Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
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.
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.
Here’s a look at just three players who made a stop in at Nashville who showed up on the stats sheet on Saturday and Sunday.
Week 2 of the XFL’s second debut is in the books.
This week’s action was highlighted with performances from former Tennessee Titans players, some of which saw more more time in the NFL than others.
Here’s a look at just three players who made a stop in at Nashville who showed up on the stats sheet on Saturday and Sunday.
Wiley’s presence wasn’t felt in quite the way it was back in Week 1, but he was a standout player on the defense, quietly cracking his way into the team’s leader board.
He tallied four tackles on Los Angeles’ 25-18 loss to the Dallas Renegades.
Former New York Giants OC Kevin Gilbride saw his Guardians descend into Week 2 XFL chaos on live television.
Week 1 of the 2020 XFL season saw the successful return of former New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who made his way back to the sidelines for the first time since 2013 and did so with an upset victory.
After the game, New York Guardians quarterback Matt McGloin presented Gilbride with the game ball and the coach received a rousing ovation from his players.
But this is New York and things can — and often do — change on a dime.
Week 2 of the XFL season was far less fruitful for Gilbride, who saw his Guardians become the first team to be shutout this year, but that was really just the tip of the iceberg.
Things went from bad to ugly in no time flat on Saturday, as McGloin, who was playing like someone who had never thrown a football before, ripped into Gilbride and the offensive coaching staff on live TV during a sideline interview just prior to halftime.
Matt McGloin at halftime to @diannaESPN: "We need to change the whole entire gameplan."
Head coach Kevin Gilbride: "I need to go talk to him & figure out what the problem is because he needs to play better."
Then McGloin threw a pick-six on their next drive. @xfl2020 pic.twitter.com/R2ssCwfzfx
— ESPN (@espn) February 15, 2020
“We need to change the whole entire game plan at halftime,” McGloin told ESPN’s Dianna Russini. “There’s a lot going on right now. It’s embarrassing for us for an offense. There’s a lot of things for us to fix and correct.”
McGloin would return in the second half with a pick-six before finding himself benched in favor of Marquise Williams. After the game, he took his criticism of Gilbride & Co. to the next level.
“We need to clean that up. Communication is especially is one, and it showed today,” McGloin said.
“At no point in time did I think we were comfortable out there. At no point in time did I think we were in a position to try to be successful. I think it was pretty easy to see.”
Asked about the incident during his post-game press conference, Gilbride refused to add any fuel to the fire, dismissing McGloin’s critical comments and claiming they merely went to Williams for a spark.
“We started off slow on both sides of the ball,” Gilbride said, via XFL.com. “I thought our defense picked it up and played well. Offensively, it seemed like every time we started to get something going, we shot ourselves in the foot.
“[The quarterback change] was more just to get a spark — try to generate something. We weren’t doing anything with any consistency on offense, so I said let’s make a change and see what happens.”
Gilbride also admitted that situations like the one we saw on Saturday could “splinter” a team, but he believes his unit will rally instead, becoming a more close knit unit moving forward.
The Guardians will travel to St. Louis on Sunday of Week 3 where they’ll take on the BattleHawks at 3:00 p.m. ET (ESPN).
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The DC Defenders put on a cool celebration after blanking the New York Guardians.
Well, this is a tradition unlike many others. Oh, the beauty of being in the XFL and doing what you want when you want.
The DC Defenders celebrated their 27-0 victory over the New York Guardians Saturday by shot-gunning hard seltzers.
Wonder what will happen if the team wins the championship.
We LOVE a celebratory @budlight Seltzer shotgun pic.twitter.com/9noLYB61rL
— XFL (@xfl2020) February 15, 2020
XFL QB Matt McGloin had a *very* bad day in DC.
