Heading into the season’s halfway point, DC Defenders and Houston Roughnecks are the only ones left two undefeated teams In xfl,
In Week 4, the Roughnecks, led by quarterback Brandon Silver’ Three touchdown passes, defeating the Orlando Guardians 44–16, the largest margin of victory in an XFL game this season, and becoming the first team to score over 40.
The Defenders defeated the Vegas Vipers 32–18. It was his biggest scoring output of the season, and he rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
Both teams may be tested at the top week 5, On Thursday night, the Roughnecks go on the road to battle the Seattle Sea Dragons, who have the XFL’s leader in passing yards. ben dinucci, On Saturday night, the defenders will travel to face the St. Louis Battlehawks, who are second in the league in points (96).
is here what to expect In Week 5, with picks from ESPN sports betting insider Doug Kezirian. Condition lines Provided by Caesars Sportsbook.
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Spread: HOU -3.0 (41.5)
This matchup features the two most productive quarterbacks in the XFL. DiNucci is first in passing yards (1,119) and third in touchdown passes (eight), while Silver is first in touchdown passes (10) and second in passing yards (962). Both teams’ defenses have held opposing offenses under 19 points per game. But the Roughnecks’ defense is putting the most pressure on opposing quarterbacks, topping the league with 17 sacks and first with five interceptions. The Sea Dragons’ defense is last in the league with one interception and has eight sacks, third fewest.
Players to watch: Beyond Silver, wide receiver Jontre Kirklin The Roughnecks’ offense continues to thrive and is tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns (four). Expect to see Sea Dragons wide receiver Jahor Pearson Receives a high amount of passes, as he leads the league with 40 goals. On the defensive side, expect Houston linemen Tim Ward and outside linebacker Trent Harris To put pressure on DiNucci. Harris is first in sacks (six) and Ward is second (four). If the Sea Dragons have to lean on their rushing game to slow down the Roughnecks’ pass rush, then that running back Morgan Ellison Leads the league in rushing with 239 yards.
Kezirian: It’s a tough spot for undefeated Houston, as the Sea Dragons are slightly better than their 2-2 record. The offense was held in check last week, but usually Seattle can move the ball and score. Plus, QB Ben DiNucci would also find a way to generate points for the opposition with inexplicable turnovers. over 41.5.
Locked In…Lumen Field, Here We Come 😤#XFL , #roughneckation pic.twitter.com/WfMvMMOrps
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) March 15, 2023
Saturday, 7PM ET | FX, ESPN+
Spread: DC -2.0 (41.5)
This is a rematch of week three, when the Defenders won 34-28 and the Battlehawks were able to slow down the quarterback. AJ McCarron By sacking him four times and intercepting him twice. The Battlehawks will look to counter the Defenders’ ground attack, which leads the league with 622 yards.
Players to watch: BattleHawks receivers will have an intriguing matchup Hakeem Butler and defenders cornerbacks Michael Joseph, Butler is tied for first in touchdown receptions (four) and fifth in receiving yards (250), and Joseph is tied for the league lead in interceptions (four). Defensive lineman Jerrell Owens can help Joseph and DC’s defense by putting pressure on McCarron, as Owens ranks fourth in sacks (three). On the other hand, the defenders’ offense has three of the XFL’s top five rushers, led by running backs. Abram Smith214 rushing yards, the second most in the league. Quarterback Jordan Tamu is right behind Smith with 185 yards. And when the defenders get close to the end zone, they pass the ball to the quarterback. d’eric kingJoe leads the league in rushing touchdowns (four).
Saturday, 10 PM ET | FX, ESPN+
Spread: VGS-7.5 (42)
It’s a battle of two winning teams, but the difference is that most of the Vipers’ losses have been competitive and the result of fourth quarter failures. In three of their four losses, they were either tied or leading in the final quarter. The Guardians have struggled to remain competitive, as they have lost by 18 points or more three times. Their offense is averaging 12.25 points per game, lowest in the league, and their defense is allowing a league-high 29 points.
Players to watch: Leading quarterback for Vipers going into Week 5 depends on former Green Bay Packer’s health Brett Hundley, who started last week but left with a hamstring injury. If Handley is out, luis perez Will take his place. Perez has five touchdown passes so far this season, tied for fourth most in the league. Expect the Receiver, Regardless of the Quarterback Jeff Badet to stage. Badet is third in receiving yards (261) and third in touchdown receptions (three). For The Guardians, Their Passing Attack Is Up East denver broncos Quarterback paxton lynchJoe ranks fourth in the XFL in passing yards (690) and has thrown four touchdown passes.
Sights Set at Vegas 🎰 pic.twitter.com/InDePeiYZz
— Orlando Guardians (@XFLGuardians) March 14, 2023
Sundays, 10 p.m. ET | ESPN 2, ESPN+
Spread: SA -2.0 (35.5)
Both the Renegades and the Brahmas are struggling on offense. The Renegades’ offense has scored as many touchdowns in the same number of games played (four), which is the fewest in the XFL. Even in their 22–20 Week 1 victory over the Vipers, it was their defense that led to the scoring, with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Brahma’s offense isn’t much better, as they have scored seven touchdowns, tied for second fewest in the league. Expect this matchup to be low-scoring.
Players to watch: Expect this matchup to watch the ground game, as both the teams are in the top four in flamboyant efforts, with Brahmas second (105) and Renegades fourth (94). renegades running back D’Veon Smith Has been consistent, as he ranks eighth in the XFL in rushing (131) and scored his first touchdown of the season last week. calen balez Rushing for 147 yards continued to lead the Brahmas.