With the XFL returning this year, spring football fans are delighted to have another stretch of this popular game’s all-new season. We’re well into week 4, but if you want to find out what to watch for in the XFL, stick with us, and we’ll show you where to hang out the rest of the season.
>> See the latest odds for the XFL
Team Storylines to Watch Over the XFL Season
Arlington Renegades: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
After winning their season opener against the Vegas Vipers, Arlington couldn’t keep that momentum going into week 2, suffering a 23-14 loss against the Houston Roughnecks. Despite the loss to the in-state rival, Arlington has some optimism as their defense was strong against the run and looks to be one of the more steady units across the league.
However, the big storyline in Arlington is the questions surrounding their offense. In week 1, the offense was put in position to come back and win the game, with numerous turnovers forced by the defense. Without those, the offense struggled to find any rhythm in Week 2, and the team failed to create anything scoring-wise.
Overall, the team produced 8 total yards in the second half. Everyone on the offense must be on high alert, or major changes could be coming to the lineup.
Think the Renegades have what it takes to win the XFL Championship?
>> Place your bet on the Arlington Renegades at Bovada
D.C. Defenders: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
The sportsbooks generally know best, and the D.C. Defenders are the current odds-on favorite to win the XFL championship this season at +300. The season has started well for them, too, currently 2-0 with wins over the Seattle Sea Dragons and Vegas Vipers.
They’re led by Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead, who possess the 2nd and 3rd highest total rushing yards across the league. The Defenders are certainly in good hands on the ground.
However, the biggest storyline may be the brewing quarterback controversy between Jordan Ta’amu and D’Eriq King. In last week’s victory over Vegas, King stepped into the game and helped DC produce better as a run-dominant offense. Ta’amu will need to perform at a high level to keep King off the field going forward.
>> Bet on the D.C. Defenders to win the XFL Championship at BetOnline
Houston Roughnecks: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
For the Houston Roughnecks, things are going as smoothly as you could hope through the first two weeks of the season. After demolishing the Orlando Guardians 33-12 in Week 1, their success carried over to Week 2 as the team put together a strong second half to beat the Arlington Renegades 23-14 and prove themselves as the best team right now in Texas.
The Roughnecks’ +30-point differential is the best across the league, and their defensive dominance should help them continue to play at a high level throughout the rest of the season.
The storyline of this team is certainly Head Coach Wade Phillips and what he’s been able to accomplish with this team so far into the season. Phillips was once a head coach for the Dallas Cowboys before being fired but remained on NFL staff as a highly-regarded defensive coordinator.
Somewhere along the way, Phillips fell out of favor with the league and didn’t have his contract renewed as the Rams’ defensive coordinator after the 2019 season. Phillips has always been a great defensive mind, and his success with the Roughnecks generating pressure and turnovers should go a long way for the team this year.
Do you think this defense will dominate all the way to the XFL Championship?
>> Bet on the Roughnecks at MyBookie.
Orlando Guardians: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
Thinks have been rocky for the Orlando Guardians to start the season, as the team lost their season opener 33-12 against the Houston Roughnecks, then went into Week 2 hoping to bounce back only to get beaten handily again by the San Antonio Brahmas 30-12.
On the bright side, though, Orlando has a very nice backfield duo of Jah-Maine Martin and Kelvin Taylor, who are productive on the ground. Their defensive line has done a nice job generating production regarding sacks and tackles for loss.
The big storyline for Orlando at the moment is the QB controversy, as former-first-round pick Paxton Lynch has struggled to find any rhythm as a passer through two weeks and has been benched in both games to start the season.
Backup quarterbacks Deondre Francois and Quinten Dormandy haven’t been stellar when stepping in, but with Lynch’s inability to produce, a permanent change could be necessary for the Guardians.
0-2 isn’t an ideal start, but crazier things have happened. And maybe the Guardians will turn things around and win the XFL Championship
>> Head to Everygame and place your bet for the Guardians to win.