The New York Guardians pulled off an upset win in Week 1, but facing what might be the best team in the XFL on the road in Week 2, Matt McGloin and the Guardians offense endured a nightmarish day at Audi Field in DC. The Defenders improved to 2-0 with a 27-0 shutout of the Guardians, and McGloin struggled mightily, with just 44 passing yards and 2 interceptions, good for a rating of 10.1.
McGloin had to do a live sideline interview after throwing his first pick of the day, and things got even more awkward during his halftime interview with ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
Matt McGloin at halftime to @diannaESPN: "We need to change the whole entire gameplan."
Head coach Kevin Gilbride: "I need to go talk to him & figure out what the problem is because he needs to play better."
Then McGloin threw a pick-six on their next drive. @xfl2020 pic.twitter.com/R2ssCwfzfx
— ESPN (@espn) February 15, 2020
“We need to change the whole entire gameplan at halftime…. There’s just a lot going on right now, it’s embarrassing for us here as an offense.”
When informed of McGloin’s comments, Guardians coach Kevin Gilbride told Russini “I need to go talk to him and figure out what the problem is, because he needs to play better.”
McGloin’s performance never improved, though, and he was eventually pulled for backup Marquise Williams after throwing a second interception. In a wild scene you’ll only see in the XFL, McGloin did a third live interview after being benched, and the QB didn’t hold back.
Matt McGloin gets benched after completing 8-of-19 pass attempts with 2 INT, then proceeds to rip his team/coach while the 4th quarter is still being played.
This is peak XFL pic.twitter.com/JKVwShqTrQ
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) February 15, 2020
“Listen, there’s a lot of stuff going on behind closed doors, I think we need to clean that up. Communication, especially, is one. And it showed today. At no point in time did I think we were comfortable out there. At no point in time did I think we were in a position to try to be successful.”
The XFL’s signature sideline interviews add a whole different dimension to the presentation of games – but they also give players an opportunity to potentially alienate coaches or teammates. The Guardians’ trip home to New York on Saturday is going to be a long one.
[jwplayer MI8BOaKj-q2aasYxh]
Matt McGloin of the XFL New York Guardians blasted his team’s offensive game plan as the team went to halftime.
Matt McGloin had a miserable first half Satuday as the New York Guardians faced the DC Defenders in an XFL game. The former Penn State QB led an offense that produced one first down — the other came on a fake punt — and was 5-of-13 for 32 yards with an interception as New York fell behind, 12-0.
McGloin was interviewed by ABC’s Dianna Russini as he left for halftime and went off:
Matt McGloin is…not happy
📺 @ABCNetwork
🖥 https://t.co/P39leRxPZY pic.twitter.com/nsON8nPoJK— XFL (@xfl2020) February 15, 2020
Russini spoke to coach Kevin Gilbride after the break and the Guardians’ boss said he wanted his quarterback to “play better” and he would have a conversation with the 30-year-old McGloin, who once started for the Oakland Raiders.
Then Matt gets narc'd out to his head coach (2/3): pic.twitter.com/lik8pXDQwY
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 15, 2020
It would be hard for McGloin and the Guardians’ offense to play worse.
Well, they actually found a way. McGloin threw a Pick-Six to ILB Jameer Thurman on New York’s first drive of the second half.
“Poor decision by me,” McGloin said. “I’ve gotta take the sack there.”
The @XFLDefenders' defense is something special
📺 @ABCNetwork
🖥 https://t.co/P39leRxPZY pic.twitter.com/12g1DNVLES— XFL (@xfl2020) February 15, 2020
The XFL DC Defenders’ Eli Rogers played Saturday despite his mother’s funeral going on at the same time as the game.
The DC Defenders scored a touchdown on their opening drive against the New York Guardians Saturday.
One of the key players in the march was Eli Rogers, who made three catches for 50 yards in the march.
The touchdown went to DeAndre Thompkins. However, Rogers, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, is the story. And the story of the game.
Rogers was playing despite his mother passing away during the week. Tom Luginbill on the ABC broadcast informed the national audience Rogers made the decision to stay with the team despite his mom’s funeral going on at the same time as the game.
