The San Antonio Brahmas (0-1) and the Orlando Guardians (0-1) meet Sunday for a Week 2 matchup at Camping World Stadium in Orlando with kickoff at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Brahmas vs. Guardians odds, and make our expert XFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Brahmas lost 18-15 to the St. Louis Battlehawks in last week’s opener. San Antonio led 12-3 at one point, but St. Louis rattled off 15 unanswered points in the final 85 seconds to steal a win. San Antonio did cover as 3.5-point underdogs and the Under 36.5 hit.
The Guardians started out fine last week, taking a 6-0 lead over the Houston Roughnecks. But Houston ended up rolling to a 33-12 win as 3.5-point favorites, while Orlando benched starting QB Paxton Lynch in favor of Quinten Dormady. It didn’t make much of a difference, as Dormady tossed a pair of picks.
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Brahmas at Guardians odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:39 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Brahmas -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Guardians +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread (ATS): Brahmas -3.5 (-110) | Guardians +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Brahmas at Guardians key injuries
Brahmas
- OL Derrick Kelly (leg) questionable
- CB Ryan Lewis (hip) questionable
- OL Norman Price (knee) questionable
- DT Kobe Smith (elbow) questionable
Guardians
- CB Javaris Davis (groin) questionable
- WR Stephen Guidry (concussion) questionable
- DB Najeem Hosein (ankle) questionable
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Brahmas at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Brahmas 23, Guardians 18
Money line
The Brahmas (-180) are a little too expensive, especially since San Antonio crumbled late last week when it mattered most.
San Antonio hits the road to face a Guardians (+145) team which was very giving last week. The offensive line struggled, however, and the offensive line is a little banged up for the Brahmas, so that’s a concern, too.
PASS.
Against the spread
The BRAHMAS -3.5 (-110) are graced with a pair of solid RBs in Kalen Ballage and Jacques Patrick, and they should each find plenty of running room against what was a weak Guardians +3.5 (-110) defense.
The Guardians +3.5 (-110) plan to start Lynch again under center, but the Orlando quarterback situation is a fluid one, and that’s not good. The pass rush for San Antonio got to QB A.J. McCarron of the Battlehawks on 5 occasions, too, so look for that to be a big factor as well.
Over/Under
The OVER 37.5 (-108) is the play, as it cashed in 3 of the 4 games in Week 1, as well as cashing in the St. Louis-Seattle game Thursday night.
It seems the offenses are a little ahead of the defenses in the early going, and these totals in the 30’s are a tad low. Take advantage.
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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