San Antonio Brahmas: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
San Antonio fell apart in the last three minutes of their season opener, allowing 15 points in that time to go on to lose 18-15 to the Battlehawks, but they got back on track in Week 2 as the team beat Orlando by a score of 30-12.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler legend Hines Ward leads the team. And with former Notre Dame and Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan as the starter under center, this team is absolutely showing some promise.
The 24-year-old has great size and has produced the 4th most yards in the league and 4 touchdowns to only 1 interception. While he still has a whole season he’ll need to perform well through, he’s showing some nice upside for an NFL team to potentially bring him on for the current season.
If you think Hines Ward and the Brahmas can carry their success all the way to one championship game, get in on the action now.
>> Bet on the Brahmas to win the XFL championship at BetUS
Seattle Sea Dragons: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
Things have been frustrating for the Seattle Sea Dragons as they have had too many second-half mistakes occur in the first two weeks that resulted in the team losing both games up to this point. While offensive coordinator June Jones (former SMU Head Coach) has had a productive offense, the mistakes have been costly and must be cleaned up.
The major storyline for Seattle is the former Cowboy QB Ben DiNucci leading the XFL in passing yards with a great wide receiver tandem of Jahcour Pearson and Fantasy Football Darling Josh Gordon.
While the passing game has been able to produce in terms of yardage and consistency, the interceptions and fumbles that have occurred will need to be resolved if Seattle wants to be able to contend this season like the roster has the talent to do so.
With +850 odds, the Seattle Sea Dragons could be a great bargain bet with a chance to win the XFL Championship if they can clean up their mistakes.
>> Go to Sportsbetting.ag and bet on the Sea Dragons to go all the way.
St. Louis Battlehawks: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
Things haven’t been easy for the St. Louis Battlehawks, but they’ve been able to squeak by regardless and are currently 2-0 to start the XFL season. Week 1 for the Battlehawks had an early start, making it look like the team could be in for a long season.
However, the team caught fire in the fourth quarter and pulled off an 18-15 victory against the San Antonio Brahmas. Week 2 was a tight squeeze as the Battlehawks prevailed in a 20-18 win against the Seattle Sea Dragons.
The storyline of this team has to be the decorated AJ McCarron, who is most known for his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He won 3 national championships, including individual achievements such as the 2013 Maxwell Award and being named to the All-American First Team.
McCarron spent eight seasons operating as a respected backup in the NFL, working to stick around on a roster with little to no opportunity to move up on the depth chart and see the field. So the quarterback decided to bet on himself and join the XFL to make memories on the field that he could enjoy, and his family could watch.
The gamble has paid off in terms of success, as McCarron is one of the league’s most efficient passers and is a key leader to a team starting the season 2-0.
If you think AJ McCarron will continue his winning ways of Alabama to an XFL Championship, place a bet and see if the gamble pays off.
>> Bet on the Battlehawks to win XFL at BUSR
Vegas Vipers: Analysis, Overview & Storylines
If football were a one-half game, the Vegas Vipers would be 2-0 this season, but instead, they sit at 0-2 to start the year. With an opening week 22-18 loss against the Arlington Renegades and a subsequent loss to the D.C. Defenders with 18-6.
Those second-half struggles are the major storyline following this team into week three. The Vipers are filled with NFL talent, including notable names such as QB Brett Hundley, WR Martavis Bryant, and OLB Vic Beasley. However, the team with plenty of NFL experience has struggled to maintain their first-half success and finish out games.
>> Bet on the Vipers to win the XFL at XBet.
Other betting opportunities you can check out:
2023 XFL Football Props: Best Season-Long Betting Odds
St. Louis Battlehawks (+350 to win 2023 XFL Championship)
The Battlehawks have had some close calls early this season, but the team is filled with talent, and the veteran presence of AJ McCarron cannot be understated. With a big game this weekend against the odds-on favorite to win it all, the D.C. Defenders, the Battlehawks could potentially win this weekend and never get back to having this good of odds.
Want to bet on the St. Louis Battlehawks to win it all? Find the best odds at Sportsbetting.ag.
