The XFL West-leading Houston Roughnecks (2-0) are heading east to take on the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.
Roughnecks at Vipers: Week 3 preview, betting trends and notes
- Houston leads the XFL with nine total touchdowns, while Tampa Bay ranks last, having scored just once in two games (a defensive TD).
- The Vipers’ passing attack has been a disaster with three different QBs getting playing time, but their ground game has been effective. Tampa Bay averages 145.5 rushing yards per game.
- The Roughnecks do a great job protecting the football, committing just one turnover this season. Tampa Bay has given it away six times thus far.
- The Roughnecks are 1-1 against the spread this season, failing to cover last week in their 28-24 win over Seattle.
- Tampa Bay was a road favorite in each of its first two games but lost outright both times.
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Roughnecks at Vipers: Key injuries
Roughnecks
- RB De’Angelo Henderson (shoulder): Out
- OL Marquez Tucker (knee): Out
- WR Cam Phillips (ankle): Probable
Vipers
- QB Aaron Murray (foot): Out
- CB Jalen Collins (ankle): Questionable
- G Nick Truesdell (knee): Out
Roughnecks at Vipers: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Roughnecks 27, Vipers 13
Moneyline (?)
The Roughnecks are clearly the better team at this point in the season, getting excellent play out of QB P.J. Tucker. They lead the league with nine touchdowns and, while their defense has been average, the offense is rolling.
The Vipers can’t find the end zone on offense and there’s little reason to believe they’ll improve drastically this weekend. Take the ROUGHNECKS (-286) to win outright. This game won’t be close.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Houston to win would return a profit of $3.50.
Against the Spread (?)
The Roughnecks are favored by 6.5 points on the road, making this the first time Tampa Bay will be the underdog. The Roughnecks are 1-1 ATS but have the offensive to blow the Vipers out.
Take ROUGHNECKS (-110) to cover the 6.5-point margin with ease.
Over/Under (?)
The over/under is 45.5, which is a big number considering the Vipers have scored 12 total points in two games. The total has gone over in one of the Roughnecks’ two games after their 28-24 win last week.
Because of the Vipers’ ineptitude on offense, and their uncertainty at QB, take UNDER 45.5 (-121) in this one.
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