XFL Preview, Week 4
The third week of the XFL didn’t disappoint. The Houston Roughnecks continued to shine, the LA Wildcats stunned the league by finally looking like a force and blowing out the previously unbeaten D.C. Defenders, and we saw our first kick return for a touchdown!
As we head into Week 4, we’re seeing how the race for the playoffs is coming into shape. But first, let’s quickly recap Week 3.
Week 3 Recap
Saturday’s Games:
Houston Roughnecks 34, Tampa Bay Vipers 27
About: This was a heck of a game. The Roughnecks are the favorites right now, moving to 3–0 on the season. But the Vipers wouldn’t go down easy. They came in 0–2 and really wanted that first win. The Vipers were a pre-season favorite, and their offense finally delivered some points. But it wasn’t enough. Meanwhile P.J. Walker threw for 306 yards and three TDs, adding another rushing. He looks like a potential league MVP. And Cam Philips is looking explosive.
Player of the Game: Philips caught eight passes for 194 yards and three TDs.
Houston Roughnecks 34, Tampa Bay Vipers 27
About: This was a heck of a game. The Roughnecks are the favorites right now, moving to 3–0 on the season. But the Vipers wouldn’t go down easy. They came in 0–2 and really wanted that first win. The Vipers were a pre-season favorite, and their offense finally delivered some points. But it wasn’t enough. Meanwhile P.J. Walker threw for 306 yards and three TDs, adding another rushing. He looks like a potential league MVP. And Cam Philips is looking explosive.
Player of the Game: Philips caught eight passes for 194 yards and three TDs.
Dallas Renegades 24, Seattle Dragons 12
About: This was a key battle, and one I made Game of the Week. It was also quite good, as these two 1–1 teams are battling for the playoffs in the West. Dallas was slow to get going again, but they had another strong second half, and Landry Jones threw for 274 yards and three TDs while Cameron Artis-Payne went for another 80 yards. On the other side, Brandon Silvers continues to be strong fro Seattle, but they’re now 1–2 and in the chase position.
Player of the Game: Dallas tight end Donald Parham caught five passes for 101 yards and two TDs. He looked strong.
About: This was a key battle, and one I made Game of the Week. It was also quite good, as these two 1–1 teams are battling for the playoffs in the West. Dallas was slow to get going again, but they had another strong second half, and Landry Jones threw for 274 yards and three TDs while Cameron Artis-Payne went for another 80 yards. On the other side, Brandon Silvers continues to be strong fro Seattle, but they’re now 1–2 and in the chase position.
Player of the Game: Dallas tight end Donald Parham caught five passes for 101 yards and two TDs. He looked strong.
Sunday’s Games:
St. Louis Battlehawks 29, New York Guardians 9
About: This was a big game for the two teams behind the Defenders in the East, and it didn’t turn out to be much of a game. The Battlehawks were excellent in their home opener, and with the results in LA might be the new favorites in the East. Jordan Ta’amu had a quieter game, but Matt Jones ran for 95 and a touchdown, and Christine Michael ran for 44 and a touchdown. Meanwhile the Guardians continue to look bad on offense. They used three QBs Sunday, and Luis Perez might be the best going forward.
Player of the Game: Joe Powell recorded the first kickoff return touchdown in the XFL.
St. Louis Battlehawks 29, New York Guardians 9
About: This was a big game for the two teams behind the Defenders in the East, and it didn’t turn out to be much of a game. The Battlehawks were excellent in their home opener, and with the results in LA might be the new favorites in the East. Jordan Ta’amu had a quieter game, but Matt Jones ran for 95 and a touchdown, and Christine Michael ran for 44 and a touchdown. Meanwhile the Guardians continue to look bad on offense. They used three QBs Sunday, and Luis Perez might be the best going forward.
Player of the Game: Joe Powell recorded the first kickoff return touchdown in the XFL.
LA Wildcats 39, D.C. Defenders 9
About: This was the most lop-sided game of the weekend, and was one of the biggest surprises. The Defenders lost their first game, and frequently looked lost. Cardale Jones struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions before exiting the game late in the second half. The Defenders didn’t score a TD with him in the game. The Wildcats, meanwhile, who lost in Week 1 and fired their defensive coordinator, have been getting better. In his second game of the season, veteran QB Josh Johnson looked like a difference maker.
Player of the Game: Johnson threw for 278 yards and three TDs.
About: This was the most lop-sided game of the weekend, and was one of the biggest surprises. The Defenders lost their first game, and frequently looked lost. Cardale Jones struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions before exiting the game late in the second half. The Defenders didn’t score a TD with him in the game. The Wildcats, meanwhile, who lost in Week 1 and fired their defensive coordinator, have been getting better. In his second game of the season, veteran QB Josh Johnson looked like a difference maker.
Player of the Game: Johnson threw for 278 yards and three TDs.
Game of the Week
Houston Roughnecks at Dallas Renegades, Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m. EST on FS1
About: This is a battle of Texas, and the battle atop the West. The Roughnecks are undefeated and look like the best team in the XFL, while the 2–1 Renegades have won two straight on the road and look like they’re getting it together. This figures to be a game to produce some fun fireworks.
About: This is a battle of Texas, and the battle atop the West. The Roughnecks are undefeated and look like the best team in the XFL, while the 2–1 Renegades have won two straight on the road and look like they’re getting it together. This figures to be a game to produce some fun fireworks.
DFS Options
Quarterback: Walker has been incredible, but you get what you pay for as he’s the most expensive at $12,000. If you’re looking for value, I like Landry Jones at $9,800, fourth most. He has been slinging it, and he’ll need to throw for Dallas to keep up with Houston. Also of interest is Perez, who looked good in wrapping the game up for the Guardians. He’s $7,100 and Matt McGloin is out. It’s a big swing, though.
Running Backs: This has been a tougher position, but St. Louis wants to run and Matt Jones is the guy they want to run with. He’s third most at $7,100, and I like that potential. I also like Lance Dunbar. While Artis-Payne has been the better runner, Dunbar is getting tons of passing work, and I think he holds more value at the more affordable $6,700.
Receivers: Philips is the man in the XFL so far and no one has been able to guard him. I doubt Dallas will, either, so he should score. He’s also expensive at $11,700. Parham looks like the guy in Dallas, but he’s also expensive at $9,900. If you’re looking for value, both Austin Proehl and Keenan Reynolds have had good games for the Dragons. They are $8,500 and $7,000, respectively, and each has a shot at a TD. I also like Dan Williams, who’s a good receiver on a bad team (The Vipers). He’s only $7,800 and has a decent matchup.
Defense: There are no great choices here, but I’m going Wildcats at $4,500 against the Guardians for the best value.
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