Rogers will leave the team immediately after the contest to join his family.
.@XFLDefenders WR @__bELIeve17 is playing today with a heavy heart, as he lost his mother this week.
He just had DC's first catch of the game.
📺 @ABCNetwork
🖥 https://t.co/P39leRxPZY pic.twitter.com/yCQu17yzXx— XFL (@xfl2020) February 15, 2020
That is the ultimate definition of playing with a heavy heart. His mom, Tranae Jackson, has been living with AIDS since Rogers was 8. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette told their story. You can read it here.
“We’ve had real-life struggles. Some days, nothing to eat. Some days, moving here and there. It was a real struggle. To see my sisters looking up to me, and my big brother looking up to me, it’s really humbling, man. That’s why I come out and work so hard, to be able to provide for my family.
… “For her to be living, for her to be where she is now … because 10 years ago, five years ago, she wasn’t in this state of mind,” Rogers said in 2017. “To witness a person in the dark, and to come back to life, that speaks volumes. If that alone doesn’t make you believe in yourself, I don’t know what can.”
Rogers told the Steelers’ team site in 2016 his mom was his inspiration.
What motivates you in football or in life?
Just being an underdog. All my life I was kind of an underdog or in a shadow of things. My mom, my family, my story and my life in general.
Previewing Saturday’s New York Guardians at DC Defenders sports betting odds and lines, with XFL Week 2 betting picks, tips and best bets.
The New York Guardians (1-0) will take on the DC Defenders (1-0) Saturday of Week 2 in the XFL. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at Audi Field. Below, we breakdown the Guardians-Defenders Week 2 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.
Get some action on this XFL matchup or other games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!
Guardians
Defenders
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.
Defenders 27, Guardians 23
The Defenders (-278) are heavy favorites at home over the Guardians (+220) Saturday afternoon. After a convincing Week 1 win over the Seattle Dragons, the Defenders are proving to be one of the best teams in the XFL. With a proven quarterback and several former NFL receivers, expect the Defenders to win their second-straight game over the Guardians.
PASS on these low moneyline odds and look for better value on the spread.
The Defenders (-6.5, -110) open this game as a touchdown favorite over the GUARDIANS (+6.5, -110). While the Defenders scored 31 points in the opening contest of the season, the Guardians allowed just three as they forced two interceptions against former Georgia standout QB Aaron Murray. While I expect the Defenders to win this game, don’t be surprised if the Guardians keep this close and cover the spread.
The total for this Week 2 XFL matchup is set at 47.5 points, which feels about right. In Week 1, far too many of the Over/Unders were set too high as the offenses are still working on getting in sync with one another. This game will feature two of the better quarterbacks in the league and that should help the OVER 47.5 (-106) to hit in Washington, DC.
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Analyzing the 2020 XFL Championship futures odds after the league’s first week of play.
The odds for the 2020 XFL Championship have been shaken up rather significantly following a successful opening weekend for the new league. Now that fans and bettors have a stronger understanding of the rules and game style – and of which teams have the best understanding of those rules – we reassess the 2020 XFL Championship odds, with futures picks and our best bets.
Odds via BetMGM, last updated February 11, at 2 p.m. ET.
| TEAM | PRESEASON ODDS | UPDATED ODDS |
| New York Guardians | +350 | +350 |
| DC Defenders | +750 | +350 |
| Houston Roughnecks | +750 | +500 |
| Dallas Renegades | +250 | +600 |
| Tampa Bay Vipers | +550 | +600 |
| St. Louis Battlehawks | +1000 | +700 |
| Los Angeles Wildcats | +450 | +1000 |
| Seattle Dragons | +1200 | +1600 |
The Guardians stay at +350 as the Renegades plummet down the board. New York pummeled Tampa Bay 23-3 at home in Week 1, as ex-NFL QB Matt McGloin completed 15 of 29 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. The defense recorded two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
The Defenders soared into a share of top spot with their 31-19 win over the lowly Dragons in Saturday afternoon’s league-opening game in DC. QB Cardale Jones was the difference with 235 passing yards and two touchdowns, while adding another 28 yards on the ground.
