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Sea Dragons vs Defenders Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Top Teams on Collision Course
The XFL North title game is the best playoff game of the weekend. The Seattle Sea Dragons (7-3) and the D.C. Defenders (9-1) have been the best teams in the league over the last eight weeks. The sportsbook also has both teams within +250 to win the championship.
In Week 8, the Sea Dragons and Defenders went back and forth in a thriller with over 650 combined yards. Seattle will be looking to avenge the 34-33 loss. According to Las Vegas XFL odds, D.C. is favored by three points. The winner of this showdown has a great chance of winning it all.
Sea Dragons Secondary Must Step Up
Seattle won five consecutive games after starting 0-2. D.C. ended the Sea Dragon’s winning streak in Week 8. However, they have rebounded with back-to-back wins with an average margin of 18.5 points. Seattle remains a great XFL picks to win the championship. It is playing as well as anyone and is the third choice to win the title (+250).
Quarterback Ben DiNucci had one of his best games against the Defenders, with 301 passing yards and three touchdowns. DiNucci should be in store for another great game, as D.C. ranks last in allowed passing yards per game. The Sea Dragons will score points on the Defenders’ shaky defense. This will likely come down to Seattle getting stops.
The run defense has dominated, holding its last two opponents to under 60 rushing yards. The secondary must step up, as D.C. totaled 247 passing yards in Week 8. The Sea Dragons’ pass defense improved over the last two games, especially in Week 9. In their 30-12 win over the St. Louis Battlehawks, quarterback A.J. McCarron totaled only 186 yards with two interceptions.
Trouble on the Ground?
D.C. is the XFL lines’ clear title favorite (+105) entering the postseason. It holds the league’s top record at 9-1 and has won three consecutive games. The Defenders’ offense has continued to tear through opposing defenses, averaging 30.3 points in the last three games.
However, D.C. has a big problem entering the playoffs, which has gone under the radar in XFL news. The Defenders featured the league’s best rushing attack, averaging 140.8 yards. They have averaged 75.7 rushing yards in the last three games. Plus, D.C. was under three yards per carry in two of the last three. The Defenders’ offense has lacked balance, heavily relying on quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. Fortunately, Ta’amu has played well during the winning streak.
JORDAN TA’AMU WITH THE TUDDDYYYYYY 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/NitUm45bl5
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) April 22, 2023
Against the Sea Dragons, D.C. must get the run going. It was held to 87 rushing yards on 2.5 yards per carry in Week 8’s matchup. If the Defenders have a balanced offense, they should win the championship.
Sea Dragons vs Defenders Head-to-Head
The Sea Dragons and Defenders exchanged blows in Week 8, with both passing games thriving. Seattle covered the point spread in the one-point loss.
Sea Dragons vs Defenders Game Information
- Game: Sea Dragons vs Defenders
- Date: Sunday, April 30
- Time/Location: 3:00 pm ET, Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- Sea Dragons vs Defenders Live Stream: fubo.TV
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Sea Dragons vs Defenders Game Weather Conditions
Potential thunderstorms will be a concern on Sunday. Heavy rain could slow the passing games, and thunderstorms could cause a game delay.
Sea Dragons vs Defenders Betting Lines
The odds in this chart are posted on the time of publication of the article. They are subject to change without previous notice.
Sea Dragons vs Defenders Picks and Prediction
Predicted Score: Sea Dragons 24, Defenders 22
Worth Betting ATS?
The Sea Dragons covering the three-point spread is an enticing online gambling option. I am taking the bold bet with Seattle knocking out the title favorite. The Sea Dragons shut down the Defenders’ run game in Week 8, and DiNucci thrived against a weak secondary. Ultimately, Seattle is the more balanced team with a better defense. The Sea Dragons feel like a safe cover, but if you are looking for a higher payday, take Seattle at +150 on the moneyline.
Worth Betting Totals?
The weather could be a major factor on the totals. There will likely be heavy rain with strong winds, which could limit down-the-field passes. With both teams frequently running the ball, the projected total of 48½ feels too high. Take the under.
