Battlehawks vs Defenders Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Undefeated Showdown in the Capital
The XFL’s top matchup of Week 3 is the St. Louis Battlehawks (2-0) vs. the D.C. Defenders (2-0) on Sunday. The Battlehawks seem like a team of destiny after back-to-back comebacks from double-digit deficits. The Defenders have won with an old-school approach by running the rock and playing good defense.
Both teams are 2-0 against the spread (ATS). Will St. Louis quarterback A.J. McCarron engineer another dramatic win, or will D.C. dominate on the ground once again?
Let’s check the latest XFL news, stats, injury reports, and XFL lines for Battlehawks vs Defenders. We’ve got plenty of XFL picks for you to consider.
Battlehawks vs Defenders Betting Lines
Battlehawks: Comeback Kids
St. Louis has been perhaps the most entertaining team in the XFL. In Week 1, the Battlehawks trailed the San Antonio Brahmas 15-3 with about three minutes left on the clock. McCarron flipped the switch and led St. Louis to an improbable 18-15 come-from-behind win. The Battlehawks did it again in Week 2.
They trailed the Seattle Sea Dragons by 12 points in the first half. The Battlehawks slowly chipped away at the lead and eventually won on a walk-off 44-yard field goal. There’s something special about this team. No matter what, they find a way. XFL odds have St. Louis tied with the Houston Roughnecks as the second choice to win the championship (+350).
Against the Defenders, the Battlehawks must stop the run. D.C. rushed for 229 yards last week, led by running back Abram Smith’s 71 yards. Plus, the Defenders use their quarterbacks in the run game. McCarron cannot make something special happen if D.C. is able to play keep away.
Defenders: Ground and Pound
There’s not much to the Defenders’ formula – run the ball and play defense. D.C. may rank last with 183 passing yards through two games, but its 313 rushing yards lead the league by more than 100 yards.
Smith and Ryquell Armstead have been the most dynamic running back duo in the XFL. Plus, the run game could get better. D.C. gave quarterback D’Eriq King snaps in the second half of Week 2’s 18-6 win over the Vegas Vipers. Following a solid performance, King could be the new starter. Jordan Ta’amu has not added much to the passing game, and King is a better ball carrier. King’s elusiveness would add another wrinkle to the dominant Defenders rushing attack.
The defense is clicking as well. D.C. has four turnovers and one touchdown. After allowing 288 passing yards in Week 1, the Defenders held Vegas to 98 passing yards in Week 2. The secondary should be able to slow McCarron and Co.
XFL lines have D.C. as the betting favorite to win the championship (+300). The Defenders can prove they are contenders by handing the Battlehawks their first loss.
Battlehawks vs Defenders Head-to-Head
Both teams were a part of the 2020 season. The Battlehawks won the sole matchup 15-6.
Battlehawks vs Defenders Game Information
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 5
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- TV: FX/ESPN+
Battlehawks vs Defenders Game Weather Conditions
The wind could be a factor on Sunday. The temperature will be around the mid-50s, and the forecast is calling for no rain. However, wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph, which will have a factor in the passing game.
Battlehawks vs Defenders Picks and Prediction
Predicted Score: Defenders 18, Battlehawks 12
Worth Betting ATS?
The sportsbooks lists the Defenders as two-point favorites. I like D.C. to cover. The Battlehawks have yet to face a run game on the Defenders’ level. D.C. could be better if King starts. St. Louis has managed to win with late-game comebacks. However, the Defenders’ style will be the Battlehawks’ kryptonite. D.C. can keep the clock running with the run and will get key stops with its solid defense.
Worth Betting on the Totals?
As usual, the projected total for this game is rather low at 37. The XFL has yet to feature a shootout. Don’t expect that to change. Take the under, as the Defenders’ run game will limit each team’s possessions leading to fewer points.
