We're through nine weeks of the XFL season, but there's still plenty to be resolved.
Although the first seeds in each division have been determined -- the Defenders coming out of the North and the Roughnecks in the South -- there is still work to do to figure out the No. 2 seed in the North Division.
Two teams are in play for that last spot with the Sea Dragons and Battlehawks vying for a spot in the North after they entered the weekend with a 6-3 record apiece (St. Louis has since improved to 7-3). The South Division was uncertain before Saturday, but D.C.'s win against the Brahmas sent the Renegades to the playoffs.
MORE: XFL odds, picks, predictions for Week 10
The XFL lists its tiebreakers for two-team ties on its website. Three-team ties are listed as well, but that will not be applicable to this season.
XFL tiebreaker rules for 2023
The XFL's tiebreaker rules for two teams begins with head-to-head and ends with a coin toss.
Here's how those rules shake out.
1. Head-to-head
2. Best win/loss percentage in division games
3. Strength of victory in all games – combined record of opponents in wins
4. Best combined ranking among division teams in points scored and points allowed in all games
5. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed in all games
6. Best net points in all games
7. Best net touchdowns in all games
8. Coin toss
XFL standings
The standings heading into Week 10 are as follows:
North playoff picture
| Team | W | L | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. Defenders | 9 | 1 | .900 |
| St. Louis Battlehawks | 7 | 3 | .700 |
| Seattle Sea Dragons | 6 | 3 | .667 |
| Vegas Vipers | 2 | 7 | .222 |
South playoff picture
| Team | W | L | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Roughnecks | 6 | 3 | .667 |
| Arlington Renegades | 4 | 5 | .444 |
| San Antonio Brahmas | 3 | 6 | .300 |
| Orlando Guardians | 1 | 8 | .111 |
MORE: XFL rules for 2023, explained
XFL playoff scenarios
With the Defenders, Roughnecks and Renegades having clinched a berth, it's down to the Battlehawks and Sea Dragons in the North.
Battlehawks vs. Sea Dragons scenarios
- Battlehawks and Sea Dragons win: Would result in tiebreaker No. 4.
- Battlehawks win and Sea Dragons lose: Battlehawks advance by record
The scenarios favor the Battlehawks since they have already won, but a win by the Sea Dragons, and the race starts to get complicated.
