St. Louis Battlehawks at DC Defenders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s St. Louis Battlehawks at DC Defenders sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The St. Louis Battlehawks (3-1) will take on the DC Defenders (2-2) in Week 5 of the XFL season. Kickoff for this game is set for 3 p.m. E.T. Below, we break down the Battlehawks-Defenders Week 5 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Battlehawks at Defenders: Week 5 preview, betting trends and notes

  • After a fantastic start to open the season, Defenders QB Cardale Jones has thrown a combined four interceptions over the last two weeks. He’s thrown for a total of 175 yards on 48 attempts in the team’s two losses.
  • Battlehawks QB Jordan Ta’amu was outstanding in Week 4, completing 20 of 27 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown. Ta’amu has now three games this season with a passer rating of at least 103.

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!


Battlehawks at Defenders: Key injuries

Battlehawks:

  • RB Sherman Badie (knee) out
  • CB Robert Nelson (illness) questionable
  • RB Matt Jones (knee) questionable
  • RB Christine Michael (illness) questionable
  • CB Marquez White (illness) questionable

Defenders:

  • CB Elijah Campbell (abdomen) questionable
  • CB Doran Grant (hip) questionable
  • DB Desmond Lawrence (back) questionable
  • OT De’Ondre Wesley (shoulder) probable

Battlehawks at Defenders: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Defenders 24, Battlehawks 21

Moneyline (?)

The Battlehawks (-223) are slight road favorites over the DEFENDERS (+175) on Sunday afternoon. While St. Louis has lost just one game this season, they have shown that they can struggle to defend the pass against competent quarterback play. Considering the odds, I like the Defenders to win outright at home to pick up their third win of the season.

Against the Spread (?)

The DEFENDERS (+4.5) are more than a field goal underdog at home on Sunday afternoon. While Cardale Jones has struggled over the last two weeks, he has shown to be a highly effective quarterback at home this season. Look for the Defenders offense to bounce back this week as they should be able to keep this close, if not win.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this Week 5 matchup is set at 38.5, which is the second-lowest of the week. While both teams have good defenses, both Cardale Jones and Jordan Ta’amu have shown flashes of brilliance this season. Expect both quarterbacks to play well and for the OVER (-106) to hit in Washington, D.C. on Sunday afternoon.

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New York Guardians at Dallas Renegades odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Guardians at Dallas Renegades Week 5 matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

The New York Guardians (2-2) head to Texas for a Saturday matchup with the Dallas Renegades (2-2) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. ET and will be televised on FOX. Below, we break down the Guardians-Renegades Week 5 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Guardians at Renegades: Week 5 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Renegades have allowed the third-fewest TDs in the XFL this season (9). New York ranks second with only eight allowed.
  • The Renegades are 0-2 at home, but the Guardians are no better on the road, going 0-2. Home teams are 11-5 SU and 10-6 ATS after the first four weeks of this inaugural XFL season.
  • The total has gone Under in each of the Renegades’ and Guardians’ four games this season
  • QB Luis Perez led the Guardians to a win last week in his first XFL start in place of Matt McGloin. He should remain the starter this weekend.

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 at Renegades: Key injuries

Guardians

  • QB Matt McGloin (thorax): Full participant in practice
  • DB Andrew Soroh (head/knee): probable
  • OL Ian Silberman (neck) probable

Renegades

  • QB Landry Jones (knee): questionable
  • G Salesi Uhatafe (undisclosed): questionable

Guardians at Renegades: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Guardians 19, Renegades 17

Moneyline (?)

The Guardians look like a much more complete team under QB Perez, making them a real threat to knock off the Renegades (-334) on the road. New York is 0-2 on the road and Dallas is winless in two home games, so something’s got to give. Take the GUARDIANS (+260) at plus-money to win outright.

New to sports gambling? Every $1 bet on the Guardians ML will profit $2.60 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

Bet the GUARDIANS -8 (-110) to cover the spread, which seems too big of a line for two teams that have struggled offensively. QB Jones’ injury complicates things for the Renegades, too. Both teams are 2-2 ATS, and even though the Guardians have been terrible on the road, I’m going with them in this one.

