Welcome to Week 5 of the XFL season.
Our betting analyst, John LanFranca, is eyeing two games in Week 5: D.C. Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks and Arlington Renegades vs. San Antonio Brahmas. The former is the premier matchup as D.C. (4-0) and St. Louis (3-1) have the best records in the league. It's also a rematch from Week 3, when the Defenders topped the Battlehawks, 34-28.
Check out the game previews and betting picks for XFL Week 5 below.
D.C. Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
TV: FX, ESPN+
| Defenders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Battlehawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | +110 |
John LanFranca: Instead of trying to pick a winner between the two best teams in the XFL, I am going to attack the total. The issue with the Battlehawks thus far in the young season has been turnovers, and if the Defenders are again able to create more opportunities for their offense, I expect this total to soar over the current total of 42, as it did in their last meeting.
According to Football Outsiders, these offenses are two of the top-three most efficient, according to EVOA. Both are also in the top three in yards per carry, allowing for shorter down-and-distance situations.
The Battlehawks defense is fifth (out of eight teams) in defensive EVOA this season, and I don't think they will be able to get the Defenders off the field often enough for this game to go under the total.
The energy in the building will be tremendous and this will be a fun game to watch as there will be plenty of points.
Pick: Over 42 (play to 42.5) |
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Arlington Renegades vs. San Antonio Brahmas
Kickoff: Sunday, 9 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2, ESPN+
| Renegades Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | +130 |
| Brahmas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | -155 |
John LanFranca: According to most metrics at Football Outsiders, San Antonio has been the better team thus far. The Brahmas have the top defensive EVOA and now take on a sputtering Renegades offense.
The Renegades' switch at quarterback to Kyle Sloter has not produced the desired results. Through the first four weeks, Arlington averages an abysmal 4.7 yards per pass attempt and are the only team in the league with a negative TD-to-INT ratio.
The rushing attack has not been much better. The Renegades are last in rushing yards per attempt, rushing touchdowns and explosive runs.
This is going to be a low scoring affair, but I am going to keep fading the Arlington offense until it shows any life. Lay the points with San Antonio and try to enjoy the defensive battle.
Pick: Brahmas -2.5 (play to -3) |
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically pre-load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
