For the first time since 2001, the XFL will be playing playoff football. Plenty has changed in those 22 years — new teams, a new commissioner, new cities and plenty more.
Eight teams have been cut to four for the postseason. Before the championship game of the league's second comeback season, the XFL will crown a champion for each division — similar to the NFL's conference structure — before the title game kicks off on Saturday, May 13.
In the South Division, it will be a battle of Texans as the Renegades face off against the Roughnecks. About 250 miles separate the teams, about a 3 1/2-hour drive. Houston had the upper hand in the standings as the only team in the division to finish above .500.
The North Division semi brings more excitement: the Defenders will play host to the Sea Dragons. D.C. was the league's best team this year in finishing 9-1. It They handled business against Seattle twice in the regular season, although both games were decided by one possession. A one-point loss to the Guardians in Week 8 derailed the Defenders' chance at a perfect season, but they still remain the favorites to win it all.
MORE: Watch the XFL playoffs live with Fubo (free trial)
Here are the matchups for the XFL division championship weekend.
South Division championship
— Arlington Renegades (2) vs. Houston Roughnecks (1)
North Division Championship
— Seattle Sea Dragons (2) vs. D.C. Defenders (1)
XFL playoff schedule
Here is how you can watch all of the XFL playoff action:
Saturday, April 29
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live stream |
| Arlington Renegades vs. Houston Roughnecks | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 | ESPN+, Fubo |
Sunday, April 30
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live stream |
| Seattle Sea Dragons vs. D.C. Defenders | 3 p.m. | ESPN | ESPN+, Fubo |
Championship
Saturday, May 13
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live stream |
| TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC | ESPN+, Fubo |
XFL division championship matchups
Renegades (2) vs. Roughnecks (1)
Lone Star State neighbors are ready to meet in Houston where the Roughnecks play host to the Renegades. TDECU Stadium on the University of Houston campus will be the site. The 7-3 Roughnecks outclassed the Renegades in the regular season, defeating them 23-14 in Week 2 and 25-9 in Week 10.
Wade Phillips and his Roughnecks have been in first place virtually all season long, with no true challenge in the division. Can Bob Stoops' Renegades change their fortunes in the playoffs, or will it be business as usual for Houston at home?
Sea Dragons (2) vs. Defenders (1)
Seattle clinched a playoff berth on the final day of the XFL regular season, with a win and a tiebreaker over Battlehawks. A 7-3 record was enough for Seattle to qualify for an 11th game, something that seemed unlikely after an 0-2 start. Regardless, Ben DiNucci will lead his troops on a cross-country trip to Audi FIeld in the nation's capital.
The Defenders kicked off Week 1 with a 22-18 win over the Sea Dragons, and they followed that up with a 34-33 win in Seattle in Week 8. D.C. went undefeated (5-0) in the regular season, while Seattle went 4-1 on the road.
On paper, these teams are evenly matched. Whoever emerges from this game victorious will have a great chance to win a trophy at the Alamodome in two weeks.
