XFL Week 1 Previews and Predictions

Seattle Dragons at D.C. Defenders  

Kickoff: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. ET (ABC)

Where: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Spread: Defenders -7

Key injury notes

Seattle WR Kasen Williams: DNP Wednesday (quad)
Seattle TE Cam Clear: DNP Wednesday (unknown)

D.C. WR DeAndre Thompkins: DNP Wednesday (foot)

Prediction

This game on paper looks like a mismatch and it will probably play out that way on the field. The Defenders Head Coach Pep Hamilton is a young, innovative coach that will bring excitement to this league and he has the roster to back it up. The Dragons, on the other hand, simply do not. Brandon Silvers will start at Quarterback for Seattle and running back Kenneth Farrow will be a handful for the Defenders, but I think a lack of skill players will be a big problem all year for Seattle this season.

Cardale Jones will lead the Defenders offense but the key will be the running back duo of Donnel Pumphrey and Jhurell Pressley. The Defenders should be able to take this game at home.

D.C. 27, Seattle 17

Los Angeles Wildcats at Houston Roughnecks

Kickoff: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. ET (Fox)

Where: TDECU Stadium (Houston)

Spread: Roughnecks -5.5

Key injury notes

LA QB Josh Johnson: DNP Wednesday (thigh)
LA WR Tre McBride: Limited Participant Wednesday (thigh)

Houston: RB Nick Holley (knee) and RB James Butler (ankle) both listed on the report, but were full participants Wednesday

Prediction

It was expected that Josh Johnson would be the starting quarterback in this game for Los Angeles but an injury to Johnson means in all likelihood the Wildcats will have to turn to either Jalan McClendon or Chad Kanoff, who are not great options. On the other side, P.J. Walker looks like he will get the start for Houston and Walker could be one of the better Quarterbacks in this league. He was outstanding at Temple and could be great in Head Coach June Jones’ system. I like the coaching on the Houston side and Walker at Quarterback, take Houston 31-20 over Los Angeles. If Josh Johnson was healthy, I would give the Wildcats a big shot in this game, but he is not. Roughnecks will pull away in the second half.

Tampa Bay Vipers at New York Guardians

Kickoff: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET (Fox)

Line: Vipers -2.5

Key injury notes

TB TE DeAndre Goolsby: DNP Wednesday (neck)

NY WR Joe Horn: Limited Participant Wednesday (ankle)
NY WR Mekale McKay: Full Participant Wednesday (ankle)

Prediction

Matt McGloin vs. Aaron Murray looks to be a very nice matchup for week 1 and this game could be the game of the week. The Guardians were victorious over the Vipers in a 27 to 15 final score as both teams wrapped up camp and prepared for final cuts. I know it was just a preseason game but I would take that result kind of seriously when looking at this game. I do believe though that Marc Trestman may be the best Head Coach in this league and I think the Vipers get by in a close one. Vipers 31  Guardians 30.

St. Louis BattleHawks vs. Dallas Renegades

Kickoff: Sunday, Feb. 9, 5:00 pm ET (ESPN)

Where: Globe Life Park

Prediction

This game looks to big the biggest mismatch as St. Louis will look to run the ball. Timing and execution will be huge for them. On the other side, Coach Bob Stoops will be the best coach in this league and even though Quarterback Landry Jones has been hurt I think he will play. Take the Renegades 31, Battlehawks 10