New York Guardians vs. DC Defenders: XFL Odds, Picks & Predictions
BET OF THE DAY: (2u) New York Guardians +6.5 @ -110
New York Guardians @ D.C. Defenders, 2:00 PM:
The reason we’re backing New York.
The Guardians (1-0) began the season on the right foot with a commanding 23-3 win over the Tampa Bay Vipers. New York led from start to finish including a comfortable 17-0 halftime lead.
Quarterback Matt McGloin was stellar in his action since being a backup in the NFL, completing 15-of-29 for 182 yards with one passing and one rushing touchdown.
Aside from McGloin, the Guardian defense was the real MVP putting together a dominant performance totaling five turnovers (3 INTs, 2 fumbles), an interception return for a touchdown, and five sacks.
The Defenders (1-0) won the debut XFL game on Saturday afternoon in comeback fashion after defeating the Seattle Dragons 31-19.
D.C.’s passing attack proved to be dangerous behind quarterback Cardale Jones. Jones finished with 235 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Eli Rogers was Jones’ go to, catching all six of his passes for 73 yards. Rashad Ross added two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
This matchup is set to be the best of the weekend and will be the first game of Week 2 action. The spread sitting at (+6.5) is a lot of points for a game that I feel New York could potentially win outright. I like the Guardian’s defense to keep this game close and cover.
The total is set 47 points, and I expect the over to hit with ease in a tightly contested and competitive game.
(1u) Seattle Dragons +2.5 @ -110
Tampa Bay Vipers @ Seattle Dragons, 5:00 PM:
The reason we’re backing Seattle
Seattle (0-1) watched a three-point halftime lead slip away on three costly turnovers, and lost to the D.C. Defenders 31-19.
Quarterback Brandon Silvers looked to make plays but had a rough outing, completing 21-of-40 for 217 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Austin Proehl was the thriving force for Seattle’s offense as he caught an XFL-best two touchdowns with five catches on 10 targets for 88 yards.
Tampa Bay (0-1) had a rough start to begin the season and lost to New York 23-3.
The Vipers led the XFL in time of possession for Week 1 at (34:45), but had no touchdowns to show for it. That was largely due to the struggles of starting quarterback Aaron Murray which led to him being benched for backup Quentin Flowers.
The lone bright spot for Tampa Bay was wide receiver Dan Williams, who led the XFL in receiving yards with 123 yards and caught six-of-nine targets.
It is hard to judge a team's longevity off one game, but Tampa Bay’s struggles to gel on offense were very apparent. Meanwhile, Seattle led at halftime and were in a position to take the lead late in the game. With that said, home teams won three of the first four games, all by 12 points or more. I’m rolling with Seattle as home underdogs.
The Over/Under is set 44.5 points, and I like Over to cover because of the likelihood both these teams decide to air the ball out on offense.