The DC Defenders (2-1) take on the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3) Sunday during the XFL’s Week 4. Kickoff for this game is set for 7 p.m. E.T. Below, we break down the Guardians-Defenders Week 4 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.
Defenders at Vipers: Week 4 preview, betting trends and notes
- The Defenders had their worst performance of the season in Week 3 as they allowed 39 points on defense. They allowed 334 yards on defense, giving up six yards per play.
- Defenders QB Cardale Jones had the worst game of his professional career, throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns. He completed just 13 of 26 passes for 103 after back-to-back stellar performances to open the season.
- The Vipers continue to struggle on defense, as they allowed 417 total yards in Week 3. While their offense is coming along, it’s the defense that has held them back from gaining their first win of the season.
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Defenders at Vipers: Key injuries
Defenders:
- DE Tavaris Barnes (thigh) questionable
- DC Elijah Campbell (abdomen) questionable
- TE Donnie Ernsberger (shoulder) probable
- RB Jhurell Pressley (shoulder) probable
Vipers:
- QB Quinton Flowers (personal) doubtful
- WR S.J. Green (knee) questionable
- TE Nick Truesdell (knee) doubtful
- CB Jalen Collins (ankle) probable
- OT Martez Ivey (knee) probable
- QB Aaron Murray (foot) probable
- DT Ricky Walker (ankle) probable
Defenders at Vipers: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Defenders 24, Vipers 20
Moneyline (?)
The DEFENDERS (-189) are slight road favorites over the Vipers (+155) on Sunday; the line is moving, as it was just -139 late Saturday. While these two teams might be closer than their records indicate, there is still a ton of value to be had on DC. Expect this to be a close game, but for the Defenders to win Sunday.
Against the Spread (?)
The Defenders (-4, -110) are more than a field goal favorite over the winless Vipers Sunday evening. This line also moved 1.5 points overnight. Considering how much better the Defenders’ offense has been this season, the original line didn’t quite make sense and it may continue to move leading into kickoff. The Vipers just aren’t consistent enough on either side of the football and are the inferior team. If the line drops closer to three, it’s worth a small-unit wager for the Defenders.
Over/Under (?)
The total for this Week 4 XFL matchup is set at 44.5, which still feels a bit high considering the inconsistencies of the Vipers’ quarterback situation. While the Defenders could certainly score 30 or more points, they will need to do the heavy lifting for this over to hit. Instead, take the UNDER (-115) in Tampa Bay Sunday evening.
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