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.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=24815]