Houston Roughnecks (+350 to win 2023 XFL Championship)
Defense wins championships, and the Houston Roughnecks have a defense that has been giving teams fits through the first two weeks.
With a great mix of forcing turnovers and limiting plays on the ground, Houston has a recipe for winning with a defense that consistently stalls offenses and allows for their own to get plenty of opportunities with great field positioning to go along with it.
There are still some questions on the offensive side that will need to be answered as the season goes on, but Houston has looked to be one of the most controlling teams so far, so getting in now while they aren’t the odds-on favorite could be a great way to take advantage of the early unknown surrounding the league.
Want to bet on the Houston Roughnecks to win it all? Head to Betonline and place your bet.
D.C. Defenders (+300 to win XFL Championship)
Sometimes, the bookies know best. D.C. has a dominant rushing attack, some great defensive play, and two quarterbacks they trust enough to split time.
While they had a close call in week one, beating the Sea Dragons by just 4 points, they went on to dominate the Vipers on the ground, and with heavy correlation of success to ground-game production, the Defenders have an excellent outlook going forward.
Want to bet on the D.C. Defenders to win it all? Go to MyStake to bet.
How to Bet On The XFL
Did you know that despite the league being so new, sportsbooks still offer plenty of betting opportunities on their sites for fans to potentially win and turn a huge profit on?
With so many unknown variables surrounding the XFL, this is a great opportunity for you and others to jump in on the action while sports books are still figuring out teams.
From weekly lines for the spreads, moneyline winners, and points scored to who will win the XFL championship. This is an incredible time to get in on the action and enjoy football during your spring!
>> See the best XFL betting odds
Best XFL Betting Sites
Here are some of the best places to place a wager on the XFL playoff games:
MyStake: Think you know who will win the games this week? MyStake has some of the best odds on games each week and many other options on its site. They’ll also give you up to $500 in bonus bets as a new player.
Bovada: One of the most popular sportsbooks in the world, Bovada allows you to bet on who you think will win the XFL championship — the perfect motivating factor to commit to your fandom. They also allow new players to earn up to $750 in bonus bets.
BetOnline: BetOnline is a ton of fun on every XFL gameday, as they have specific lines for each game every week. They’ve got a 25-year industry reputation, and you can get a sports bonus of up to $1,000 on your first deposit.
MyBookie: You can bet on almost anything at MyBookie, as they offer spreads, moneyline wagers, and point props. It’s an easy site to navigate, even with great coverage and insight into various sports betting events. New players can get a first deposit match of up to $1,000.
Sportsbetting.ag: Sportsbetting.ag could be a great choice for all your XFL bets. They’re also generous with redemption opportunities, allowing you to get $1,000 in first deposit bonus money.
See similar betting guides:
Everything You Need to Know About the XFL
What is the XFL?
The XFL is an eight-team professional football league that operates across the United States and offers players a chance to play football throughout the spring for the possibility of impressing and potentially working their way into a contract with the NFL.
While the league isn’t affiliated with the NFL, many view it as a league under it that allows players that may be deep on a team’s depth chart or unable to find work in the NFL an opportunity to showcase their talents and reach the next level.
However, this isn’t just for the player’s personal gain in their career, this is still an opportunity to play the sport they’ve worked so hard toward their entire life and get paid while being broadcast on national television.
Who Is In Charge of the XFL?
The headliner of the league’s ownership is superstar actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, but the league is owned and operated by Alpha Acquico, LLC. Dany Garcia is the league’s CEO, she is a very successful businesswoman who is also the ex-wife of Dwayne Johnson. They are at least cordial if willing to dive into business ventures together!
What in the World Is a Brahma?
The San Antonio Brahmas must be one of the more unique and eye-catching names in the XFL. It is based on the Brahman Bull, an American breed of zebuine and taurine cattle.
If you’re like me and had no idea where the San Antonio name originated, now you know. The San Antonio logo itself seems to have a much different look, as it has more of a lightning-ish-looking Bull head for its logo. Still, the overall team design and jerseys are pretty sleek, and it’s better than going with something generic.
