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XFL Week 9 Odds and Picks: DC Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades Targets Include Jordan Ta’amu, Abram Smith, and Luis Perez

If you’re looking for Week 9 XFL DC Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades odds, picks, and predictions for this important Sunday matchup, 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. Renegades Week 9 Odds and Betting Lines

The following odds and betting lines for the Defenders vs. Renegades are as of Thursday, April 13, 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 (-8.5)
  • Moneyline: Defenders (-410), Renegades (+330)
  • Over/Under: 41.5 (-110)

Defenders vs. Renegades Picks and Predictions

Full disclosure, as always. Week 8 was a mixed bag, as I went 1-3 in picks against the spread, 2-2 on moneylines, and 4-0 on over/unders. That late and unexpected scratch of St. Louis QB AJ McCarron didn’t help, as backup Nick Tiano floundered vs. one of the league’s worst defenses. The XFL is a bit shallow when it comes to talent, and taking the same team -7 points with a backup QB is never a savvy move.

That said, we take the good luck with the bad. And the good news is that over/unders are making a lot more sense these days. Here’s hoping I snap back into shape on point spreads.

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Two weeks of the XFL regular season remain. This past weekend, two teams became the first to clinch playoff spots, while a second team joined the Vegas Vipers as officially eliminated. That leaves four teams battling it out for two spots.

Arlington is one of those four teams. Although they’re up two games on San Antonio — and seemingly in the driver’s seat — the Renegades’ final two contests are against DC and Houston. That’s a tough uphill climb.

Of course, San Antonio also has to face DC (as well as Orlando). But the DC game will be in Week 10. If the Defenders have clinched the North’s No. 1 seed by then, they could realistically rest their key starters ahead of the playoffs, giving the Brahmas a surprising opening.

So Week 9 is critically important to Arlington. Win, and they’re in. Lose, and if San Antonio wins, then get ready for a Week 10 for the ages.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Renegades were popular preseason favorites to win the XFL title. While their offense frequently has languished, their defense is well above average. They’ve actually yielded the fewest yards per game. Not too shabby.

Their midseason trade for QB Luis Perez might have been the key, Perez got the nod last week and played solidly. Although his numbers suggest something less than “solid,” keep in mind that he probably has the least talented collection of offensive playmakers in the league.

De’Veon Smith is No. 2 in league carries despite averaging only 3.1 yards per attempt. None of their players are in the top 14 in receiving yards. In other words, every other team has, on average, two players with more receiving yards than Arlington’s best guy.

And who’s that “best guy?” TE Sal Cannella, who, according to XFL’s website, reportedly played this past weekend, but didn’t register a catch or even a target. Not a good sign.

Meanwhile, DC clinched a spot in the postseason with a dramatic victory over Seattle. They continue to sport the league’s top running game. And while their defense has been up and down, Jordan Ta’amu has become a more prolific thrower as the season has progressed.

MORE: 2023 XFL Standings | XFL TV Schedule

And speaking of prolific, for most of this year, DC’s passing attack has consisted primarily of their backfield and WR Lucky Jackson. But No. 2 WR Chris Blair has played huge the past two weeks, giving this squad yet another offensive dimension. Bad news for the rest of the league. Great news if Ben’s Chili Bowl is offering half-off chili fries when Blair goes over 100 yards.

The Defenders still have something to play for, as they vie for home-field advantage in the first round. As good as Arlington’s D is, no one has successfully slowed down DC. And the Renegades’ lukewarm-at-best offense likely can’t keep pace.

  • Recommended Point-Spread Bet: Defenders (-8.5)
  • Recommended Moneyline Bet: Defenders (-410)
  • Over/Under: Under 41.5 (-110)

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