Battlehawks vs. Defenders Prediction
The D.C. Defenders have dropped two straight on the road but they’re 2-0 at home, where they’ll be on Sunday when they host the St. Louis Battlehawks at 3:00 p.m. ET. Are the Battlehawks a safe play as a 5.5-point road favorite?
Game Snapshot
405 St. Louis Battlehawks (-5.5) at D.C. Defenders (+5.5); o/u 38.5
3:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 8, 2020
TV: FS1
Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com, the Battlehawks are 5.5-point road favorites over the Defenders, while the over/under currently sits at 38.5 points.
St. Louis Battlehawks Latest
Jordan Ta’amu was 20-of-27 for 264 yards with one touchdown and an interception while also rushing 16 times for 63 yards in the Battlehawks’ 23-16 win over the Dragons. St. Louis is now 3-1 on the season and is in first place in the XFL East, although a loss would drop the Battlehawks into a tie with the Defenders and the Guardians.
D.C. Defenders Latest
One week after losing to the L.A. Wildcats 39-9, the Defenders were shut out 25-0 by the Vipers last Sunday. Cardale Jones struggled again, completing 9-of-22 passes for 72 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Former University of Buffalo signal-caller Tyree Jackson took over for Jones, but attempted only two passes, completing one for three years.
Game Prediction
I don’t like laying 5.5 points with a road team, even though the Battlehawks have separated themselves (along with Houston) from the rest of the league in the XFL. The Defenders looked like a different team the first two weeks at home and should be able to cover now that they’re back in D.C.
XFL WEEK 5 PREDICTION: D.C. DEFENDERS +5.5