The DC Defenders (2-0) visit the winless Los Angeles Wildcats (0-2) Sunday of Week 3 in the XFL. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. E.T. on FS1. Below, we breakdown the Defenders-Wildcats Week 3 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.
Defenders vs. Wildcats: Week 3 preview, betting trends and notes
- In their Week 2 win, the Defenders allowed just 137 net yards on defense and gave up only five total first downs.
- Defenders QB Cardale Jones continued his hot streak in Week 2, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Guardians.
- The Wildcats offense took a step in the right direction in Week 2 as QB Josh Johnson threw for 185 yards and two TDs against the Dallas Renegades.
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Defenders vs. Wildcats: Key injuries
Defenders
- DE Tavaris Barnes (thigh) questionable
- WR Malachi Dupre (shoulder) questionable
- LB A.J. Tarpley (hand) probable
- DT Kalani Vakameialo (ankle) probable
- LB Scooby Wright (knee) probable
Wildcats
- LB Willie Mays (neck) out
- QB Chad Kanoff (shoulder) out
- C Kahlil McKenzie (ankle) out
- DB Harlan Miller (thigh) out
- TE Brandon Barnes (knee) probable
- WR Saeed Blacknall (thigh) probable
- DB Jaylen Dunlap (thigh) questionable
- RB Elijah Hood (ankle) probable
- QB Josh Johnson (thigh) questionable
- WR Tre McBride (thigh) questionable
- DB Jerome Couplin (ankle) probable
- RB DuJuan Harris (ankle) probable
- LB Will Smith (shoulder) probable
- DB Jack Tocho (hip) probable
Defenders vs. Wildcats: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 3:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Defenders 28, Wildcats 17
Moneyline (?)
The Defenders (-358) are big road favorites, but it’s a too much chalk to risk. Every $3.58 wagered on the Defenders ML only profits $1 if they win. The Wildcats (+275) at least offer a 2.75-to-1 payoff, but I don’t see them pulling off the upset. Heading into the third week of the XFL season, the Defenders are the favorite to win the championship. They have one of the better quarterbacks in the league in Jones, along with a top-ranked defense. Vs. a Wildcats team that is still struggling to stop anyone on defense, look for the Defenders to improve to 3-0.
Against the Spread (?)
The DEFENDERS (-8.5, -110) are the play here – even as more-than-a-touchdown favorite. With a dominant defense, the Defenders can shut down just about any level of quarterback the XFL has to offer. Add on the fact that the Wildcats have a lengthy injury report heading into this game, and it’s tough to envision many ways they can keep up. Turnovers will obviously play a role, but look for the Defenders to cover this 8.5-point spread.
Over/Under (?)
OVER 44 (-110) is worth backing. After a few weeks of bigger point spreads, oddsmakers have lowered the spreads dramatically in Week 3. However, the Defenders offense should feast against the worst defense in the XFL, and that should allow the Over to hit in Los Angeles.
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