XFL Preview, Week 3

Week 2 of the XFL saw a trio of interesting games, as well as some firsts. We saw our first double forward pass, successfully completed by the Defenders. And we saw our first three-point conversion, completed by the L.A. Wildcats in a losing effort.

We also saw a couple of teams take steps toward being front-runners, as the D.C. Defenders are undefeated atop the East and the Houston Roughnecks are undefeated atop the West. As we move into Week 3, we’ll see more of the playoff race start to take shape. But more on that in a bit. First, let’s take a look at the Week 2 games.

Week 2 Recap

Saturday’s Games:
D.C. Defenders 27, New York Guardians 0
About: I thought this would be the Game of the Week, instead it was the least interesting of the weekend. The Defenders picked up right where they left off in Week 1, with the offense moving well under Cardale Jones and the defense making big plays. The Guardians, meanwhile, didn’t look as stout on defense as they did against the Vipers, and their offense took a huge step back. Matt McGloin looked lost at times on the field, and rocked the league when he called out his coach during a half time sideline interview. He played worse in the second half and got benched. The Guardians need to get right in a hurry as they face the Battlehawks in Week 3.
Player of the Game: Jameer Thurman took an interception back for a touchdown, while Rahim Moore forced a turnover for the second week in a row.

Seattle Dragons 17, Tampa Bay Vipers 9
About: The Vipers entered the season as betting favorites to win the first season of the XFL, and instead their offense has struggled with turnovers and inefficiencies. Aaron Murray struggled in Week 1, and suffered an injury, leaving the Vipers with Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers in Week 2. The pair combined for just 103 yards passing and three INTs. The Dragons, meanwhile, got something going and were able to hold on for the big win at home.
Player of the Game: Keenan Reynolds finally got a big pass, catching three for 87 including a 68-yard TD strike.

Sunday’s Games:
Dallas Renegades 25, L.A. Wildcats 18
About: Landry Jones and Josh Johnson returned at quarterback for the Renegades and Wildcats, respectively. It wasn’t always pretty for either, but the fourth quarter of this was pretty fun to watch. Jones finished with 315 yards, a TD and two INTs, while Johnson found a connection with Nelson Spruce, who he hit for six receptions, 89 yards and two TDs. But it was Cameron Artis Payne that proved the difference, pounding in two big fourth quarter touchdowns on the ground to pace the Dallas win.
Player of the Game: CAP had five receptions for 32 yards, adding 99 yards rushing on 14 carries and the two touchdowns.

Houston Roughnecks 28, St. Louis Battlehawks 24
About: This game was pretty lopsided at the half, but St. Louis played strong in the second half. The Roughnecks continue to sling it as P.J. Williams threw for 170 yards and three TDs, all to Cam Phillips. The Roughnecks led 21–6 at the half. The Battlehawks, thanks to another strong game from Jordan Ta’amu cut the lead to 21–18 after three quarters, but another Roughnecks TD put the game away.
Player of the Game: Phillips grabbed eight receptions for 63 yards and three TDs.

Game of the Week:
Dallas Renegades at Seattle Dragons, Saturday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. EST on FOXAbout: While the Defenders battle the Wildcats and the Roughnecks battle the Vipers in a battle of undefeated versus winless, it’s the other battles that intrigue. What gives the edge to this one, for me, is that the Renegades started to find themselves in the fourth quarter in L.A., and the Dragons have quietly looked solid at times in both games. These teams are chasing the Roughnecks, and only two teams from the West make the playoffs. This one will go a long way toward determining who gets the upper hand about a third of the way through the season.

DFS Options:
Looking at the Draft Kings slate for Week 3, here’s a few players that stand out to me.

Quarterback: You have to pay up for Walker, Cardale Jones and Landry Jones. But to me, I like the potential of Ta’amu, who is the fourth most at $10,100 and has been a force as a passer and runner. He gets the Guardians at home, and I think he could be a sneaky good play.

Running Back: CAP really came on in Week 2, and he seems to be a good option, but he’ll cost you. Looking for value, I am intrigued by Donnell Pumphrey, who plays for the Defenders. He looked strong in Week 2, and we saw what CAP did to the Wildcats last week. Pumphrey is only $7,000. Another intriguing option is Jacques Patrick of the Vipers. He’s quietly fifth in the league in rushing, and ran for 73 yards last week with Murray out. Murray is out again this week, and Patrick is just $4,400, a relative steal.

Wide Receiver: Phillips is the most expensive at $11,100, but given his offense and role, that feels worth the pay up to me. Another option I like is Rashad Ross, of the Defenders, who is second in the league in receiving and just $9,400. Finally, Reynolds is just $7,400 and he seems to be the big play threat for the Dragons. He hit one in Week 2, and seems to be finding better connection with Brandon Silvers.

Defense: McGloin and the Guardians struggled offensively last week, and offered several turnovers. I’m all in on the Battlehawks at $4,000, the fifth most expensive option.