Houston Hopes To Snap Losing Streak
Sunday’s clash features the top XFL matchup of Week 7. The St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2) travel to take on the Houston Roughnecks (4-2). Both teams are among the XFL lines’ top three favorites to win the championship.
However, the Roughnecks have hit a rough patch, losing back-to-back games. The Battlehawks come off a dominant 23-point win. Could Houston lose its third consecutive game? This is a must-see matchup with two explosive passing attacks colliding. Check out the latest XFL news surrounding the matchup.
Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Betting Lines
Battlehawks Looking To Stay Ahead in Standings
After going 1-2 from Week 3 to Week 5, St. Louis made a statement with a 29-6 win over the Vegas Vipers. The defense had perhaps its best game of the season, holding the Vipers to only six points on 4.2 yards per play. Plus, the Battlehawks reeled in two interceptions.
With an improved defense, St. Louis has a great chance of winning the title. Las Vegas XFL odds list it as the third choice to win the championship (+500). However, the Battlehawks must continue to stack wins in the loaded XFL North. The D.C. Defenders lead the standings at 6-0. After four straight wins, the Seattle Sea Dragons are tied with St. Louis for second place. Only two teams will advance to the playoffs. The Battlehawks must keep pace ahead of the Sea Dragons.
St. Louis remains a promising online gambling choice thanks to quarterback AJ McCarron’s play. He comes off a near-flawless performance with 236 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 79.3% of pass attempts.
Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron dropping dimes in the XFL pic.twitter.com/niO4BfWJeC
— Wyatt Fulton (@FultonW_) March 26, 2023
The Roughnecks have allowed more than 200 passing yards in three consecutive games.
Houston, We Have a Problem?
Is it time for the Roughnecks to panic? After coasting to a 4-0 start, they have lost back-to-back games. The Defenders have pulled ahead as the sport betting favorite to win the championship at +125, compared to the Roughnecks at +175.
What has changed over the last two weeks? Quarterback Brandon Silvers looked human. He had one interception with a 53.2% completion percentage in Week 5’s 21-14 loss against the Sea Dragons. Last week, Silvers got off to another slow start. Houston responded by inserting Cole McDonald into the lineup. He was a big play machine in limited time, averaging 17.4 yards per completion. McDonald could be the new starter going forward.
In addition, the defense has declined. The pass rush is no longer mauling opponents. It posted only two sacks in back-to-back games. This is a major dropoff compared to past performances, like seven sacks in Week 1. The secondary suddenly looks like a weakness with opposing quarterbacks throwing in comfortable pockets.
Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Head-to-Head
During the 2020 season, the Roughnecks defeated the Battlehawks 28-24. Are we in store for another close one?
Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Game Information
- Match: Battlehawks vs Roughnecks
- Date/Time: Sunday, April 2th, 2 p.m. ET
- Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
- Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Live Stream: fubo.TV
Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Game Weather Conditions
The forecast is calling for temperatures in the high 70s with cloudy conditions. Strong winds could be a factor with gusts eclipsing 20 mph.
Battlehawks vs Roughnecks Picks and Prediction
- Predicted Score: Roughnecks 23, Battlehawks 16
Worth Betting ATS?
Backing the Roughnecks in XFL picks was a no-brainer in the first four weeks. However, the last two games should cause some hesitation. This could be the week Houston gets back to being dominant. The Roughnecks are 3-0 at home with an average margin of 13 points. The Battlehawks have a weak offensive line, which allowed eight sacks over the last two games. With the pass rush getting home, Houston will win comfortably.
Worth Betting on the Totals?
Both offenses are capable of scoring plenty of points with good passing attacks. However, the weather could be a problem. Showers are possible with gusty winds. Neither squad has a great run game. Take the under.
