7:05 pm
March 1

XFL: Defenders @ Vipers

Who will WIN this matchup?

DC Defenders

@ Tampa Bay Vipers

 

Current odds:

DC Defenders: (-192)

Tampa Bay Vipers: (+167)

 

The spread for the game is DC by 4.5 points.

Cardale Jones was horrific in Week 3, completing just 13-of-26 passes (50% completion rate) for 103 yards (4 YPA) with zero TDs and four interceptions. Each turnover was undoubtedly his fault. It was a step back after a marvelous start to the season. Perhaps the cross-country road trip to Los Angeles was the problem. Either way, Jones has still shown a strong enough combination of deep-ball competency and off-script goodness to warrant the benefit of the doubt moving forward. Just realize the floor here can be low.

Quinton Flowers continues to function as the Vipers’ best option at QB, but coach Marc Trestman continues to go with Taylor Cornelius and Aaron Murray (foot) instead. Murray was expected to return this week after getting first-team reps over Cornelius, but apparently the latter QB will continue to start as long as Murray remains hobbled. Flowers wasn’t spotted at practice to start the week due to personal reasons. Coach Marc Trestman relinquished play-calling duties to OC Jaime Elizondo in Week 3, leading to a robust 80 plays and balanced approach (46% run-play rate).

The key for the Vipers will be getting to Jones before 12-gauge is able to launch the ball downfield. Only Marquise Williams (3.37 seconds) has taken longer to throw on average than Jones (2.97), who is typically more than fine with extending plays if his initial read isn’t there.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
DC Defenders