Houston Roughnecks at Tampa Bay Vipers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Roughnecks at Vipers Week 3 matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The XFL West-leading Houston Roughnecks (2-0) are heading east to take on the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.

Roughnecks at Vipers: Week 3 preview, betting trends and notes

  • Houston leads the XFL with nine total touchdowns, while Tampa Bay ranks last, having scored just once in two games (a defensive TD).
  • The Vipers’ passing attack has been a disaster with three different QBs getting playing time, but their ground game has been effective. Tampa Bay averages 145.5 rushing yards per game.
  • The Roughnecks do a great job protecting the football, committing just one turnover this season. Tampa Bay has given it away six times thus far.
  • The Roughnecks are 1-1 against the spread this season, failing to cover last week in their 28-24 win over Seattle.
  • Tampa Bay was a road favorite in each of its first two games but lost outright both times.

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Roughnecks at Vipers: Key injuries

Roughnecks

  • RB De’Angelo Henderson (shoulder): Out
  • OL Marquez Tucker (knee): Out
  • WR Cam Phillips (ankle): Probable

Vipers

  • QB Aaron Murray (foot): Out
  • CB Jalen Collins (ankle): Questionable
  • G Nick Truesdell (knee): Out

Roughnecks at Vipers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Roughnecks 27, Vipers 13

Moneyline (?)

The Roughnecks are clearly the better team at this point in the season, getting excellent play out of QB P.J. Tucker. They lead the league with nine touchdowns and, while their defense has been average, the offense is rolling.

The Vipers can’t find the end zone on offense and there’s little reason to believe they’ll improve drastically this weekend. Take the ROUGHNECKS (-286) to win outright. This game won’t be close.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Houston to win would return a profit of $3.50.

Against the Spread (?)

The Roughnecks are favored by 6.5 points on the road, making this the first time Tampa Bay will be the underdog. The Roughnecks are 1-1 ATS but have the offensive to blow the Vipers out.

Take ROUGHNECKS (-110) to cover the 6.5-point margin with ease.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under is 45.5, which is a big number considering the Vipers have scored 12 total points in two games. The total has gone over in one of the Roughnecks’ two games after their 28-24 win last week.

Because of the Vipers’ ineptitude on offense, and their uncertainty at QB, take UNDER 45.5 (-121) in this one.

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XFL Week 3: Schedule, channels, streams, point spreads

All you need to know about Week 3 in the XFL.

Through the first two weeks of the 2020 XFL season, a top contender for the XFL title has emerged in each conference. The DC Defenders, boasting a stifling defense and led on offense by former Ohio State star Cardale Jones – who has looked NFL ready during his time in the XFL – is 2-0 following a 27-0 blowout win over the New York Guardians. In the West, Houston quarterback P.J. Walker is a leading MVP candidate, and has his Roughnecks at 2-0 in what appears to be an otherwise weak conference.

Both undefeated teams will go on the road in Week 3, but DC and Houston are favored to move to 3-0 this weekend. The two title game favorites are one month away from a potential championship preview, as the Roughnecks will host the Defenders on March 22nd. Still, we don’t have a third of the season in the books, and anything can happen.

Here’s the full rundown of matchups in Week 3. All betting information via BetMGM.

Saturday, February 22nd

Houston Roughnecks (2-0) at Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2)

Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Location: Raymond James Stadium

Channel: ABC

Stream: Watch ESPN / ESPN app

Point spread: Roughnecks -6.5

Over/Under: 45.5

Dallas Renegades (1-1) at Seattle Dragons (1-1)

Time: 5:00 p.m. ET

Location: CenturyLink Field

Channel: FOX

Stream: Fox Sports Go

Point spread: Renegades -4.5

Over/Under: 42.5

Sunday, February 23rd

New York Guardians (1-1) at St. Louis BattleHawks (1-1)

Time: 3:00 p.m. ET

Location: The Dome at America’s Center

Channel: ESPN

Stream: Watch ESPN / ESPN app

Point spread: BattleHawks -9.5

Over/Under: 42.5

DC Defenders (2-0) at LA Wildcats (0-2)

Time: 6:00 p.m. ET

Location: Dignity Health Sports Park

Channel: FS1

Stream: Fox Sports GO

Point spread: Defenders -8

Over/Under: 44

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5 bold predictions for Week 3 of the XFL season

The XFL heads into Week 3 and Tampa Bay and LA both need victories.

The XFL heads into Week 3 and in this short season it is a make-or-break time for the LA Wildcats and Tampa Bay Vipers, who are both looking for their first victory.

The Wildcats are in deep trouble

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After an 0-2 start, the last team the LA Wildcats need to be facing are Pep Hamilton’s DC Defenders. Pepper Johnson was released after the first week as defensive coordinator. Winston Moss is looking at an 0-3 start and the Wildcats’ season could be finished before a month is out.

Tim Tebow praises XFL, reiterates that he’s committed to baseball

Former Broncos QB Tim Tebow has had conversations about potentially joining the XFL but decided to continue pursuing a baseball career.