Over/Under (?)

Back the UNDER 37.0 (-110). Both teams are 0-4 O/U this season, which is a remarkable feat. Even with the low total, it’ll go Under again with these two clubs.

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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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Updated XFL Championship Odds: Roughnecks, Battlehawks pulling away

Assessing the 2020 XFL Championship odds through the inaugural season’s first four weeks. Can anyone catch the Houston Roughnecks?

The XFL is four weeks of games into its inaugural season and the Houston Roughnecks and St. Louis Battlehawks have emerged as heavy favorites as division leaders. We look at the 2020 XFL Championship odds with contenders pulling away entering the mid-point of the season.

2020 XFL Championship Odds

Odds via BetMGM, last updated March 4 at 1:40 p.m. ET.

TEAM PRESEASON ODDS UPDATED ODDS
Houston Roughnecks +750 +175
St. Louis Battlehawks +1000 +250
Dallas Renegades +250 +600
DC Defenders +750 +700
New York Guardians +350 +800
Los Angeles Wildcats +450 +1200
Tampa Bay Vipers +550 +2000
Seattle Dragons +1200 +3300

2020 XFL Championship Odds: Risers

Houston Roughnecks

The Roughnecks are the only remaining undefeated team through four games, winning twice at home and twice on the road. Their plus-five touchdown differential and 16 TDs scored also lead the league.

QB Phillip Walker leads the XFL with 987 passing yards, Cam Phillips leads with 333 receiving yards and Deatrick Nichols leads with three interceptions. Three of their four wins have come by at least 7 points.

St. Louis Battlehawks

The Battlehawks’ odds have dropped to 1/4 of what they were in the preseason. They sit atop the XFL East at 3-1 and are undefeated at home at 2-0. The defense leads the league with only seven touchdowns allowed.

QB Jordan Ta’amu ranks second to Houston’s Walker with 876 passing yards, while RB Matt Jones is second with 244 rushing yards. Their only loss was a 28-24 setback at the Roughnecks in Week 2, and only Houston has scored more than 16 points against St. Louis.

2020 XFL Championship Odds: Fallers

Los Angeles Wildcats

The Wildcats entered the season with the third-best championship odds and are now one of the three teams buried at the bottom with odds worse than 10-1 to win the championship.

They’re 1-1 at home and 0-2 on the road, but they have a touchdown differential of plus-2, thanks to a 39-9 home rout of the Defenders in Week 3. They fell right back to Earth in Week 4, however, with a 17-14 road loss at the New York Guardians.

Tampa Bay Vipers

The Vipers entered the year with hope led by former Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman. They’ve started the season 0-2 on the road and have a minus-2 touchdown differential.

They may have started a turnaround in Week 4 with a 25-0 home win over the Defenders, a club with a pattern of helping opposing teams turn things around, apparently.

Seattle Dragons

Things have only grown worse for the Dragons, who started the year with the worst XFL Championship odds. Their touchdown differential is just minus-1 – they haven’t lost by more than 12 points.

They’re unlikely to win it at all, but they’re much closer to being in the middle of the pack and represent a reasonable long-shot value.

Want action on the XFL? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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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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DC Defenders at Tampa Bay Vipers odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Sunday’s DC Defenders at Tampa Bay Vipers XFL matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The DC Defenders (2-1) take on the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3) Sunday during the XFL’s Week 4. Kickoff for this game is set for 7 p.m. E.T. Below, we break down the Guardians-Defenders Week 4 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Defenders at Vipers: Week 4 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Defenders had their worst performance of the season in Week 3 as they allowed 39 points on defense. They allowed 334 yards on defense, giving up six yards per play.
  • Defenders QB Cardale Jones had the worst game of his professional career, throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns. He completed just 13 of 26 passes for 103 after back-to-back stellar performances to open the season.
  • The Vipers continue to struggle on defense, as they allowed 417 total yards in Week 3. While their offense is coming along, it’s the defense that has held them back from gaining their first win of the season.

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!


