Week 2 has arrived, and this week’s games feature the undefeated teams battling it out for a 2-0 start, and the winless teams going head to head to avoid 0-2. Ratings and attendance for the first weekend exceeded expectations, and Week 2 is looking even more promising. Los Angeles and Seattle are anticipating enormous numbers for their home openers. Here is a look at the matchups this weekend.
New York Guardians (1-0) at D.C. Defenders (1-0)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: D.C. -6.5
This early-season Eastern Conference matchup between the Guardians and Defenders is one of the most anticipated of the weekend. New York and D.C. both dominated on defense in opening day wins. The difference in this contest will be offensive execution. Statistically, the Defenders have the edge. D.C. was able to move the ball against Seattle due to astute decision-making from Cardale Jones, who was able to extend plays and get first downs with his legs. The XFL is quickly becoming a league in which a mobile quarterback is a significant asset. That will make the difference for the Defenders.
Prediction: Defenders 25, Guardians 18
Tampa Bay Vipers (0-1) vs. Seattle Dragons (0-1)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: Fox
Line: Tampa Bay -2
Tampa travels west this week to take on Seattle in the home opener for the Dragons. Tickets are going fast for this ones as Seattle looks to top 30,000 for the game. A huge home crowd will be a decided advantage for the Dragons, as Tampa Bay will be without starting quarterback Aaron Murray. Seattle quarterback Brandon Silver is also battling an ankle sprain but is expected to play this weekend. Both of these teams were turnover-prone last week. The winner of this one will be the team that takes care of the football. This week, that team is Seattle.
Prediction: Dragons 21, Vipers 16
Dallas Renegades (0-1) vs. Los Angeles Wildcats (0-1)
Date: Sunday, February 16
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Dallas -4
Dallas travels to L.A. this weekend as the Renegades will be welcoming back starting quarterback Landry Jones, who is returning from a preseason knee injury. Dallas catches L.A. at an opportune time, as the Wildcats are in disarray. Los Angeles head coach Winston fired defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson after only one game, prompting linebacker Anthony Johnson to request a release from the team. Anthony Johnson’s status with the team is still pending at this point. One bright spot for L.A. this week is the health of starting quarterback Josh Johnson as he is expected to make his season debut on Sunday. Even with Johnson’s return, L.A. seems to be too much of a mess right now to get the win.
Prediction: Renegades 23, Wildcats 15
St. Louis BattleHawks (1-0) vs. Houston Roughnecks (1-0)
Date: Sunday, February 16
Time: 6 p.m.
TV: FS1
Line: Houston -8
Last weekend’s unexpected victory over Dallas has fueled an already-rabid fan base in St. Louis. Ticket sales have already topped 20,000 for the home opener on Feb.s 23. St. Louis will have to travel this weekend, however, as the BattleHawks face the league’s top-rated team in the Houston Roughnecks this Sunday. Houston is coming off an impressive Week 1 performance in which they posted 37 points behind a stellar day from quarterback P.J.w Walker. Walker was 23-for-39 with 265 yards and four touchdowns, earning him the first XFL “Star of the Week” honors.
Prediction: Roughnecks 23, Battlehawks 11
One Response
This is great, David especially the predictions of the scores for this weekend. I am amazed at how well you keep up with the entire teams. Arles and Bradie Taylor Carthage NC