If Tim Tebow wants to play football again, he has an offer on the table.

Last year, Tebow had an offer to play in the Alliance of American Football — in Florida, for a former Gators coach. Tebow turned down that chance and the AAF didn’t even last a full season before folding.

This year, Tebow has another offer from an upstart football league, the XFL. Tebow had good things to say about the league during a Mets spring training press conference earlier this week but he reiterated that he’s committed to pursuing a baseball career.

“I love what they’re doing,” Tebow said of the XFL, via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY-TV. “I think it has a chance to have success. And I think that’s great. And so I think there needs to be a place for a lot of players that are really good and should and could be playing in the NFL and are better than a lot of NFL players.

“And there’s a chance they’re going to be seen. So I think it’s awesome and I think it’s good for a lot of guys that are going to get a spot on an NFL roster because they’re going show a team that they’re worth it.”

Tebow noted that he has had a “couple conversations” with the XFL but ultimately, baseball is “what I wanted to do and pursue it and be all in.”

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DC Defenders, Houston Rougnecks have become XFL betting favorites

The DC Defenders and Houston Roughecks have emerged as betting favorites in the XFL East and West, respectively.

The Action Network has put out updated odds for XFL teams after two weeks of the season.

DC Defenders

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The DC Defenders are off to a 2-0 start under Pep Hamilton. They have a plus-four mark when it comes to touchdowns scored and allowed. The Defenders are the lone undefeated team in the East. They are listed at 2-1 on the betting line.

7 things we learned in Week 2 of the XFL

The future is bright for Greg Olsen, Pep Hamilton, P.J. Walker and Cardale Jones.

The XFL is through two weeks, there has been some good, bad, and, of course, ugly.

McGloin may not be built for this league

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Matt McGloin taking on anyone and everyone around the New York Guardians may have made for great television. However, it did show the quarterback has brought an NFL attitude to the XFL. And that doesn’t work. Hard to believe Kevin Gilbride will want to keep him around. For sure, Winston Moss of the LA Wildcats would have shipped him out. In general, with a few exceptions, quarterback is the weakest position in the league.

XFL Week 2 Recap: Dallas Renegades earn first franchise win

Making his XFL debut, Landry Jones led the Dallas Renegades with help from Cameron Artis-Payne to their first win of the season.

The Dallas Renegades rallied in the fourth quarter of their Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Wildcats, claiming the first victory (and scoring their first touchdowns) of the 2020 XFL season. While the new league is working to find its footing, their North Texas representative is making similar progress.

Running back Cameron Artis-Payne scored twice, taking 14 carries for 99 yards and adding 32 receiving yards on five receptions as the player of the game.

The matchup featured a pair of quarterbacks making debuts for their respective teams: Los Angeles QB Josh Johnson and QB Landry Jones for the Renegades. For Jones, it was his first game action in nearly three years. He was noticeably rusty, but also flashed moments that showed why he was the first player to join the XFL, and why the league had to block the Pittsburgh Steelers from signing Jones after Ben Roethlisberger was injured early in the 2019 NFL season.

His Renegades debut was much anticipated, reuniting him with his Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. A knee injury suffered on his first pass attempt in his first practice in early January forced the Renegades to start (ex-San Diego Fleet QB) Philip Nelson last week in their 15-9 loss in Week 1.

Similarly, a thigh injury sidelined Johnson for the first game of Los Angeles’ season. The epitome of a journeyman QB, Johnson has been a member of 13 NFL teams in 12 seasons, yet has started only eight NFL games (1-7) over that time. He was most recently with the Detriot Lions, and appeared in four games for Washington in 2018.

It was a slow start, with the game’s first points not coming until only 2:54 remained in the first half. Turnovers plagued both teams, changing possession five times, three coming on back-to-back-to-back drives stretching from the the end of the first quarter through the start of the second.

The first occurred via Jones interception on the Renegades’ second drive of the game. He nearly threw one on the first Dallas drive, but Wildcats CB Harlan Miller didn’t miss this one, stepping in the passing lane for the easy takeaway.

Los Angeles then drove all the way to the Dallas eight yard line before RB Elijah Wood was stripped by former Saints second round pick Hau’oli Kikaha. The play was initially whistled dead due to offensive holding, but Dallas still able to gain possession thanks to the XFL’s unique rule wrinkles. Video review confirmed there was a fumble with a “clear and immediate recovery”.

The fumble party continued however, as the Renegades gave it right back to Los Angeles via Sean Price fumble.

It wasn’t a half to remember, as the teams could only trade field goals before entering halftime. Clearly rusty, Jones settled mostly for short passes underneath the coverage, and showcased his (lack of) athleticism.

Jones threw his second interception on the Renegades’ first drive of the second half. It was similarly ugly, with Jones not picking up the defender lurking underneath.

A field-flipping pass interference penalty committed by 2018 Cowboys practice squad member Treston Decoud immediately set up Los Angeles, but their own bungle dashed their scoring chances. A sloppy handoff from the Renegades three yard line led to the second fumble from within their opponent’s 10-yard line. LB Greer Martini recovered the ball for Dallas.

