With only two weeks left in the XFL regular season, four teams are fighting over the two remaining playoff spots.
With second place in the North Division and a possible playoff spot on the line, the Seattle Sea Dragons (5-3) and St. Louis Battlehawks (6-2) round out the Week 9 roster. The Battlehawks will look to clinch a spot in the final divisional playoffs on Sunday, joining the top-seeded DC Defenders in defeating a Sea Dragons who need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive heading into the final week.
In game one on Sunday, the Arlington Renegades will take on the Defenders. Arlington could join the top seeded Houston Roughnecks in the South Division playoffs with a win and loss to the San Antonio Brahms. And Brahma meets the already-eliminated Orlando Guardians on Saturday.
The weekend kicks off with the Roughnecks facing off against the Vegas Vipers, who were also eliminated from playoff contention. If the Roughnecks win and the Renegades lose, the Roughnecks will host the South Division Championship, and since the Defenders have swept the Battlehawks, they can clinch the division and host the North Championship with a win in one of their last two games or a narrow loss. Saint Louis.
Here’s what to expect in Week 9, along with picks from ESPN sportscaster Doug Kizirian. The betting lines are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.
Saturday, 12:30 PM ET | ABC, ESPN
Spread: new -6.5 (43)
Houston has already clinched its spot in the playoffs, while the Vipers have been eliminated. Last week, the Vipers nearly pulled off an upset against the Battlehawks but fell 21-17 in the first overtime game of the XFL season. The Roughnecks ended their three-game losing streak the next day with a win in overtime, defeating the Brahmas 17-15. But their offense has struggled over the past four weeks, scoring less than 20 in three of the past four matches. Quarterback Brandon Silvers slumped after a hot start, being benched in Week 6 and passing just 17-for-36 with two touchdown passes and two interceptions last week.
Players to watch: The Roughnecks defense is led by linebacker Trent Harris, who ranks first in the league in sacks (8.5) and fullback Agene Harris, who leads in interceptions (five). But the Vipers have their own defensive playmaker in linebacker Pita Taumoepino, who is second in sacks (6.5). Quarterback Jalan McClendon stepped up for the Vipers offensively, with three touchdown passes and 87 yards in their last two games.
Kezirian’s Choice: Vegas +6.5. I still believe in the Vipers ever since they turned on Jalan McLendon as their starting quarterback. Vegas still finds ways to hurt themselves in games, but I also think we’re seeing the real version of Houston, who’s been 1-3 over their past four games. I would also like to go back to Vegas at halftime because they were so poor after halftime.
They said it was over, but they underestimated our hearts.
As long as there is a chance, we will fight 😤#XFL2023 | # Horns Forward pic.twitter.com/pQJ4UyafpX
– Saint Anthony Brahms (XFLBrahmas) April 13, 2023
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2, ESPN+
Spread: AT-1.5 (39)
The Guardians’ hopes of an elimination match were dashed last week after losing to the Renegades. Orlando quarterback Quinten Dormady’s five turnovers (two interceptions, three fumbles) are the most for a quarterback in a single game this season. Brahmas’ postseason hopes took a hit last week after falling to the Roughnecks. Their defense remained competitive, allowing just 16.4 points per game, but their offense continued to struggle scoring the second fewest points at 14.5 points per game.
Players to watch: Dormandy’s contradictions loom large for The Guardians. He followed a league-best six touchdowns in Week 7 with the five turnovers. To play well, he’ll need to rely on his primary target, Cody Latimer, who ranks first in the league in yards (558). The Brahms will rely heavily on their defensive line, which includes defensive lineman Dellontay Scott, who is second in sacks (6.5), and linebacker Jordan Williams, who has the second most tackles for loss (11).
Kezirian’s Choice: Guardians +2. Orlando was disappointed last week when they really had every chance of winning. Plus, Arlington’s QB change has paid dividends. San Antonio still suffers from pedestrian offense, so I have to keep my faith with Guardians.
Sunday, 12 p.m. ET | ESPN and ESPN+
Spread: DC -8.5 (41.5)
Last week, the Renegades offense was led by quarterback Luis Perez, who started for the first time since he was acquired via trade from the Vipers in Week 7. Highest total for the season. But they have a tough job playing the Defenders, who have the best record in the XFL and are led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. DC’s offense averages a league-high 30 points and ranks third in interceptions (8), second in sacks (22) and first in interceptions returned for touchdowns (3).
Players to watch: Ta’amu is in the top four in touchdown passing (10) and passing (1,435) yards while he is in the top eight in rushing yards (239). His back field partner, Abram Smith, leads the league in rushing yards (720). The Defenders’ defensive leader is cornerback Michael Joseph, who is second in interceptions (four). The Renegades will look to run back Devon Smith, who is third in rushing (322), and their defense will rely on linebacker Donald Payne, who is second in tackles in the league (61).
Kezirian’s Choice: Over 41.5. As I mentioned earlier, Arlington’s offense has improved with the change of QB to Luis Perez. This injected some life into the team and coach Bob Stoops capitalized on it. DC is still the XFL class and I think Arlington can generate some offense against the Defenders’ stout defense.
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET | ESPN and ESPN+
Spread: STL-2.0 (46)
It’s simple, the Battlehawks are fighting the Sea Dragons for a playoff spot. Seattle is looking to avenge its Week 2 loss against the Battlehawks and avoid being swept away by the top two teams in the division and eliminated from postseason play.. This game could turn into a quarterback showdown between the Battlehawks’ AG McCarron and Ben DiNucci of the Sea Dragons, who He ranked first and second in the XFL in passing yards and touchdown passes.
Players to watch: DiNucci ranks first in passing yards (2,072) and second in touchdown passes (15). He works with receiver Jahcour Pearson, who ranks second in the XFL in receiving yards (513). McCarron ranks second in yards (1,544) and first in touchdown passes (17). His main target is receiver Hakeem Butler, who is tied for first in touchdown receptions (6).
Kezirian’s Choice: Over 46. This must be the most exciting game of the weekend. Ben DiNucci and AJ McCarron can light up the scoreboard. This has all the makings of a penalty shootout.
This team is not done fighting 😤 We are heading to St. Louis with one goal – to win. #XFL2023 | #very angry pic.twitter.com/haqveTfgH0
– Seattle Sea Dragons (XFLS SeaDragons) April 13, 2023