The XFL opened last week in its second iteration. There are obviously still some wrinkles to iron out, as the Los Angeles Wildcats fired defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson after just one game — and linebacker/team captain Anthony Johnson declared himself a free agent. That “Air Raid” offense that was supposed to generate so many points in Dallas ended up producing a total of nine points in a snoozefest against St. Louis. Given that these games ensued just a week after Patrick Mahomes led a spirited comeback in Super Bowl LIV, it is clear that there is a drop-off from the NFL. However, for sports betting enthusiasts and others who love football, there could be a place for a minor league of football in the spring. Take a look at our preview for the four matchups in the XFL’s second week betting odds.
2020 XFL Week 2 Odds & Preview
N.Y. Guardians at D.C. Defenders (2:00 pm ET, ABC)
The New York defense was stout in the opener, permitting just three points against Tampa Bay in the opener. The offense was pedestrian, picking up just 44 rushing yards on 16 attempts. Matt McGloin threw for only 182 yards and one touchdown, but he did “drive the bus” well enough to get a win.
DC got a terrific game out of quarterback Cardale Jones. His wide receiver tandem of Eli Rogers and Rashad Ross might be the best in the XFL, so expect the Defenders to put up some big offensive numbers. The defense did not start well, but they did get crucial stops later on.
Final Score Prediction: D.C. 23, New York 20
Tampa Bay Vipers at Seattle Dragons (5:00 pm ET, FOX)
The Vipers outgained the Guardians in their opener, but they could not get into the end zone (or really near it), losing 23-3 in their opener. Neither Aaron Murray nor Quinton Flowers could lead sustained drives down near the red zone, and that could be an ongoing problem for the Vipers. Obviously, they still have time to improve, but they have a lot to work on.
Seattle got rolled by the DC offense in their opener. However, they also got a lot of production out of their own offense, with Brandon Silvers throwing three touchdown passes. Wideout Austin Proehl had a big game, and the Dragons had plenty of room to run the ball. Seattle has to get better with ball security, and the defense has to find ways to get stops. But they look more together than the Vipers.
Final Score Prediction: Seattle 27, Tampa Bay 20
Dallas Renegades at L.A. Wildcats (3:00 pm ET, ABC)
Both of these teams lost last week, but the Wildcats had the tougher time on defense, as the Houston Roughnecks were able to impose their will down the stretch, posting sustained drives. The offense for Los Angeles looked decent, as quarterback Charles Kanoff had some solid throws and tailback Elijah Hood had some nice gains. However, the O-line was inconsistent at best, and that defense must improve.
The Renegades were the favorite to win the XFL title going into the opener, but they don’t have Landry Jones (knee) at quarterback. He’s due back in the next couple of weeks, but backup Philip Nelson could not get anything going, which meant that St. Louis could load the box against the run. In a game that consisted of field goals, Dallas couldn’t move the ball even as well as St. Louis, and they lost. Without Jones, I don’t see them winning this week either.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles 20, Dallas 12
St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks (6:00 pm ET, FS1)
Jordan Ta’amu looked solid at quarterback for the Battlehawks, going 20 for 27 for 209 yards and a score against Dallas. He also ran for 77 yards. Tailback Matt Jones picked up 85 yards on 21 attempts. However, the red zone was not kind to St. Louis,a s they had to settle for way too many field goals. That defense, though, clogged up Dallas.
Quarterback P.J. Walker went 23 for 39 for 272 yards and four touchdowns, with just one interception. He spread the ball around, as six different Houston receivers had 20 or more receiving yards. The defense started slowly, as Los Angeles jumped out to a 17-12 lead, but if they can start faster and the offense keeps rolling, Houston looks like a solid team.
Final Score Prediction: Houston 23, St. Louis 13
