Defenders vs Battlehawks Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Undefeated Record on the Line in Hostile Environment
The top teams in the XFL North meet on Saturday. The D.C. Defenders (4-0) have their toughest test of the season as they travel to take on the St. Louis Battlehawks (3-1). On paper, this should be the top game of Week 5. Las Vegas odds list both teams within the top three favorites to win the XFL championship.
The Defenders have won two of their last three games by double digits. However, the Battlehawks are 1-0 outright and ATS in home games. Will D.C. suffer its first loss? Check out the latest XFL news surrounding this highly-anticipated matchup.
Defenders’ Struggling Secondary
D.C. has enjoyed the luxury of playing three of its first four games at home. However, that ends this week. Three of the next four games will be on the road, starting with the Battlehawks. The Defenders scraped by St. Louis in Week 3 with a 34-28 win. This was the sole game D.C. allowed 20 or more points.
Battlehawks quarterback A.J. McCarron shredded the secondary for 262 yards and four touchdowns, and 6-foot-5 wide receiver Hakeem Butler totaled 105 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The Defenders’ secondary also allowed 323 passing yards in last week’s 32-18 win over the Vegas Vipers. The passing defense must improve, or D.C. will likely sustain its first loss.
Fortunately, the offense rolled in the last two games, averaging 33 points. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu is shining, and the Defenders still feature the XFL’s top rushing attack by a wide margin. D.C. hopes for a complete performance as it continues to chase the Houston Roughnecks in XFL lines for the championship.
Battlehawks Running the Rock
The sportsbook has the Battlehawks as the third choice to win the championship (+500). This will certainly drop with a win over the Defenders. In Week 4, we finally saw St. Louis’ home debut. It did not disappoint, with over 30,000 fans in attendance. Side note: This city absolutely deserves an NFL team.
The Battlehawks come off a comfortable 24-11 win against the Arlington Renegades. McCarron was sharp as usual. His 850 passing yards rank third in the league. The run game’s improvement was the most encouraging takeaway. Brian Hill posted 89 rushing yards on 4.9 yards per carry.
Brian Hill really hit the People’s Elbow 😂 pic.twitter.com/W1EKDaSlQy
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) March 5, 2023
St. Louis has the fourth-lowest rushing yards, but it is efficient at four yards per carry. D.C. has held its last two opponents to under four yards per carry. If the Battlehawks get the run going, they should have a big scoring day.
Defenders vs Battlehawks Head-to-Head
The Defenders came out on top 34-28 in Week 3’s matchup. Both offenses totaled more than 300 yards, but the Battlehawks’ four turnovers made the difference.
Defenders vs Battlehawks Game Information
- Game: Defenders vs Battlehawks
- Date: Saturday, March 18
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: The Dome at Amercia’s Center, St. Louis, MO
- Defenders vs Battlehawks XFL Live stream: fubo.TV
Defenders vs Battlehawks Betting Lines
Defenders vs Battlehawks Game Weather Conditions
The weather will not have a factor, as the two will meet in the St. Louis Rams’ former stadium – The Dome at America’s Center.
Defenders vs Battlehawks Prediction
Predicted Score: Battlehawks 26, Defenders 24
- Worth Betting ATS?
Despite the Battlehawks’ impressive home debut, Las Vegas XFL odds favor the Defenders at -2 (-110). Turnovers will likely decide the outcome, as they did in Week 3’s matchup. D.C. had three turnovers to St. Louis’ four in the previous meeting. The Battlehawks’ defense forced four turnovers in Week 4, while the Defenders forced two.
Ultimately, D.C. has struggled to stop the pass, and McCarron has been one of the XFL’s top signal-callers. I like the underdog in this one, especially after St. Louis’ impressive performance last week. Take the Battlehawks to cover in the upset.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
Betting the point spread is the safest option among XFL picks. The projected total sits at 42½, but both defenses played well last week. Yet, it was a flurry of points in Week 3’s clash. This one could go either way.
