The St. Louis Battlehawks (2-0) take on the D.C. Defenders (2-0) in Audi Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (FX/ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Battlehawks vs. Defenders odds, and make our expert XFL picks, predictions and bets.
The comeback kids square off against each other in Week 3. Both teams have trailed in the 4th quarter in both of their games so far, but are still undefeated.
In Week 2 the Battlehawks needed a 44-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Seattle Sea Dragons 20-18. The Defenders faced the Las Vegas Vipers last week and entered the 4th quarter down 6-3 before 15 unanswered points gave them the 18-6 win.
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Battlehawks at Defenders odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:34 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Battlehawks +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Defenders -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Battlehawks +2.5 (-108) | Defenders -2.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Battlehawks vs. Defenders key injuries
Battlehawks
- Not yet submitted
Defenders
- CB Anthoula Kelly (pec) questionable
- C Mike Maietti (leg) out
- OL Cody Conway (knee) out
- OL Ty Clary (knee) out
- DL Caraun Reid (hamstring) out
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Battlehawks vs. Defenders picks and predictions
Prediction
Defenders 22, Battlehawks 16
Moneyline
The DC’s defense has been impressive so far this season. The Defenders are 2nd in the XFL with 2 INTs and are 1 of 2 teams with a pick-6.
I like the Defenders at home, but -160 is a bit much and you will be sweating it when the Battlehawks move the ball in the 4th quarter, like they have done is their 2 games this season. It’s best to PASS.
Against the spread
Battlehawks QB A.J. McCarron has been great in the 4th quarter, the crunch time for backdoor covers. The Defenders don’t have a single receiving TD and are last in receptions (20). There should be plenty of opportunities for the Battlehawks to keep the game close.
BET BATTLEHAWKS +2.5 (-108).
Over/Under
Washington’s offense is pure ground and pound. Their top receiver, Lucky Jackson, has 42 yards in 2 games combined. But 2 of the top 3 players in the XFL by rush attempts are Defenders.
BET UNDER 36.5 (-105).
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
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