Los Angeles Wildcats at Houston Roughnecks Odds
- Spread: Roughnecks -6.5
- Total: 49.5
- Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET on Saturday
- TV: FOX
Odds as of Friday and via FanDuel, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.
Week 1 of the XFL is here!
Find our betting preview for Saturday's Wildcats-Roughnecks matchup, complete with matchup analysis and our experts' projected spread below.
Wildcats vs. Roughnecks Injury Report
For the Wildcats, quarterback Josh Johnson (thigh) has not participated in practice this week, and although he is listed as questionable, he seems unlikely to play in Week 1. Wide receiver Tre McBride (thigh), who was a surprise second-teamer on the team depth chart, was limited Wednesday after missing Tuesday’s practice, and he's officially questionable for the weekend.
The Roughnecks are almost fully healthy. — Tony Marquis
Key Matchup
Wildcats Pass Offense vs. Roughnecks Pass Defense
Due to Johnson’s injury, Jalan McClendon, a dual-threat quarterback from Baylor, is reportedly getting the start even though he's listed behind Chad Kanoff on the team's official depth chart.
As soon as news broke of Johnson's injury, sharp bettors hammered the line from Houston -4 to -5.5, and it has since moved to -6.5.
McClendon may be a better fit in offensive coordinator Norm Chow’s system than Kanoff, but he’s a significant downgrade from the talented Johnson, who the XFL blocked from signing with the Detroit Lions late last season. How McClendon performs against what should be a solid defense for the Roughnecks will determine how close this game stays. — Marquis
Our Projected Wildcats-Roughnecks Odds
You'll find our experts' consensus spread as well as Sean Koerner's total below. Find their projections for every Week 1 game here.
- Our Experts' Consensus Spread: Roughnecks -3.8
- Koerner's Projected Total: 47.7
Expert Picks
Ben Rolfe: Roughnecks -6.5
The Roughnecks are one of the two teams that have stood out in terms of roster construction and talent. They have the biggest potential difference-maker on defense in the league in lineman Kony Ealy, and now they look likely to be facing a backup quarterback in Week 1.
They have enough talent on their roster to win this one by at least a touchdown against the Wildcats.
