Last week, we saw the Defenders and Roughnecks clinch playoff berths with wins over the Sea Dragons and Brahmas on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Renegades, who were two-point underdogs against the Guardians, defeated Orlando and eliminated them from the postseason. Underdogs ruled the week, going 3-1 against the spread and 2-2 on the moneyline.
Week 9 begins on Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader starting at 12:30 p.m. ET between the Vipers and Roughnecks on ABC. After that, the Guardians will go on the road to face the Brahmas at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). For Sunday's doubleheader action, we have the Renegades looking to solidify their playoff standing against the Defenders at noon ET (ESPN). Finally, the Sea Dragons and Battlehawks will square off against each other in St. Louis with playoff implications on the line at 3 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Below, we'll break down the best Week 9 bets and give out our predictions on how things could shake out across the league:
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XFL Week 9 picks, predictions
All odds courtesy of BetMGM
Vegas Vipers at Houston Roughnecks
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC
- Spread: Roughnecks -6.5
- Moneyline: Vipers +220, Roughnecks -275
- Over/Under: 43.5
The Roughnecks return home this weekend after a hard-fought two-point overtime win over the Brahmas in Week 8. It wasn't easy despite Brandon Silvers being back under center after missing Week 7 because of an elbow/triceps injury. Silvers completed 17-of-36 passes for 146 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Houston's running game was non-existent, as the Brahmas' defense held them to 25 yards. However, the Roughnecks' defense played well, which has been a staple for them this season. Houston recorded six sacks and forced two interceptions.
Houston will need that same intensity on defense this weekend against Vipers QB Jalan McClendon, who almost led Vegas to their second-straight win. Vegas lost in overtime to the Battlehawks in an entertaining game from start to finish. McClendon did not have standout star wide receiver Jeff Badet but still completed 13-of-23 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. McClendon also had a fumble in the third quarter, but thankfully the Battlehawks did not score. He has brought a spark to the offense, and the Vipers will need it on Saturday. Houston will score points as they are scoring 23.3 points per game at home. However, we'll roll with the Vipers to cover the spread, who are now 3-5 ATS this season.
Pick: Roughnecks 23, Vipers 18 (+6.5)
Orlando Guardians at San Antonio Brahmas
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Spread: Brahmas -1.5
- Moneyline: Guardians +105, Brahmas -125
- Over/Under: 39
After being short favorites last week against the Renegades, the Guardians are underdogs again as they prepare to face the Brahmas, whose playoff hopes are fading. Orlando had a chance to win last week against Arlington, but Quinten Dormady had five turnovers (two interceptions). He will have to clean up his mistakes against a solid Brahmas' defense that is tied for third in sacks (20) but is ranked first in tackles for loss (56).
Meanwhile, the Brahmas still don't have an answer at quarterback, as Coan struggled under center. Veteran running back Jacques Patrick continues to truck along as he had 134 yards of total offense (96 rushing yards) and a touchdown against the Roughnecks. If the Brahmas want to win on Sunday, it will be off the strength of their defense. If you love a low-scoring game, you are in for a treat, as the UNDER has hit seven times for the Brahmas. The Guardians have a bottom-three scoring offense (19.1 points per game). However, we like Orlando's offense slightly better to pick up the win.
Pick: Guardians 19 (+1.5), Brahmas 15
Arlington Renegades at DC Defenders
Sunday, noon ET, ESPN
- Spread: Defenders -8.5
- Moneyline: Renegades +300, Defenders -400
- Over/Under: 41.5
The Renegades will try to clinch their playoff spot on Sunday against the Defenders, who went up to the Pacific Northwest and defeated the Sea Dragons in a shootout last week. Arlington started Luis Perez under center, who was an upgrade over Drew Plitt and Kyle Sloter. Perez completed 16-of-25 passes for 190 yards, with no touchdowns but no interceptions. If the Renegades want to pull off the monumental upset on Sunday, they will need Perez and the passing game to put up points.
The Defenders' defense has given up their fair share of points over the past two weeks to the Guardians (36) and Sea Dragons (33). However, D.C. should play better at home, where they are allowing 22.5 points per game. The Renegades' defense will be ready for the dual offensive attack of the Defenders, but it won't be enough as Ta'amu and Co. pick up their eighth win on the season.
Pick: Defenders 22 (-8.5), Renegades 13
Sea Dragons at Battlehawks
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Spread: Sea Dragons +1
- Moneyline: Sea Dragons -105, Battlehawks -115
- Over/Under: 46
In the final game, there's a battle for second place in the XFL's North Division as the Sea Dragons will head to the Dome to play the Battlehawks. St. Louis (6-2) currently holds a one-game lead over the Sea Dragons (5-3) for the second and final playoff spot in the North. These two teams played each other in Week 2 when the Battlehawks won 20-18 thanks to late-game magic from A.J. McCarron.
St. Louis will hope to have McCarron for this weekend's matchup after missing last week's contest against the Vipers due to injury. Nick Tiano filled in nicely for McCarron, thanks to his dual-threat ability. St. Louis will need McCarron's passing prowess against this Ron Zook-led Sea Dragons' defense. As for Seattle, Ben DiNucci played well, throwing for 301 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. DiNucci found Jahcour Pearson for a touchdown with 31 seconds left in the game, but the Sea Dragons could not convert the two-point conversion to take the lead. The Battlehawks have played well at home this season (2-1), scoring 21.6 points per game. However, we like the Sea Dragons to pick up the road win, making Week 10 interesting in the XFL.
Pick: Sea Dragons 24 (+1), Battlehawks 22