Defenders at Vipers: Key injuries

Defenders:

  • DE Tavaris Barnes (thigh) questionable
  • DC Elijah Campbell (abdomen) questionable
  • TE Donnie Ernsberger (shoulder) probable
  • RB Jhurell Pressley (shoulder) probable

Vipers:

  • QB Quinton Flowers (personal) doubtful
  • WR S.J. Green (knee) questionable
  • TE Nick Truesdell (knee) doubtful
  • CB Jalen Collins (ankle) probable
  • OT Martez Ivey (knee) probable
  • QB Aaron Murray (foot) probable
  • DT Ricky Walker (ankle) probable

Defenders at Vipers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Defenders 24, Vipers 20

Moneyline (?)

The DEFENDERS (-189) are slight road favorites over the Vipers (+155) on Sunday; the line is moving, as it was just -139 late Saturday. While these two teams might be closer than their records indicate, there is still a ton of value to be had on DC. Expect this to be a close game, but for the Defenders to win Sunday.

Against the Spread (?)

The Defenders (-4, -110) are more than a field goal favorite over the winless Vipers Sunday evening. This line also moved 1.5 points overnight. Considering how much better the Defenders’ offense has been this season, the original line didn’t quite make sense and it may continue to move leading into kickoff. The Vipers just aren’t consistent enough on either side of the football and are the inferior team. If the line drops closer to three, it’s worth a small-unit wager for the Defenders.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this Week 4 XFL matchup is set at 44.5, which still feels a bit high considering the inconsistencies of the Vipers’ quarterback situation. While the Defenders could certainly score 30 or more points, they will need to do the heavy lifting for this over to hit. Instead, take the UNDER (-115) in Tampa Bay Sunday evening.

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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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Houston Roughnecks at Dallas Renegades odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Roughnecks at Dallas Renegades XFL matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Houston Roughnecks (3-0) travel to Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas to take on the Dallas Renegades (2-1) Sunday of Week 4 of the XFL. The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

We break down the Roughnecks-Renegades Week 4 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Roughnecks at Renegades: Week 4 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Roughnecks have the XFL’s top-scoring offense, putting up no fewer than 28 points in each of their first three games. They average 33 points a game.
  • Roughnecks QB P.J. Walker leads the XFL with 10 touchdown passes and only has one interception.
  • Roughnecks WR Cam Phillips leads the XFL with 20 receptions, 324 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
  • Renegades QB Landry Jones has thrown two interceptions in each of his last two games.
  • Dallas has allowed the second-fewest points in the XFL with 45.

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!


Roughnecks at Renegades: Key injuries

Roughnecks

  • RB De’Angelo Henderson (shoulder) out
  • OL Marquez Tucker (knee) out
  • RB Sammie Coates (wrist) probable
  • DB Cody Brown (shoulder) probable
  • WR Cam Phillips (ankle) probable
  • OL Demetrius Rhaney (abdominal) probable
  • RB Andre Williams (wrist) probable

Renegades

  • DL Winston Craig (knee) questionable
  • DT Tony Guerad (shoulder) questionable
  • DL Frank Alexander (hand) probable
  • WR Josh Crockett (illness) probable
  • TE Donald Parham (hand) probable
  • DL Tomasi Laulie (ankle) probable
  • TE Sean Price (back) probable

Roughnecks at Renegades: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday 10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Roughnecks 32, Renegade 24

Moneyline (?)

The Renegades hope to get their first home win of the season and give Houston its first loss of the season. The Roughnecks are favored at -154 and are 2-0 on the road this year. Their offense has been mostly unstoppable with the play of Walker at quarterback, who combined with Phillips at receiver might be the two best players in the XFL.

The Renegades have gotten some rhythm on offense after a slow start from Jones at quarterback, but have been turnover prone, as he has been picked off four times in his two starts this season. Dallas can give you some value at +125, but that is only if you think they will beat the league’s best team.

Houston is rolling and will continue to do so. Take the ROUGHNECKS (-154) to get the win and stay undefeated.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Wildcats to win outright returns a profit of $6.49.

Against the Spread (?)

