Game schedule, groups, gamers, stats

Posted on by

Mar 10, 2023

  • DJ Bien-AimeESPN

The D.C Defenders and the Houston Roughnecks are each 3-0 and stay the one undefeated groups within the XFL getting into Week 4.

Last week the Roughnecks, led by quarterback Brandon Silvers’ three landing passes, defeated the San Antonio Brahmas 22-13, whereas the Defenders had been capable of get to quarterback A.J. McCarron — leading to 4 sacks and two interceptions — to beat the St. Louis BattleHawks 34-28.

The Roughnecks open Week 4 on Saturday towards the Orlando Guardians, and the Defenders battle the Vegas Vipers on Sunday night time.

Week 3 was no completely different from the opening weeks within the leisure division, with probably the most thrilling matchup being a battle between two winless groups.

With 3:34 remaining within the fourth quarter, the Seattle Sea Dragons had been trailing the Vegas Vipers 26-18 earlier than quarterback Ben DiNucci engineered the comeback. DiNucci threw two touchdowns — one among which was a 65-yard recreation winner to former NFL All-Pro extensive receiver Josh Gordon on fourth-and-2 with 59 seconds left.

DiNucci completed with 377 passing yards and 4 landing passes.

Here’s what to anticipate in Week 4, together with picks from ESPN sports activities betting insider Doug Kezirian. Betting strains are supplied by Caesars Sportsbook.

Houston Roughnecks (3-0) at Orlando Guardians (0-3)

Saturday, 7 p.m., ET| FX, ESPN+
Spread: HOU -8.5 (37.5)

This is a Week 1 rematch, because the Roughnecks beat the Guardians then 33-12. The Roughnecks lead the league in factors per recreation (26) and fewest allowed (13). On the offensive aspect, Silvers is second in passing yards (723) and tied for first in landing passes (7). Defensively, linebackers Trent Harris and Tim Ward have mixed for 7.5 sacks. The Roughnecks proceed to guide the league in sacks (13) and interceptions (5), whereas the Guardians have struggled offensively by means of three weeks, averaging a league-low 11 factors.

Read also  NCAA Women's Bracket: Top matchups, Final Four picks, extra

Players to observe: The beneficiary of Silvers’ explosive passing assault is extensive receiver Jontre Kirklin, who’s third within the league in receiving yards (204) and tied for first in landing receptions (3). For the Guardians, former Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch is fifth in passing yards (423), and his former Denver teammate, extensive receiver Cody Latimer, continues to be efficient within the midst of a struggling offense. Latimer is sixth in receiving yards (155) and has caught two touchdowns.

Kezirian: Orlando confirmed indicators of life final week and notched its first cowl in a one-point loss to Arlington. However, the Guardians are nonetheless the league’s worst crew, with points at most positions, and Houston (-8.5) is probably going the highest crew within the league.

San Antonio Brahmas (1-2) at Seattle Sea Dragons (1-2)

Saturday, 10 p.m. ET| FX, ESPN+
Spread: SEA -4.5 (40.5)

This matchup offers a possibility for each groups to return to .500. The Sea Dragons have the perfect aerial assault within the XFL. DiNucci, a former Dallas Cowboy, leads the league in passing yards (855), accomplished passes (83), throws leading to first downs (37) and is tied for the lead in landing passes (7). On the opposite aspect, Brahmas quarterback Jack Coan has additionally had success, having thrown 5 landing passes, however Coan struggled final week towards the Roughnecks, totaling solely 64 yards.

Players to observe: The two beneficiaries of DiNucci are extensive receivers Jahcour Pearson, who’s first in receiving yards (272), and Gordon, who’s second (225). In addition to their dynamic passing assault, in addition they have the XFL’s main rusher in Morgan Ellison (170). The Brahmas are tied for second in dashing (297) and are led by operating backs Kalen Ballage and Jacques Patrick, who’ve mixed for 235 yards.

Read also  Eric Bieniemy - Focus on Commanders, not head-coach jobs

Kezirian: Seattle QB Ben DiNucci is made for high-scoring video games along with his potential to make performs, in addition to a propensity for turnovers. San Antonio QB Jack Coan has proven some flashes, and the Seattle protection is somewhat suspect. Taking over 40.5.

Arlington Renegades (2-1) at St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1)

Sunday, 4 p.m. ET| ESPN2, ESPN+
Spread: STL -4 (36.5)

Both groups have proven a aptitude for the dramatic with late game-winning drives. The Battlehawks’ last-second wins have come off the arm of McCarron. The Renegades have relied on their protection holding sturdy within the final seconds, together with a goal-line stand towards the Vipers in Week 1. The Battlehawks want to bounce again from their first loss, regardless of McCarron’s 4 landing passes and the Renegades want to string collectively back-to-back wins after holding on, 10-9, towards the Guardians.

Players to observe: McCarron’s NFL pedigree has proved priceless, as he is third in passing yards (636) and tied for first in landing passes (7). Wide receiver Hakeem Butler’s three touchdowns are additionally tied for a league excessive. Renegades operating again De’Veon Smith has been constant and is sixth within the XFL in dashing (107).

Kezirian: Arlington is proscribed on offense however has an enormous teaching edge with Bob Stoops. I’m not bought on the Battlehawks, given the offensive line points, so I believe we see a lower-scoring affair in St. Louis. Under 36.5.

Vegas Vipers (0-3) at D.C. Defenders (3-0)

Sunday, 7 p.m. ET| ESPN 2, ESPN+
Spread: DC -6 (42)

Read also  Padres’ Manny Machado plans to decide out after 2023 season

This is a rematch from Week 2 that resulted in a 18-6 win for the Defenders, who reeled off 15 factors within the fourth quarter. Although the Vipers didn’t execute within the fourth quarter, quarterback Brett Hundley threw for 224 yards with two landing passes and rushed for 66 yards and a rating. The Defenders have the perfect dashing assault within the XFL, averaging 149 yards. On the opposite aspect, their protection is second in interceptions (4) and sacks (10).

Players to observe: The Defenders’ floor recreation is funneled by means of the operating again duo of Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead, who’ve mixed for 294 yards dashing. Tasked with stopping the dashing assault is Vipers defensive finish Maximilian Roberts, who has three sacks, tied for second most within the league.

Kezirian: QB Brett Hundley makes the Vipers a way more competent offense, and so they can definitely put up some factors, which is why they’re 3-0 ATS within the first half. However, Rod Woodson has confirmed his teaching inexperience — one cause they’re 0-3. The Defenders are utilizing a two-quarterback system pretty successfully. Over 42.5 is the play.