[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The DC Defenders open the season against the San Antonio Brahmas Sunday at the Alamodome at noon ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Defenders vs. Brahmas odds and make our expert football picks and predictions.
The Defenders are led by QB Jordan Ta’amu, who turned a successful stint in the XFL in 2020 into jobs with 3 NFL teams over the last 3 years. He’ll run offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss’ RPO offense and serve as a threat through the air and a little bit on the ground. They’ll be led on the ground by RB Cam’Ron Harris, who was picked up late in the 2023 season and rushed 5 times for 25 yards and 2 TDs against the Seattle Sea Dragons in the playoffs. You’ll see a familiar name in DC’s receiving corps with former Houston Texans WR Keke Coutee lining up in the slot.
Longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has tapped Chase Garbers as his starting quarterback. Garbers, who spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, is reminiscent of 2020 XFL sensation P.J. Walker, according to the club. The team is super excited by former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Anthony McFarland, who possesses the speed that could take over games. WR Jontre Kirklin is also a name to watch, as he was one of the XFL’s best receivers before an injury derailed him. TE Cody Latimer is also in tow as the former Denver Broncos and New York Giants receiver could create mismatches as a hybrid tight end.
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Defenders at Brahmas odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:55 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Defenders -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Brahmas +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
- Against the spread (ATS): Defenders -6 (-115) | Brahmas +6 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Defenders at Brahmas key injuries
Defenders
- CB Gareon Conley (hamstring) out
- RB Abram Smith (knee) out
- WR Vyncint Smith (elbow) out
Brahmas
- LB Jamir Jones (elbow) out
- LB Zach McCloud (ankle) out
Defenders at Brahmas picks and predictions
Prediction
Defenders 24, Brahmas 17
Moneyline
These teams faced one another in the XFL season finale last year with DC edging the Brahmas 29-28. The Defenders went 9-1 last season and fell to the Arlington Renegades in the XFL Championship Game. The key here is Ta’amu is in his 2nd season in this RPO offense, and he provides stability and a comfort level. So the Defenders are deserving of the heavy favorites moniker. There’s no bet to place here.
PASS.
Against the spread
This is one of the biggest spreads in opening week action, but it’s warranted. The continuity DC brings back on offense, coupled with the success the Defenders had last season makes them a dangerous team each week.
Take the DEFENDERS -6 (-115).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
Veteran bettors will remember that the early weeks in the XFL went Under often. The books know this, too, and this number is a little dicey. We’re projecting it to just sneak UNDER 43.5 (-115). If it goes any lower, though, you might have to reconsider.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access NFL coverage:
TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]
