Tag: Tampa Bay Vipers

Aaron Murray to miss Week 2 of XFL

Georgia football legend Aaron Murray of the Tampa Bay Vipers in the XFL will not play in Week 2.

Tampa Bay Vipers quarterback Aaron Murray struggled in his XFL debut last weekend against the New York Generals.

The former Georgia Bulldog went 16/34 for 231 with two interceptions and two fumbles in a loss to New York.

The Vipers, now 0-1, announced on Friday that Murray will be sitting out this weekend’s contest, springing former Oklahoma State quarterback Taylor Cornelius into the starting role.

In the first half of last week’s game, Murray apparently suffered a foot injury that has since held him out of practices.

Murray returned back to his hometown of Tampa to play for the Vipers this season. After breaking numerous SEC and Georgia records, Murray attempted to play in the NFL, where he did not find much success. He then went on to work for CBS as a broadcaster in addition to playing a single season for the Atlanta Legends, a member of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

Tampa Bay Vipers at Seattle Dragons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Vipers at Seattle Dragons sports betting odds and lines, with XFL Week 2 betting odds, picks and best bets.

Coming off an ugly 23-3 loss to the New York Guardians in Week 1, the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-1) will head to the Pacific Northwest for a matchup with the Seattle Dragons (0-1). Kickoff from CenturyLink Field will be at 5 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Vipers-Dragons Week 2 betting odds and lines, with XFL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Vipers at Dragons: Week 2 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Vipers outgained the Guardians in their Week 1 loss, 394 yards to 226, but QB Aaron Murray‘s two interceptions were costly, as was a fumble by WR Nick Truesdell, which was returned for a touchdown.
  • QB Quinton Flowers will most likely get the Week 2 start for the Vipers with Murray sidelined due to a foot injury.
  • The Dragons opened the season with a 31-19 loss to the DC Defenders. QB Brandon Silvers threw two interceptions early in the game, which the offense was unable to bounce back from.
  • Seattle’s defense limited the Defenders to only 295 yards of offense, including just 68 yards rushing.
  • The Vipers were 0-for-4 on goal-to-go plays in Week 1.

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!

Vipers at Dragons: Key injuries

Vipers QB Aaron Murray (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game. The Dragons will be without two tight ends with Isaiah Battle (ankle) and Cam Clear (undisclosed) were both ruled out. WR Kasen Williams (quad) is also out, while QB Brandon Silvers (ankle) is probable.

Vipers at Dragons: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Vipers 26, Dragons 22

Moneyline (?)

The Vipers were a mess with Murray under center, so the presumed switch to Flowers isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He at least adds a running element to the offense, which should provide a spark.

Tampa Bay also limited the Guardians to just 226 total yards, so the defense was up to the task. Take the VIPERS (-134) to win outright on the road.

Against the Spread (?)

Tampa Bay is favored by 2.5 points over the Dragons despite being on the road. If the Vipers can improve in the red zone, they’ll be a handful for the Dragons, who struggled defensively in Week 1.

Take the VIPERS (-2.5, -106) to cover and win by at least 3 points.

Over/Under (?)

Three of the four XFL games went Under in the opening weekend, so the totals have been adjusted for Week 2. The Over/Under in this one is just 44.5 points, which is understandable for two teams that had lackluster performances to open the year.

They’ll figure things out after gaining a week of experience and the total will go OVER 44.5 (+105). It’s an even better wager with plus-money.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva 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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XFL Futures Betting: 2020 Championship odds, picks and best bets

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.

2020 XFL Championship Odds

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.

2020 XFL Championship Odds: Risers

Feb 8, 2020; Washington, DC, USA; DC Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones (12) runs with the ball past Seattle Dragons defensive tackle Will Sutton (93) in the second quarter during a XFL football game at Audi Field. (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports)

DC Defenders

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.

Houston Roughnecks

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.

St. Louis Battlehawks

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!

2020 XFL Championship Odds: Fallers

Feb 9, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Renegades wide receiver Jazz Ferguson (1) catches a pass in front of St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Robert Nelson (28) during the second quarter in an XFL football game at Globe Life Park. (Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports)

Dallas Renegades

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.

Los Angeles Wildcats

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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Dawgs in the XFL: Week 1 recap

A look at every former Georgia football players performances in the XFL for week one.

Sunday afternoon marked the first weekend without NFL football since the Super Bowl last week.  What is typically a brutally barren day for all football fans, this year was a little bit different.

Saturday and Sunday featured two XFL games each, providing football fans with their weekend fix.  This was the first weekend of XFL football since their original season in 2001.

On Sunday the matchup between the Tampa Bay Vipers and the New York Guardians featured four former Bulldogs.

The Vipers featured three former Dawgs, including defensive back Corey Moore, long snapper Nick Moore and the Bulldogs all-time leading passer, quarterback Aaron Murray.

The Guardians featured former Georgia nose tackle Toby Johnson.

The Guardians beat the Vipers by a score of 23-3, leaving Murray looking a little bit rusty since his last season playing for the Atlanta Legends in the AAF.

Murray finished the game completing 47 percent of his 34 passes for 231 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  Not the best start for the Dawgs all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns but to Murray’s defense he hasn’t played all that much organized football in the past few years.

Moore, Moore and Murray will be in Seattle next week as the Vipers are playing at the Dragons while the Guardians will be in Washington D.C. facing the Defenders.

Ricky Walker makes XFL history by being first to be ejected for throwing a punch

Ricky Walker learned you can’t throw a punch in the XFL.

The XFL has a lot of different rules than the NFL but even this new league is against players throwing punches at each other.