When Did the XFL Begin?
You may feel some massive deja vu with this league “starting up” again because the fact is, the XFL has had two prior attempts of starting up and shutting down in the past. In 1999, the league was created, and in 2001, it played its first season. Unfortunately, that didn’t take off.
The league then had a revival in 2017, with hopes of sparking a comeback and bringing in a viewing audience to compete with and eventually overtake the NFL. The league was officially set to begin in 2020 but only lasted one month until complications with COVID and bankruptcy caused them to cancel the rest of the season and shut down for a second time.
Now, the XFL has returned after being purchased by Alpha Acquico, LLC, the league hopes to find stability under new leadership and bring ways of entertainment and innovation to football that allows it to last and succeed over time.
>> See the latest odds for the XFL
Where to Watch XFL?
The games should be available online via Youtube TV and ESPN. Some sportsbooks offer a live TV feature where you can watch XFL games.
Will the XFL Overtake the NFL?
While the early XFL intended to compete and take over the football world, the new XFL is being run to work with the NFL and serve as a platform for players to prove themselves, ways to test new rules, and a chance to innovate the game with extra technology.
Many leagues have developmental leagues, such as the Minor Leagues for Baseball, the G-League for the NBA, and the AHL for the NHL.
If the XFL could find a way to become a platform that allows players to develop their skills while also serving as an opportunity for veterans to prove they still have what it takes to contribute to the NFL, then the XFL could provide a lot of value both as a product of entertainment, and a product of support.
XFL Betting Tips and Strategies
1. Follow The Strengths & Weaknesses
While the XFL is a high level of football, there are also some very simple ways to help see through the smoke and determine results. The XFL is a run-first league for most teams, and that will lead to the team who controls the trenches (offensive and defensive lines) likely controlling the game and ending up victorious.
So if you can keep up with what teams are doing the best at producing on the ground and defensively limiting the ground attack, you’ll likely figure out who is more likely to win this game even if the odds are saying otherwise.
Currently, the D.C. Defenders have the most yards on the ground, but the St. Louis Battlehawks and Orlando Guardians are averaging more yards per carry. Defensively, the Houston Roughnecks, San Antonio Brahmas, and Orlando Guardians have had the most productive defensive lines in terms of sacks and tackles for loss.
2. Get In Early
If you have faith in a team being worth placing your bet on, then it’s best to get your bets in now while sportsbooks still try to figure out the pecking order of this league and who will be hoisting the championship trophy at the end of the season.
With the league so new, many sportsbooks will drastically shift throughout the season as each game and result comes in, so if you have some insight or knowledge that you trust, now is the time to place your bet because odds could drastically change from week to week!
3. When There Is Plenty Of Unknown, Follow Experience
Look at similar sports platforms like college basketball, where there are plenty of teams in March Madness who succeed because they’re filled with upperclassmen who have had plenty of experience and development that allows them to shine in high-pressure situations. That likely will have a similar effect here in the XFL.
Young talent is exciting, it’s what many will look out for, but rosters with plenty of guys who spent time in the XFL will probably have more success throughout the season.
Someone like AJ McCarron, who was a respected backup for 8 seasons and still could be in the NFL, is almost always going to be easier to depend on to win games than someone like Paxton Lynch, who quickly fell out of the league in three seasons and has yet to return.
>> See the latest odds for the XFL
XFL Betting: Things to Watch For in the XFL Championship
The XFL is just starting, and the time to place your bets is now – it’s your move!
Overall, the sportsbooks mentioned above, particularly our number one choice Bovada, offer the best shot at locking in the best XFL prices this year.
That said, expect them to continue to drop more unique prop bets and update odds the further we get into the season with more familiarity and sample size for the league and oddsmakers.
While the league is relatively new, now is a great time to take advantage of the current odds and potentially win some good money!
Whether you’re betting on the XFL or any other sports, we urge you to do it responsibly.
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