While the XFL has been scratching the itch of football fans far and wide, we have not seen any Monday Night Football in the season so far. However, that looks set to change today as the XFL takes a shot at Monday Night primetime football. Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 6 XFL game today, including start time, channel, live stream option, and game analysis.
XFL Games Today: Is There Football on Monday Night?
We are now officially more than halfway through the 2023 XFL regular season. And perhaps no game this season has bigger championship implications than tonight’s long-awaited battle between the DC Defenders and Houston Roughnecks.
Here’s where you can watch Monday night’s action, as well as some insights on what we might expect from each team.
DC Defenders (5-0) vs. Houston Roughnecks (4-1)
- Date: Monday, March 27
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel & Live Stream Options: ESPN2 and ESPN+
Some of you reading this might be relatively new to the XFL. Others have been following this season closely. Regardless, if you were going to watch one game through the first six weeks of the season, this would be it.
The Defenders are the last remaining undefeated team. They’re second in points scored and in point differential, as well as against the run. Meanwhile, DC is No. 1 in rushing yards per game.
But the Defenders are not perfect. Far from it. They’ve simply (and beautifully) crafted a roster that aligns seamlessly with its weekly game plan. Their strong offensive line and superior running game make them nearly unstoppable. A highly mobile QB (and a similarly mobile backup QB) create even more confusion for all but the best opposing defenses.
MORE: 100% Free Mock Draft Simulator
One of my favorite Defenders stats — something that captures why they’ve been so successful — is their sack differential. DC’s quarterbacks have absorbed five sacks for 12 lost yards. Their defense, on the other hand, has sacked opposing QBs 16 times for 76 lost yards.
As I say every week, the key to beating DC is to force them to pass. But with their elite backfield, offensive line, and run defense, this is far easier said than done.
As for Houston, they’re coming off their first defeat of the year. While a postseason berth still seems like a foregone conclusion, the Roughnecks are only one game up on the Arlington Renegades for the division lead. Home-field advantage in the playoffs still matters, even in the XFL.
Unfortunately for the Roughnecks, they’re facing DC at the worst possible time. The formerly dominant Max Borghi missed Week 4 with an injury and looked a bit rusty in Week 5. While Brycen Alleyne picked up the backfield slack, Houston needs Borghi to play big.
This situation is even more pressing with Jontre Kirklin reportedly expected to miss the rest of the season with a chest injury. A healthy Kirklin might have helped propel Houston to victory last week. His absence is huge. Deontay Burnett will need to be a more consistent No. 1, and/or Travell Harris and Cedric Byrd will need to step up.