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Image: San Antonio Express
The final weekend of the 2023 XFL Regular Season is here. Two playoff spots are still available, with four teams still in the hunt. This week, our crew makes a case for each contender, while also previewing Week 2 of the USFL!
First, let's break down everything you need to know for Saturday's #XtraFootball slate!
The St. Louis Battlehawks (Home Today vs. Orlando)
by Jordan Laube
Following an impressive 6-3 campaign that has included two walk-off victories, the best QB play in the league via AJ McCarron, and the best pass blocker in Vadal Alexander, STL boasted a surging offense throughout the season. In order for the Battlehawks to have a shot at getting in, the following needs to happen:
Battlehawks WIN & Sea Dragons LOSS
Battlehawks LOSS & Sea Dragons LOSS
Battlehawks WIN & Sea Dragons WIN
Battlehawks have a +26 higher point differential in their win compared to the Sea Dragons
Although winning does a great deal for the Battlehawks, they’ll need some help from the Vegas Vipers to give them their best shot at clinching the postseason. While the Sea Dragons definitely have household names like Josh Gordon, Ben DiNucci, and Phillip Lindsay, the Battlehawks have done more with less throughout the regular season. A journeyman NFL QB came in and ripped apart pass defenses, while St. Louis’ D brought the hurt on every single snap. They’ve gone above and beyond, all while sending out the worst rushing attack in the league. I believe in AJ McCarron and the St. Louis Battlehawks to clinch the 2nd seed in the North Division.
The San Antonio Brahmas (Home Today vs. DC)
by Will Tondo
Not. Done. Yet. We’re talking playoffs, and San Antonio is still alive (despite a 3-6 record). They are only one game behind the Arlington Renegades, but need a few things to work in their favor in order to clinch a spot. Their path to the South Division Championship is as follows. This week, if they beat DC and Arlington loses to Houston, then they are golden. Now, that is a task in itself, as the Defenders are scorching hot and boast an 8-1 record. DC could be resting guys in prep for the postseason, so you never know.
Here is where it gets interesting. If both teams finish with the same record, the teams would head to a tiebreaker three scenario, because both the Brahmas and the Renegades defeated each other and have the same division records.
Now brace yourself for this tie-breaker; it’s strength of victory in all games, which is the combined record of opponents wins. If that scenario falls into place, the Brahmas clinch, because they will have a greater strength of victory in all games over the Renegades.
So first off, that’s a mouth full. If you've made it this far, all you need to know is, San Antonio still has a chance. Arlington controls the narrative, but if the Brahmas claim the Week 10 victory, then all they need is the cards to fall in the right place.
Now, the question is; does a four-win San Antonio deserve to be in? I guess by the metrics Dwayne Johnson has created in these tiebreaker scenarios, then yes. Personally? I’d like to see them in, but they haven’t been impressive. Their offense cannot generate points and they don’t have playmakers to score.
USFL Week 2-Saturday
12:30-Houston Gamblers vs. New Orleans Showboats
by Jordan Laube
This week, the Breakers stout passing attack hosts the competitive Gamblers, who look to get their first win of the season.
Top Players from Week 1
Houston
Na'Ty Rodgers (Offensive Tackle): On 26 pass block snaps, Rodgers didn’t allow a single
pressure and helped the Gamblers rush for 98 yards and 2 TDs.
New Orleans
Greg Eisworth II (Cornerback:) Although he allowed 3 catches on 3 targets, he only allowed 10 total yards while also adding 4 stops, leading the entire USFL in Week 1.
Betting Lines
Moneyline: HOU: (+190) | NOR: (-240)
Spread: HOU: +7 (-110) | NOR: -7 (-110)
Total: 41.5 - Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
I love Houston coming into this week. Despite a seemingly bad loss, they were competitive until a late game turnover, which resulted in an offensive score to put the game away. I think they’ll come into this game angry after last week, and they’ll walk away with a win. With that, give me Houston’s moneyline and for them to cover the spread. In terms of O/U, I’m pretty sure every matchup hit the over last week, and that trend is likely to continue through the early stages of this season. Give me the over for this game as well.
My Take
Since it’s still early in the season, there’s no concrete #1 team in this league. Houston looks to bounce back in a major way and take down what some believe is the best team. It’ll be closer than some may think, but the Breakers will score a late touchdown to make it seem like a tight ball game. I’m gambling on the Gamblers as they take home their first win, 27-22.
7:00-Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions
by Jordan Laube
No, this isn’t the Stanley Cup, the Florida Panthers are not playing the Dallas Stars (but that’d be wild though). This is the USFL, baby, and we’ve got the Michigan Panthers against the Philadelphia Stars. Josh Love (Michigan) and Case Cookus (Philly) both tossed over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns in their season debuts. It’s safe to say it’s going to be an offensive battle. Hammer the over, because these teams can score. If there is one guy who can help the Panthers slow down Josh Love, it’s former Chiefs second-round pick, Breeland Speaks. The NFL Vet had a whopping 3 sacks and 7 combined tackles the week prior. He gave Houston a problem, and can be an issue on the field if not contained. I think either team could win, but if I had to choose, I will swing with the Stars, but have the Panthers cover, and definitely the over.
Betting Lines
ML: PHI (-167)|MIC (+130)
Spread: Stars -3
Total: 46.5