State rivals square off in the XFL on Sunday when the Arlington Renegades visit TDECU Stadium to take on the Houston Roughnecks in the Texas Throwdown. Both teams aim to start 2-0 after opening the season with home victories in Week 1. Houston has yet to lose an XFL game after going 5-0 during the abbreviated 2020 season. That included a 27-20 road victory against the Renegades, who finished 2-3 that season. Both teams dominated with defense in Week 1, as the Roughnecks cruised to a 33-12 victory against the Orlando Guardians and Arlington edged the Vegas Vipers 22-20.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Caesars Sportsbook lists Houston as a 4.5-point favorite in the latest Renegades vs. Roughnecks odds, and the over/under for total points scored is set at 39. Before making any Roughnecks vs. Renegades picks, be sure to see the XFL predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's R.J. White.
White, a Fantasy and gambling editor for CBS Sports, consistently crushes against-the-spread picks and went 535-450-30 on his ATS picks from 2017-22, which returned more than $3,500 to $100 players. He also closed the NFL season on an incredible 107-80-6 on his last 193 against-the-spread and total NFL picks during the 2022 NFL season, returning more than $1,800 for $100 bettors.
White has crushed not only the NFL but also the XFL during its abbreviated 2020 season, going 16-4 on XFL ATS picks before the league suspended operations. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, he has locked in on Roughnecks vs. Renegades and released a confident against-the-spread pick. You can head to SportsLine now to see White's pick and analysis. Here are the XFL lines and trends for Renegades vs. Roughnecks:
- Roughnecks vs. Renegades spread: Houston -4.5
- Roughnecks vs. Renegades over/under: 39 points
- Roughnecks vs. Renegades money line: Houston -205, Arlington +170
- Roughnecks: It scored two touchdowns longer than 25 yards last week
- Renegades: Four players had receptions of at least 15 yards in Week 1
- Roughnecks vs. Renegades picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Roughnecks can cover
Houston's defense should be trouble for an Arlington offense that struggled most of last week. The Roughnecks had seven sacks and forced four turnovers as the Roughnecks took a 21-6 lead by halftime and cruised to victory. The Renegades averaged just 2.7 yards per rush, so Houston should be able to focus on getting after Drew Plitt, who was sacked three times in Week 1. Trent Harris was named the XFL Defensive Player of the Week after posting four sacks.
The Roughnecks also were strong on offense and had the Player of the Week on that side of the ball as well. Receiver Deontay Burnett earned that honor with eight catches for 90 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown. That helped quarterback Brandon Silvers throw for 272 yards and two scores, and Jontre Kirklin had 71 yards on just five receptions. The Renegades allowed 10.7 yards per pass against the Vipers, while Houston averaged just under 10 last week.
Why the Renegades can cover
Arlington's defense was opportunistic last week, and the offense should be able to move the ball. The offense got off to a slow start, but quarterback Drew Plitt and tight end Sal Cannella had an efficient day. Plitt went 19-of-25 for 172 yards, with Cannella catching seven passes for 70 yards. The Auburn product was named to the All-USFL team last season after catching 46 passes for New Orleans. Tyler Vaughns and Brandon Arconado combined for 70 receiving yards.
The Roughnecks defense allowed 4.9 yards per carry against Orlando, so De'Veon Smith and Keith Ford should find openings. They combined for 66 yards on 24 carries in Week 1. If the offense struggles, the defense could bail them out. The unit scored two touchdowns last week, with De'Vante Bausby and Tomasi Laulile returning interceptions for scores. Arlington had seven tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks from Aaron Adeyoe, and held the Vipers to 1.7 yards per rush.
How to make Renegades vs. Roughnecks picks
White has analyzed this matchup and while we can tell you he's leaning Over on the point total, he has discovered a crucial x-factor that makes one side of the spread a must-back. He's only sharing what it is and which side to back at SportsLine.
Who wins Roughnecks vs. Renegades? And what critical factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you should jump on -- all from the top NFL expert who closed the NFL season on an incredible 107-80-6 run, and find out.