The Roughnecks (-2.5, -121) are 2-1 ATS this season, failing only to cover an eight-point spread last week in a seven-point win. The Renegades (+2.5, +100) are 2-1 ATS as well. It is a battle of strength vs. strength, with Houston’s offense rolling and facing a Dallas defense that has been stingy with points. However, no one has slowed Houston and Dallas will turn the ball over. Go with the hot hand in the Roughnecks to cover the 2.5 points.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this game is set at 50 points. On the surface, this looks like an easy bet for the Over. Houston’s games have all hit the Over and have all gone over 50 points. However, all of Dallas’ games have gone Under and none has reached 50 points.

Houston is a lock for 30 points. They give up over 20 points a game, and the Renegades have scored 24 and 25 points the last two weeks. This should certainly hit the OVER (-121).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGMIf 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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Seattle Dragons at St. Louis Battlehawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Seattle Dragons at St. Louis Battlehawks sports betting odds and lines, with XFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) host the Seattle Dragons (1-2) Saturday of Week 4 in the XFL. Kickoff at The Dome at America’s Center is set for 5 p.m. ET (on FOX). Below, we break down the Dragons-Battlehawks Week 4 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Dragons at Battlehawks: XFL Week 4 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Battlehawks play a second straight home game after throttling the New York Guardians 29-9 in Week 3. They started the season 1-1 on the road and will visit the DC Defenders next week.
  • The Dragons suffered a 24-12 home loss last week at the hands of the Dallas Renegades. They took a 31-19 road loss against the Defenders in Week 1 before topping the Tampa Bay Vipers 17-9 at home in Week 2.
  • The Battlehawks have the third-best odds to win the XFL Championship April 26 at +500. The Dragons have the second-highest odds at +2000.
  • St. Louis’ plus-4 touchdown differential is tied with the Houston Roughnecks as the best mark in the XFL. Seattle is minus-1 in touchdown differential.
  • Battlehawks QB Jordan Ta’amu ranks second in the league with 612 passing yards. Dragons QB Brandon Silvers is fifth with 512 yards.
  • Battlehawks RB Matt Jones leads the league with 224 rushing yards. Dragons WR Austin Proehl ranks fifth with 168 receiving yards.

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!


Dragons at Battlehawks: Key injuries

Dragons

  • William Campbell (knee) questionable
  • DE Durrant Miles (knee) questionable
  • DT Anthony Moten (ankle) questionable
  • WR Kasen Williams (quad) questionable
  • OT Isaiah Battle (ankle) probable
  • OT Michael Dunn (calf) probable

Battlehawks

  • RB Matt Jones (knee) questionable
  • WR Carlton Agudosi (shoulder) probable
  • OT Matt McCants (knee) probable

Dragons at Battlehawks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Battlehawks 25, Dragons 15

Moneyline (?)

The Battlehawks (-500) are the heaviest favorites of the Week 4 slate, playing at home against the Dragons (+375). St. Louis is coming off a 20-point home win, while Seattle’s two losses this season were both by 12 points.

There’s no reason to go chasing the upset Saturday, so we’ll PASS on the Battlehawks’ chalky moneyline and look to the spread.

Against the Spread (?)

Following suit of the moneyline, the 12-point spread is the biggest of the week, and the only one greater than a single score. We’ll back the DRAGONS (+12, -110), as their first two losses of the season would have resulted in a push against this line.

The Battlehawks lead the East Division, but they haven’t looked nearly as impressive as the West Division-leading Roughnecks through three weeks.

Over/Under (?)

The bookmakers are starting to get a sense of the total lines after the Under was the league-wide trend in the first couple weeks of the season. Lines were finally dropped last week and the four-game slate went 2-2 vs. the O/U.

Back the OVER 38.5 (-110), the lowest projection of Week 4. The Dragons have scored at least 12 points all three weeks and the Battlehawks have put up a total of 53 points in their last two games.

Want action on this game? 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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Dallas Renegades at Seattle Dragons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Dallas Renegades at Seattle Dragons sports betting odds and lines, with XFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Renegades (1-1) travel west to take on the Seattle Dragons (1-1) Saturday of Week 3 in the XFL. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field. Below, we breakdown the Renegades vs. Dragons Week 3 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Renegades at Dragons: Week 3 preview, betting trends and notes

  • In his first start in the XFL, Renegades QB Landry Jones had a big passing day, throwing for 305 yards on 40 attempts in the 25-18 Week 2 win over the Los Angeles Wildcats. He did throw two interceptions, but his 7.6 yards per attempt is well above average in the XFL.
  • Renegades TE Donald Parham had a big day for Dallas, catching five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-8 target is an early favorite of Jones’.
  • Seattle QB Brandon Silvers completed just 7 of 18 passes last week in a 17-9 win over the Tampa Bay Vipers, throwing for 91 yards.
  • Dragons WR Keenan Reynolds caught his first career touchdown in any level of football in Week 2. He was a former quarterback in college who is now making the switch to wide receiver in the XFL.

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!


Renegades at Dragons: Key injuries

Renegades

  • DT Winston Craig (knee) out
  • TE Donald Parham  (foot) probable
  • WR Jeff Badet (hip) probable
  • OT Pace Murphy (foot) probable
  • TE Sean Price (hand) probable

Dragons

  • TE Isaiah Battle (ankle) out
  • OT Michael Dunn (calf) doubtful
  • DT Anthony Moten (ankle) out
  • WR Kasen Williams (quad) out
  • WR Dontez Byrd (knee) probable
  • RB Kenneth Farrow (rib) probable
  • RB Ja’Quan Gardner (ankle) probable

Renegades at Dragons: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Renegades 23, Dragons 17

Moneyline (?)

The RENEGADES (-189) are big road favorites over the Dragons (+155) Saturday afternoon. It’s not hard to understand why Dallas is such a big favorite after  Jones was able to throw for over 300 yards in his first game. After shaking off some of the rust, expect the Renegades to win and advance to 2-1 on the season.

Against the Spread (?)

The RENEGADES (-4.5, -106) are favored to win by more than a field goal. With Jones back in the lineup and one of the best defenses in the XFL, Dallas might have the most talented roster in the entire league.

Seattle doesn’t have the same quarterback talent and likely won’t be able to put up more than a couple of touchdowns against Dallas. Take the Renegades to cover the spread and win by at least 5 points.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this Week 3 XFL game is set for 42.5, which feels about right. During the first few weeks of the XFL season, the lines were far too high and several Unders hit.

While it appears oddsmakers are starting to set these lines lower, this one still feels a bit too high considering how good Dallas’ defense has been this season. Take the UNDER 42.5 (-110) in Seattle.

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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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Houston Roughnecks at Tampa Bay Vipers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Roughnecks at Vipers Week 3 matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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.

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!


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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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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Dallas Renegades vs Los Angeles Wildcats odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Renegades at Los Angeles Wildcats XFL matchup, with XFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

In Week 2 of the 2020 XFL season, the Dallas Renegades (0-1) will travel west to take on the Los Angeles Wildcats (0-1). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Below, we breakdown the Renegades vs. Wildcats Week 2 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Renegades vs. Wildcats – Week 2 preview, betting trends and notes

  • Without starting QB Landry Jones, the Dallas Renegades managed just 267 total yards on offense in Week 1. They were only 1-for-10 on third downs and failed to get into the end zone.
  • Los Angeles allowed 265 passing yards to Houston in the opening game of the season, along with four passing touchdowns.

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!


Renegades vs. Wildcats: Key injuries

Renegades:

  • QB Landry Jones (knee) probable
  • DL Winston Craig (thing) doubtful
  • DB Treston DeCoud (illness) questionable

Wildcats:

  • WR Saeed Blacknall (thigh) doubtful
  • RB Dujuan Harris (ankle) out
  • QB Chad Kanoff (shoulder) out
  • QB Josh Johnson (thigh) questionable
  • WR Tre McBride (thigh) questionable
  • C Kahlil McKenzie (ankle) doubtful
  • CB Harlan Miller (ankle) doubtful

Renegades vs. Wildcats: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Renegades 30, Wildcats 21

Moneyline (?)

The RENEGADES (-189) are slight road favorites in Week 2 over the Wildcats. While both teams looked sloppy in Week 1, Dallas’ defense did its job for the most part, and the Renegades should be getting their starting quarterback on the field. It also doesn’t help that the Wildcats have several significant injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Look for the Renegades to bounce back in Week 2 and get the win.

Against the Spread (?)

The RENEGADES (-4.5, -106) are more than a field-goal favorite over the Wildcats in Los Angeles, and that shouldn’t be a surprise. Oddsmakers believe the Renegades are one of the favorites to win the first XFL championship in the league’s relaunch. Meanwhile, the Wildcats just don’t have the same firepower on offense, and their defense was shredded in Week 1. Expect Los Angeles to be more competitive this week, but for Dallas to nonetheless cover the spread.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this Week 2 XFL matchup is set for 48.5 points, which feels about right considering how poorly these two teams performed in Week 1. Together, they scored just 26 points as both offenses looked rusty. However, with Landry Jones expected to start for the Renegades, that should produce more scoring, which should allow the OVER to hit in Los Angeles.

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.

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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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St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks sports betting odds and lines, with XFL Week 2 betting picks, tips and bets.

The St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0) play a second straight road game to open their inaugural XFL season, as they visit the Houston Roughnecks (1-0) at TDECU Stadium for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff to wrap up Week 2. Below, we breakdown the Battlehawks-Roughnecks Week 2 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Also See – XFL Futures Betting: 2020 Championship odds, picks and best bets

Battlehawks at Roughnecks: XFL Week 2 preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Roughnecks beat the Los Angeles Wildcats 37-17 at home in Week 1. They scored more points than any other team in the league’s opening week and matched the New York Guardians for the largest margin of victory at 20 points.
  • St. Louis was the only road team to win in Week 1. The Battlehawks beat the Dallas Renegades 15-9 to cover a +9.5-point spread as underdogs.
  • Roughnecks QB P.J. Walker completed 23 of his 38 pass attempts for 272 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. Two of his touchdown passes were at least 39 yards.
  • Battlehawks QB Jordan Ta’amu completed 20 of 27 attempts for 209 yards and a single touchdown in his team’s Week 1 upset.
  • The Roughnecks totaled just 50 rushing yards as a team with one touchdown in Week 1. The Battlehawks combined for 191 rushing yards. RB Keith Ford scored the lone touchdown on the ground.
  •  The Battlehawks racked up 78 penalty yards in Week 1. The Roughnecks were charged 69 yards.

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!


Battlehawks at Roughnecks: Key injuries

Battlehawks

  • DL Will Clarke (calf) questionable
  • RB Keith Ford (knee) questionable
  • WR Brandon Reilly (back) questionable
  • DB David Rivers (head) questionable
  • DL Dewayne Hendrix (ankle) questionable
  • RB Matt Jones (knee) questionable

Roughnecks

  • RB De’Angelo Henderson (shoulder) questionable
  • DL Caushaud Lyons (knee) questionable
  • WR Sam Mosley (hip) questionable
  • RB Andre Williams (wrist) questionable

Battlehawks at Roughnecks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at Friday at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Roughnecks 28, Battlehawks 18

Moneyline (?)

The Battlehawks (+240) are the biggest underdogs of Week 2 in the XFL as they stay on the road for a second straight game to open the season. There is no value in backing the Roughnecks (-304), even though they showed last week they’re now a team to beat en route to the April 26 championship game.

PASS and look to the spread for better odds on either side.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the favored Roughnecks to win the Week 2 game returns a profit of just $3.29.

Against the Spread (?)

Back the ROUGHNECKS (-8.5, +110) to win by at least nine points at home for the second week in a row. Walker looked like the much better quarterback in Week 1 and the Battlehawks’ top two running backs are both battling injuries. Don’t expect this to be another 20-point blowout, but Houston will win by double digits.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 50.5 (-128) is the play. The Roughnecks put up more points than any other team in Week 1 (37) while the Battlehawks’ 15 points were the fewest of any winning team in the season-opener. This will fall well short of the projection.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s XFL betting record: 1-4

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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