The Roughnecks climbed into the third on the odds board with their 37-17 victory over the Wildcats Saturday. Little-known QB P.J. Walker racked up four touchdowns against just one interception while completing 23 of 39 pass attempts for 272 yards.
The Battlehawks opened the year with the second-worst odds in the XFL, but they were the only road team to win as they toppled the heavily-favored Renegades. Matt Jones led the backfield with 85 yards on 21 attempts, while Christine Michael managed to gain zero yards on seven carries.
Keep your football betting action going by placing a legal sports bet on XFL games at BetMGM. Bet now!
The Renegades should get somewhat of a pass for their season-opening loss, as starting QB Landry Jones was ruled out for Week 1. Backup Philip Nelson was efficient (33-for-42) in his place, but he finished with 209 yards and no touchdowns against one INT.
The Wildcats took the biggest fall down the board following their 20-point loss to the Roughnecks. They opened the season with the third-best odds, but are now considered longshots to climb out of a 0-1 hole. WR Nelson Spruce was a bright spot, as he caught 11 of 15 targets for 103 yards.
Want action on the XFL? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
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Former New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was victorious in his XFL debut on Sunday.
Former New York Giants offensive coordinator and two-time Super Bowl champion, Kevin Gilbride, returned to the sidelines at MetLife Stadium this past weekend for the first time since his “resignation” in 2013.
This time around, Gilbride found himself serving as both the general manager and head coach of the New York Guardians, one of the eight new teams that belong to the returning XFL.
In his XFL debut, a forward-thinking Gilbride was successful, earning a 23-3 win over the favored Tampa Bay Vipers. And while the Guardians won with their swarming defense, it’s worthy of note that Gilbride surrendered play-calling duties for the first time in his career in fear that his style wouldn’t match the style of play that is successful in professional football today.
After the game, Guardians quarterback Matt McGloin presented Gilbride with the game ball.
First W.
Game ball goes to Coach Gilbride for getting us right 💯 #OnDuty | #ForTheLoveOfFootball pic.twitter.com/tXGDQN0BAt
— New York Guardians (@XFLGuardians) February 9, 2020
“Coach Gilbride, we appreciate you giving everyone in this room an opportunity to play this game we love, first of all,” said McGloin. “Welcome back.”
Former Giants running backs coach Jerald Ingram and linebackers coach Jim Herrmann are also members of Gilbride’s staff, to go along with several former Giants players on their roster.
“It was a game that I think, more than anything else, showed the character and resilience that we had,” Gilbride told reporters in his post-game press conference. “We certainly struggled to stop them offensively, but a tremendous credit to our defense. I thought they showed incredible character and courage, just keep battling all the way down and getting those turnovers that stopped them. They controlled the ball, controlled the time and got down close to the goal line. A lot of teams crumble under those circumstances. I thought our guys rose up, played their best football down there.
“Conversely, offensively, I thought we started off the game very well. We had a lot of big plays. It had some chances that we didn’t quite complete. In the second half, we just slowed down. We had a few other opportunities (that) were not nearly as well-played as we thought we could’ve played them. They were there to be had. Defensively, I thought they did a nice job — Tampa Bay — of things and it made the recognition and reaction of some of our players slow, slower than we would’ve liked and I thought the timing, as a result, affected in a negative type of way.
“But again, all things that are very correctable. In terms of effort, in terms of heart, in terms of character, I thought they were terrific. It’s always nice to coach from a ‘W’ and get better from there. So that’s what we’re looking forward to doing this week.”
In Week 2, Gilbride and the Guardians will travel to Audi Field in Washington, D.C. to take on the D.C. Defenders (1-0). That game will be aired on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on ABC.
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