined 294 yards. Vipers defenseman Maximilian Roberts, who has three sacks and is second in the league, is tasked with stopping the onslaught.
Kezirian: QB Brett Hundley makes the Vipers a much more competent offense and they can certainly score points, which is why they are 3-0 ATS in the first half. However, Rod Woodson has shown his coaching inexperience – one of the reasons they are 0-3. The Defensive Guards use the two-quarterback system quite effectively. More than 42.5 is a game.
Source: www.espn.com
