Week 1 of the 2023 XFL season wraps up Sunday night with the Seattle Sea Dragons visiting the D.C. Defenders. Kickoff at Audi Field in Washington is 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Sea Dragons vs. Defenders odds, and make our expert XFL picks, predictions and bets.
Seattle is led by coach Jim Haslett, who has a wealth of NFL experience as a leader and coaching defenses. Offensive coordinator June Jones will craft his high-powered offense for the XFL. QB Ben DiNucci has 3 games of NFL experience with the Dallas Cowboys and QB Steven Montez played collegiately at Colorado.
The Defenders’ coach is Reggie Barlow, former Alabama State and Virginia State head coach and they former NFL coach Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator. Their QB is former Ole Miss star Jordan Ta’amu, who had 5 TDs in 5 XFL games for St. Louis in 2020.
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Sea Dragons at Defenders odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:49 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Sea Dragons -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Defenders +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Sea Dragons -2.5 (-105) | Defenders +2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Sea Dragons at Defenders picks and predictions
Prediction
Defenders 17, Sea Dragons 13
Money line
The Sea Dragons have a more experienced coach and a very good offensive scheme, but the Defenders have a solid defensive coordinator and a quarterback who thrived in the XFL in 2020. They also have the league’s No. 1 pick in RB Abram Smith and are playing at home.
It is interesting that despite all that, the Defenders are underdogs. Without any previous games to watch or trends to follow, I love this underdog bet.
BET DEFENDERS (+115).
Against the spread
With such a small spread, if you like the Defenders to cover (meaning they would lose by no more than 1), you might as well go for the positive odds on the moneyline.
D.C. has the better QB, a top RB and a defensive scheme that promises physicality. I like D.C. to win, but PASS on the spread and go for the positive odds on the moneyline.
Over/Under
It is the 1st week of a rebooted league and teams have not been together long. Defenses should be ahead of offenses and the Defenders have the better defensive leader. Expect low-scoring games across the board in Week 1 as teams define their identities.
BET UNDER 37.5 (-110).
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access more content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
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