Category: XFL Picks and Predictions

The Vegas Vipers and Arlington Renegades square off in the XFL opener Saturday at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Vipers vs. Renegades odds, and make our expert XFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Vipers have a handful of names NFL fans will recognize. QB Brett Hundley is expected to be the team’s starter at some point, but QB Luis Perez is likely to do most of the heavy lifting early on.

Whomever emerges as the main signal caller, he’ll have former Ohio State RB Rod Smith in the backfield, while former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Martavis Bryant tries to resurrect his career in the desert with Hall of Famer Rod Woodson at the helm.

Former NFL All-Pro DE Vic Beasley was the No. 1 pick in the draft for Vegas, and he could be the most dangerous defensive player in the league.

For the Renegades, former Ball State QB Drew Plitt is expected to start, although QBs Kevin Anderson and Kyle Sloter, most recently of the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL, could also factor in for head coach Bob Stoops.

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Vipers at Renegades odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Vipers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Renegades -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Vipers +3.5 (-105) | Renegades -3.5 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Vipers at Renegades key injuries

Vipers

• None

Renegades

• None

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Vipers at Renegades picks and predictions

Prediction

Vipers 19, Renegades 16

Money line

The VIPERS (+135) are a solid value at plus-money. Vegas is stacked with former NFL talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Arlington will have to contend with Beasley, who has a tremendous motor and pedigree, and he has a chip on his shoulder as he tries to work his way back to the NFL.

Against the spread

If you don’t feel confident about the VIPERS +3.5 (-105) straight up, taking the visitors with three-and-a-hook is quite tempting.

I’m just not feeling Plitt, the former Ball State standout, in a matchup against Perez, who has plenty of spring football experience in the Alliance of American Football (AAF), XFL and USFL. He was sharp with the New Jersey Generals as recently as last season, while Plitt gets his first pro experience. It will show in the opener.

Over/Under

UNDER 36.5 (-110) is the lean in this XFL reboot game. In these early matchups, the defense is generally ahead of the offense. Until the offenses start to develop some chemistry, keep looking to the Under.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access more content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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