Media by Associated Press – New York Guardians wide receiver Joe Horn (2) and Tampa Bay Vipers defensive back Corey Moore (31) battle to get past each other during an XFL football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The New York Guardians won 23-3. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
The XFL’s third reboot saw its most shocking result of the season last week. The D.C. Defenders’ defense saw a major crack in the armor and lost to the previously winless Orlando Guardians. While the result didn’t bump the Defenders out of first place, it added some drama to a competitive race for the North Division crown.
Week 8 will be a fun one for the league as the XFL’s top teams in each division are looking to solidify their spots in the playoffs. Here’s a look at what to keep an eye out for during the Easter weekend.
Vegas Vipers at St. Louis Battlehawks under 46.5
The Vipers are a team that has had flashes of brilliance on offense this season. Vegas, however, has been hampered by inconsistency all season. The Vipers are coming off a big win over the banged-up San Antonio Brahmas last week. When Vegas and St. Louis met the previous week, the Battlehawks dominated the Vipers’ offense in a 29-6 win.
The Battlehawks are in an intense battle for the North Division title and, at the very least, to hang in second place. St. Louis needs a win to stay in the conversation, and its defense should be the Vipers to grab a second straight win.
Arlington Renegades (+100) at Orlando Guardians
The Renegades have the XFL’s worst offense. So far, Arlington has only scored 93 points during its first seven games. Last week, the Renegades were competitive with Seattle and kept the game within nine points.
Orlando’s defense has been dreadful this season. The Guardians have allowed 214 points, which is the worst in the league. Last week, Orlando found its run game and was able to upset the previously unbeaten Defenders. Getting Arlington at even money is good value against a team that may be benefitting from recency bias.
Houston Roughnecks (-5.5) at San Antonio Brahmas
The Roughnecks looked like a juggernaut after four weeks. Houston has faded since its 4-0 start, dropping three games. Because of the other team’s struggles in the South Division, the Roughnecks are still in the first place and in a position to make the playoffs.
The Roughnecks need to keep the momentum going against the Brahmas, who have played with a backup at quarterback.
D.C. Defenders at Seattle Sea Dragons (-1.5)
The Sea Dragons have won five straight games since losing their first two games of the season. Seattle’s first loss of the year was a devastating one against D.C., where quarterback Ben DiNuicci fumbled on the 2-yeard line for what would have been the go-ahead score. Despite a rash of turnover issues, DiNucci has found success as the XFL’s leading passer.
DiNucci, who has thrown for 1,771 yards this season, will be salivating at the prospect of facing a Defenders’ defense that allowed the league-worst Guardians to score 37 points last week. Seattle will hand D.C. its second consecutive loss and make a run at the North Division crown.
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