If you’re looking for Week 3 XFL DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks odds, picks, and predictions, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve analyzed each team’s highest-probability game scripts to assess the most likely outcomes, including which players are in line to thrive more than anticipated or fall short of expectations.
Defenders vs. Battlehawks Week 3 Odds and Betting Lines
The following odds and betting lines for the Defenders vs. Battlehawks are as of Thursday, March 2, and come from DraftKings Sportsbook. Clearly, they’re subject to change. That said, barring an unforeseen injury to a significant starter, we should assume that these lines will remain largely intact.
- Point Spread: Defenders (-2)
- Moneyline: Defenders (-135), Battlehawks (+115)
- Over/Under: 37 (-110)
Defenders vs. Battlehawks Picks and Predictions
Three undefeated XFL teams remain. Two will face off on Sunday, and in a North Division that also includes two winless teams, the victorious squad in this matchup will be in prime postseason position. That’s not normal through three games of a campaign. But it’s reality in a 10-game season.
As a result, the stakes in this contest are huge. According to oddsmakers, DC has the edge. Maybe because they’re playing at home? Perhaps because of their near-elite defense? Or are they artificially inflating the Defenders’ talent?
Most likely, it’s a combination of factors, beginning with a vaunted defense that keeps them competitive and carrying through to a running game capable of wearing down opponents.
But I’m not sold on the Defenders’ 2-0 record. Yes, it’s deserved. Also, it’s due in part to strong finishes. They’ve trailed in both fourth quarters, prevailing in part because of three forced turnovers in that final frame.
No doubt, their backfield came alive versus Vegas last weekend. Three of the league’s top five rushers hail from DC: running backs Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead, as well as quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. If they can replicate their Week 2 success on Sunday, then they’ll be tough to beat.
However, that’s easier said than done versus the underrated (yes, underrated) Battlehawks. St. Louis was one of my two preseason favorites to win the title. They just persevered against a deceptively good Seattle squad, and in Week 1, they yielded 340 total yards to the Brahmas . . . on 75 offensive players.
Yes, St. Louis won, even though their defense was on the field for 64% of the game. A similar result might occur against DC, which should once again run its offense largely on the ground.
MORE: 2023 XFL Standings
The Battlehawks’ bend-don’t-break defense realistically could yield 200 rushing yards and 80 passing yards. But will that produce enough scoring opportunities for the Defenders?
Because as good as DC’s defense has looked (and in fairness, it’s one of the league’s best units), their shutdown of the Vipers isn’t indicative of their abilities against considerably better offenses. As alluded to above, the Sea Dragons played them tough. And the Blackhawks have an above-average passing attack and backfield, led by A.J. McCarron, Brian Hill, Mataeo Durant, Hakeem Butler, and Austin Proehl.
Hill and Durant are capable runners and pass catchers, while Butler and Proehl have combined for an impressive 15 catches on 20 targets. Hill is a legitimate talent with robust NFL experience, and the other three are fringe NFL-caliber talents — not bad for an XFL team’s corps group of playmakers.
McCarron is the wild card. He could be one of this league’s two best quarterbacks and possibly even No. 1. He’s the only weekly starter without an interception, engineering a solid 65% completion rate, 374 passing yards, and three touchdown passes, along with a 9-53-1 rushing line.
If McCarron struggles, then advantage DC. Big advantage. Probably insurmountable.
Yet, the Defenders have zero interceptions thus far while accruing “only” five sacks. Can they pressure McCarron any more than San Antonio or Seattle did? In the end, will the Blackhawks’ superior offense be the difference?
That’s the huge question. And I’m willing to bet on St. Louis’ offense over DC’s defense.
- Recommended Point-Spread Bet: Battlehawks (+2)
- Recommended Moneyline Bet: Battlehawks (+115)
- Over/Under: Under 37 (-110)