Week 5 in the XFL marks the halfway point of the league’s season. With teams having settled into a level of comfort with playing with each other, some of the league’s top teams have started to emerge.
Several close matchups are expected this weekend, and here’s a look at how to bet on them.
Houston Roughnecks (-3.5) at Seattle Sea Dragons
The Roughnecks and Sea Dragons boast two of the more effective offenses in the XFL.
Houston is second in the XFL in yards per game and has scored a league-high 122 points during its 4-0 start. The Sea Dragons average the most yards per game but have struggled with turnovers.
Seattle has scored 81 points and is 2-2 thus far this season. Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci, who leads the league with 1,119 passing yards, will have to be efficient against a tough Houston defense.
The Roughnecks are first in the league in passing yards allowed, yards allowed, and points per game allowed. Expect Houston to frustrate DiNucci and win by a touchdown.
D.C. Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks (+110)
The D.C. Defenders have been one of the more creative teams regarding moving the ball. Backup quarterback D’Eriq King has been utilized to run the ball and has been effective in his short appearances. He has scored four rushing touchdowns this season and completed 6-of-7 passes for two touchdowns.
The Defenders are the top rushing team in the league, gaining 155 yards per game. However, playing in St. Louis is a tough atmosphere. The Battlehawks sold out their last game and gave D.C. a tough battle on the road, losing the first meeting 34-28.
In front of a lively home crowd, St. Louis will grab a mild upset.
Orlando Guardians (+7.5) at Vegas Vipers
The Guardians and Vipers are both winless this season.
Vegas, in particular, has had a difficult time in the second half, seeing several winnable games slip away. The Vipers have struggled to run the ball and haven’t been able to move the ball on offense.
Orlando suffers from similar challenges on offense. The Guardians are last in the league in scoring, putting up 12.2 points per game. Orlando only gains 277.2 yards per game. However, this is a spot where the Guardians could cover against a Vegas team that hasn’t finished well.
Orlando will keep it within seven.
Arlington Renegades (+125) at San Antonio Brahmas
The Brahmas have been a team built on a legacy like their coach Hines Ward had as a player. Ward played in a lot of tight, low-scoring games as the team relied on defense and did enough on offense to win in Pittsburgh. The Brahmas have been solid on defense, limiting opponents to 16.8 points per game, but haven’t found the touch on offense.
San Antonio is toward the bottom of the XFL in every offense category. That will hurt them against Arlington, which is solid all-around.
You can find all of our expert sports betting picks here.