Tampa Bay Vipers defensive tackle Ricky Walker learned that on Sunday during his team’s game against the New York Guardians at MetLife Stadium. Walker made some XFL history when he was ejected for throwing a punch at Guardians center Ian Silberman in the final few minutes before halftime. 

The Virginia Tech product immediately made his way off the field as the crowd at MetLife let him have it.

Here’s his historic moment that will live on forever in XFL lore:

Yup, can’t do that. Not even in the the XFL, unfortunately.

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WATCH! XFL Guardians’ Jamar Summers returns Vipers’ fumble for TD

Watch the New York Guardians’ Jamar Summers return a fumble for an XFL touchdown.

The New York Guardians’ Jamar Summers was in the right place Sunday after the Tampa Bay Vipers’ Nick Truesdell caught a pass from Aaron Murray in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium.

Summers, from nearby South Orange, NJ, picked up the fumble by the 6-foot-5, 249-pound tight end and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown to give the home team a 24-3 lead in the fourth quarter. Summers (pictured above playing for the AAF Birmingham Iron) played college ball at Connecticut.

The play went to review and replay booth official Robert Lu said the fumble and score stood due to not enough visual evidence to overturn either call made on the field.

Tampa Bay Vipers at New York Guardians XFL odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Vipers at New York Guardians sports betting odds and lines, with XFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Vipers will take on the New York Guardians in the first Sunday game of the XFL season. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. Below, we breakdown the Vipers-Guardians Week 1 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Vipers at Guardians: Week 1 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Vipers are led by head coach Marc Trestman, who brings along a coaching staff mostly comprised of former CFL coaches.
  • The Guardians are coached by former Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Their starting quarterback will be Matt McGloin, formerly from Penn State and the Oakland Raiders.

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!

Vipers at Guardians: Key injuries

Vipers

  • TE DeAndre Goolsby (neck) out
  • DL Jason Neill (groin) out
  • CB Rannell Gall (thigh) questionable

Guardians

  • TE Keenan Brown (illness) out
  • WR Joe Horn (ankle) probable
  • CB DeJuan Neal (thigh) probable
  • DE Jarrell Owens (illness) probable

Vipers at Guardians: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Vipers 27, Guardians 23

Moneyline (?)

The VIPERS (-189) are big road favorites over the Guardians (+155) Sunday afternoon. With a more proven starting quarterback in Aaron Murray under center, look for the Vipers’ offense to put up points in their first XFL game.

Against the Spread (?)

The VIPERS (-3.5, -115) are favored by more than a field goal over the Guardians despite being on the road. Tampa Bay has one of the better skill position groups in the XFL, with former AAF standouts Seantavius Jones and Nick Truesdell. Given Trestman’s success in the CFL, look for his offense to have instant success in the XFL and cover the spread in New York.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this Week 1 contest is 52.5 points, which feels a little high for the first game of the season. While the XFL rules are certainly set up for a lot of points to be scored, the offenses will need a few weeks to get on the same page. Both of these teams have a lot of talent on defense as well, so expect the UNDER 52.5 (-110) to hit.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @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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Could this XFL kickoff strategy find its way to the NFL?

The XFL’s new kickoff rules makes player safety a priority.

The NFL season has been over for a week, but for fans still craving winter football, the XFL has you covered.

The formerly defunct league, created by Vince McMahon of the WWE, kicked off its new season Saturday with two games: Seattle Dragons vs. DC Defenders and Los Angeles Wildcats vs. Houston Roughnecks.

While it remains to be seen whether or not the XFL will stick around this time, their new kickoff strategy seems rather creative in terms of how it emphasizes player safety. And, one writer wonders whether it could find its way to the NFL?

Take a look and see what you think.

I think this is a great strategy. It’ll avoid injury and could offer a chance for some cool, inventive plays on special teams. It would definitely take some getting used to, but if it improves the overall safety of players, I’m all for it.

Oh, and for all you Buccaneers fans, your Tampa Bay Vipers take on the New York Guardians tomorrow. Let’s go, Vipers!

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Five Former Notre Dame Players Kick Off XFL This Weekend

When it does kickoff this weekend there will be five former Notre Dame players with roster spots across the eight team league for Fighting Irish fans to follow.

Ladies and gentlemen: “THIS IS THE XFL!”

To quote Vince McMahon now twenty or so years ago, but this “new and improved” version of the XFL doesn’t appear to be quite as extreme as the original product was a couple of decades ago.

When it does kickoff this weekend there will be five former Notre Dame players with roster spots across the eight team league for Fighting Irish fans to follow.

First a long snapper:

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Six Oklahoma players on XFL rosters for XFL’s opening weekend

Football is not over quite yet. Here are where the six former Oklahoma players landed ahead of the XFL’s opening weekend.

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Just when you thought football season was over, it pulls you back in.

The XFL, the newest professional football league, is kicking off its first season since it disbanded after one season in 2001 on Saturday.

Vince McMahon’s newest toy got off to a hot start when former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops jumped on board with commissioner Oliver Luck and became the head coach and general manager of the Dallas Renegades.

Stoops won’t be the only former Sooner leaving his mark on the new league.

Here are where the six former Oklahoma players landed ahead of the XFL’s opening weekend.

DALLAS RENEGADES

No. 12 Landry Jones
No. 13 Jeff Badet
No. 57 Frank Alexander

Play on Sunday at 4 p.m. CT against the St. Louis Battlehawks on ESPN.

LOS ANGELES WILDCATS

No. 84 Jordan Smallwood

Play on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT against the Houston Roughnecks on FOX.

TAMPA BAY VIPERS

No. 30 Demontre Hurst
No. 43 Emmanuel Beal

Play on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT against the New York Guardians on FOX.

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