Surging Sea Dragons Visit Hobbled Renegades
The Seattle Sea Dragons (4-2) and the Arlington Renegades (3-3) collide in Week 7 for the XFL’s first Friday game of the season. Excluding the D.C. Defenders, the Sea Dragons are the hottest team in the XFL. After starting 0-2, they have won four consecutive games while going 3-1 against the spread (ATS). The Renegades (3-3) have lost two of the last three games.
XFL lines favor Seattle by 4½ points. Arlington features one of the league’s top defenses, but the Sea Dragons have perhaps the top offense. This strength-against-strength battle could decide the victor. Here’s everything you need to know for Friday’s clash.
Sea Dragons Come Off Underwhelming Performance
Despite the Sea Dragons’ exceptional win streak, they are still in a tight battle for a playoff spot. Seattle is tied with the St. Louis Battlehawks for second place in the XFL North. Of course, each division will have two playoff berths in the four-team postseason format.
After holding back-to-back opponents to 14 points or less, the defense had a disappointing showing against the Orlando Guardians, who are the final winless team in the XFL. The Guardians totaled 391 yards and averaged 7.4 yards per rush attempt. Orlando had a chance to win in the final minutes. As usual, the Guardians self-imploded with a long list of mistakes. Seattle escaped with a 26-19 win but failed to cover the sportsbook’s point spread.
The Sea Dragons must get back on track against the Renegades. On paper, Seattle should have a big scoring advantage. It leads the league in passing yards, while Arlington ranks second to last. However, Seattle’s confusing Week 6 showing causes hesitation.
With another win, the Sea Dragons’ championship odds will continue to drop. XFL lines have Seattle as the fourth choice to win the title (+600).
Arlington’s Scoring Struggles Continue
The Renegades have consistently made XFL news for the wrong reason. They cannot score points with perhaps the league’s worse offense. Arlington is averaging a measly 10.5 points over the last four games.
The lack of offense led to a 15-9 loss in Week 6 against the San Antonio Brahmas. The defense held the Brahmas to only 162 yards, including only 51 through the air. The Renegades outgained San Antonio by 87 yards, but two turnovers were the difference. One of the turnovers was a scoop and score by the Brahmas.
It’s become comical at this point. How will Arlington’s offense fail this week? Quarterback Drew Plitt continues to struggle, and the unit ranks last with 437 rushing yards on 2.9 yards per carry. At least wide receiver Lujuan Winningham provided one highlight play in Week 6.
XFL Arlington Renegades Winningham amazing touchdown catch.#XFL #XFL2023 #XFLRenegades #XFLBrahmas pic.twitter.com/VXy70YN5Dj
— XFL News and Discussion @ XFLBoard.com (@xflboard) March 26, 2023
Despite the poor offense, the Renegades are still holding a playoff spot. However, don’t expect them to contend for the title, as Las Vegas XFL odds have them as the fifth choice (+1200).
Sea Dragons vs Renegades Head-to-Head
In the 2020 season, the Renegades coasted to a 24-12 win against the Sea Dragons.
Sea Dragons vs Renegades Game Information
- Date: Friday, March 31
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Choctaw Stadium, Arlington, TX
- Sea Dragons vs Renegades Live Stream: fubo.TV
Sea Dragons vs Renegades Betting Lines
Sea Dragons vs Renegades Game Weather Conditions
The weather could be a problem on Friday night. Thunderstorms are expected to hit Arlington throughout the day. However, the forecast is predicting it will clear up by the evening, but winds could reach over 20 mph.
Sea Dragons vs Renegades Prediction
Predicted Score: Sea Dragons 18, Renegades 12
Worth Betting ATS?
This has the second-largest spread of the week at 4½ points. However, the Sea Dragons are more than capable of covering. They are 3-1 ATS over the last four. While the wind could be a factor, Seattle has one of the league’s most efficient run games at 4.3 yards per carry. The Renegades allowed 4.6 yards per carry last week. Take the Sea Dragons to cover; this should be one of the best XFL picks of the week.
Worth Betting on the Totals?
Friday’s matchup has the lowest projected total of the week at 37½. Seattle has a great offense, but Arlington’s is a mess. Plus, the Renegades’ secondary come off a great game and could slow down the Sea Dragons’ wideouts. Most importantly, strong winds could make passing games ineffective. I like the under.