From there, the game really started. Jones immediately got out from the shadow of the Renegades’ end zone with a 39-yard shot to WR Joshua Crockett.

The play kicked off what had then been the Renegades’ best drive (12-plays, 69-yards), but they were forced to settle for yet another another Austin MacGinnis field goal (45-yards). Trailing for the first time, Johnson was able to get his Wildcats to respond, re-taking the lead with the first touchdown of the game, connecting with WR Nelson Spruce in the back of the end zone.

That score was just the first of five fourth-quarter touchdowns, however. After a key 3rd and 16 conversion by Donald Parham, Artis-Payne got the Renegades back in front on a 21-yard scamper, scoring the first touchdown in franchise history. Former Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar helped spring Artis-Payne for a key block that helped him reach the end zone.

Dallas would add another six points on a three-yard Parham reception, the lone touchdown Jones would throw in the game. However, their 19-9 lead quickly evaporated, as Johnson followed a 62-yard Wildcat kick return with a 44-yard bomb to Spruce. Los Angeles then converted the first three point attempt in XFL history, suddenly making it a one-point game, 19-18 with 4:37 left.

The Renegades were able to hold them off through, thanks to Artis-Payne’s second touchdown, and the defense eventually forcing Los Angeles off the field late in the game. The offense woke up just in time, helping the Renegades win 25-18, evening their record at 1-1. Bud Lite Seltzer for everyone.

Odds and Ends

The Wildcats were playing just days after seemingly drastic changes were made to their defense. Los Angeles abruptly traded DL Anthony Johnson to the DC Defenders for DB Bradley Sylve just two days ago. The Wildcats quickly parted ways with their former team captain after he reportedly expressed displeasure over the firing of the Los Angeles defensive coordinator, after they lost 37-17 to the Houston Roughnecks in Week 1.

Seemingly very opinionated and eager to share. Johnson recorded 1.5 sacks in his Defenders debut, and also let his stance be known in the punching-vs-reclining seat debate:

NFL stars Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon attended the game, supporting their friends in the XFL and taking part in the festivities.

Other Week 2 Results

DC Defenders 27 – New York Guardians 0

Seattle Dragons 17 – Tampa Bay Vipers 9

Houston Roughnecks 21 – St. Louis Battlehawks 12

Week 3 Schedule

Saturday, February 22nd

Houston Roughnecks (1-0) @ Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) | 2pm ET, ABC

Dallas Renegades (1-1) @ Seattle Dragons (1-1) | 5pm ET, FOX

Sunday, February 23rd

New York Guardians (1-1) @ St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0) | 3pm ET, ESPN

DC Defenders (2-0) @ Los Angeles Wildcats (0-2) | 6pm ET, FS1

WATCH! Jeremiah Johnson 66-yard INT return sets up Houston TD

Houston DB Jeremiah Johnson returned a pick 66 yards to set up a Roughnecks touchdown.

Jeremiah Johnson picked off Jordan Ta’amu in the fourth quarter Sunday and brought it back 66 yards to put the Houston Roughnecks in scoring position.

P.J. Walker and Cam Phillips did the rest, connecting on their third touchdown of the game as Houston grabbed a 28-18 lead.

Walker and Phillips have connected for four touchdowns in the first two weeks of the XFL season.

FOX’s Greg Olsen noticed a Roughnecks player was in the neutral zone on the pick and Houston should have been flagged. QB Jordan Ta’amu felt he had a free play and made the risky pass. However, the officials missed the call.

WATCH! Producer saves FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft from taking major XFL shot

A kickoff return almost turned into a major hit for FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft.

A sideline producer and FOX reporter Jenny Taft were discussing work during a kickoff. The only issue was the returner headed left in their direction.

The producer, whom the broadcast referred to as “Andrew” did not see the hit coming. However, it is a good thing he took it in the back because it was able to break what would have been a nasty hit on Taft.

Two weeks of XFL play almost derailed two FOX sports talents. In the opener, Pat McAfee was interviewing Hall of Famer Troy Aikman when the play came their way on the sidelines.

WATCH! Battlehawks’ Pierson-El dedicates TD to late grandmother

De’Mornay Pierson-El scored a TD for St. Louis and dedicated it to his late grandmother.

De’Mornay Pierson-El of the St. Louis Battlehawks scored a touchdown in the third quarter Sunday at Houston against the Roughnecks.

The wideout from Nebraska said after the TD it had special meaning. His grandmother passed away recently and his grandfather had asked Pierson-El to score a touchdown in St. Louis’ opener. That didn’t happen, but he did find the end zone in Houston.

After the TD, Pierson-El took the ball and gave it to his sister in the stands. He said they would give it to their grandfather when they traveled to Virginia this week.

An emotional weekend for XFL wideouts as Eli Rogers of the DC Defenders played Saturday while his family was at his grandmother’s funeral service.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports