XFL odds – Syndication Server

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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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).

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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

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.

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2020 XFL Championship Odds: Fallers

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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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.

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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.

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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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Los Angeles Wildcats at Houston Roughnecks XFL odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Los Angeles Wildcats at Houston Roughnecks sports betting odds and lines, with XFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Roughnecks (0-0) host the Los Angeles Wildcats (0-0) Saturday at 5 p.m. ET at TDECU Stadium in the second game of the opening weekend of the inaugural XFL season. Below, we breakdown the Roughnecks-Wildcats Week 1 matchup, with XFL betting picks and tips.

Wildcats at Roughnecks: XFL Week 1 preview, betting trends and notes

Roughnecks head coach and general manager June Jones leads his team against Wildcats head coach and general manager Winston Moss. Both bosses are loaded with experience across college and professional football.
Both sides are sprinkled with recognizable talents from the NFL and/or college ranks. Former Houston Texans WR Sammie Coates should be an early star for the Roughnecks. QB Josh Johnson is one of the top stars in the league for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats open the 2020 XFL season with +650 odds of winning the championship game April 26. The Roughnecks are right behind at +750 heading into the head-to-head season opener.
Those brand new to the XFL should note a few of the league’s new, alternative rules. After touchdowns, teams will have the option of running a play from the 2, 5, or 10-yard line for either 1, 2, or 3 points, respectively. There is no kicking for extra-point conversions.
If a team completes a forward pass behind the line of scrimmage, they may throw forward a second time, as long as the ball has not crossed the line of scrimmage.
Overtime will consist of five single-play possessions for each team.
The play clock will run at just 25 seconds, beginning once the ball has been spotted.

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Wildcats at Roughnecks: Key injuries

Johnson (thigh) and WR Tre McBride (thigh) are both questionable for the Wildcats.

Roughnecks WR Ray Bolden (calf) is listed as probable.

Wildcats at Roughnecks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Wildcats 25, Roughnecks 22

Moneyline (?)

The Wildcats will have the advantage at quarterback, but only if Johnson is able to suit up. Charles Kanoff is No. 2 on the QB depth chart. There’s no value in betting the Roughnecks at -278, and the bookmakers know little more than fans heading into this first slate of XFL games.

As is the theme of the week, blindly chase the value and back WILDCATS (+225).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Wildcats to win as road dogs returns a profit of $22.50.

Against the Spread (?)

The Wildcats are being spotted 6.5 points in the second-smallest spread of the four Week 1 games in the XFL. There will be blowouts in this opening week of action, but it’s impossible to tell where they will come from. The Wildcats have the better odds of the two teams to win the XFL Championship Game, so we’ll again back WILDCATS (+6.5, -110) to stay within 6 points in a loss, or win outright.

Over/Under (?)

Saturday’s two XFL games are both coming with projected totals of 49.5 points. With Johnson unlikely to be at full health if he’s able to play, and the alternative being a backup quarterback under center in Week 1, we’re taking UNDER 49.5 (+105) at the more profitable number.

The totals will be riskiest bets of the week, until we – and the teams – get a proper sense of the new XFL rules and scoring system.

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Seattle Dragons at D.C. Defenders XFL odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Seattle Dragons at D.C. Defenders sports betting odds and lines, with Week 1 XFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Seattle Dragons (0-0) and D.C. Defenders (0-0) begin their 2020 campaigns in the relaunched XFL Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, squaring off at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. We analyze the Dragons-Defenders Week 1 odds and lines, with XFL betting advice and tips around this matchup, the first game of the league’s opening weekend.

Dragons at Defenders: XFL Week 1 preview, betting trends and notes

The Dragons are led by coach Jim Zorn, who was once the head coach of the Washington Redskins. While an experienced coach, his quarterback Brandon Silvers doesn’t offer much in the way of confidence.
D.C. is led by a coach-quarterback tandem with NFL experience. Pep Hamilton worked as an assistant for five NFL teams, most recently with the Cleveland Browns, while quarterback Cardale Jones is a big-arm QB who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2016 draft.
DT Will Sutton and WR Keenan Reynolds are the most recognizable names on Seattle’s roster, which is short on ex-NFL talent.
The Defenders are loaded with former NFL players. S Matt Elam, QB Tyree Jackson, LB Scooby Wright and RB Donnel Pumphrey lead the charge behind Jones.
The Defenders have the fourth-best odds (+600) to win the XFL 2020 Championship. The Dragons have the longest odds at +1100.

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 Defenders: Key injuries

Dragons

OT Isaiah Battle (ankle) out
TE Cam Clear (undisclosed) out
S Tyson Graham (hand) out
WR Kasen Williams (quad) out
WR Alonzo Moore (hip) questionable

Defenders

WR DeAndre Thompkins (foot) out
LB Scooby Wright (knee) out
S Shamarko Thomas (thigh) questionable
DE Tavaris Barnes (arm) probable
S Matt Elam (thigh) probable
G Dorian Johnson (shoulder) probable
DB Bradley Sylve (thigh) probable

Dragons at Defenders: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Defenders 27, Dragons 15

Moneyline (?)

Betting the moneyline in the first XFL game ever is risky, given the unknowns about both teams and the league as a whole. Yes, the Defenders have more NFL-caliber players on their roster, but that’s not the only determining factor in a good team.

The Defenders’ moneyline is -358, which comes with very little reward for the risk you’d have to make to win any significant amount of money. You could put down a small wager on the Dragons (+280) to hedge your bet if you’re betting on the spread, too, but I’d probably PASS on both.

Against the Spread (?)

On paper – which is all we have to go off of right now – the Defenders look like a much better team. We have no idea what we’re going to get from Silvers at QB for the Dragons, and even though Jones is a question mark, too, we at least saw him against top competition at Ohio State and briefly in the NFL.

All told, the Defenders are 7.5-point favorites, which is the second-largest spread of the weekend. D.C.’s defense has enough NFL-caliber talent that it should be able to keep the Dragons in check. Plus, having a proven player like Pumphrey at RB will help D.C.’s offense.

Take the DEFENDERS -7.5 (-121).

Over/Under (?)

With the revamped rules in the XFL, there should be more scoring. There are different point-after-touchdown options, and with a shorter play clock, the pace should be higher. That doesn’t mean the offenses will be productive, though.

With an Over/Under of 49.5, I’d be inclined to take the UNDER 49.5 (-110), just because the Dragons don’t have much proven talent on offense and there are still questions about Jones as the Defenders’ QB.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. 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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