The XFL is scratching the itch of football fans far and wide, but when are the XFL games today? Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 7 XFL games, including the start time, channel, live stream option, and game analysis.
XFL Games Today: Is There Football on This Weekend?
We are 60% of the way through the 2023 XFL regular season. Arguably, four teams stand out as clear-cut title contenders, while two others are battling for a playoff spot from the South division. Here’s where you can watch this weekend’s action, as well as some insights on what we might expect from each team.
Vegas Vipers (1-5) vs. San Antonio Brahmas (2-4)
- Date: Saturday, April 1
- Start Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV Channel & Live Stream Options: ESPN2 and ESPN+
There’s a huge difference between these two franchises, despite their closely aligned win-loss records. Vegas is all but eliminated from postseason contention in the brutally tough North division. Their only sure-fire way of reaching the playoffs is to win their final four games, for St. Louis and Seattle to tie when they face off in Week 9, and for those two squads to lose their other three contests.
The Vipers are well aware of their situation, which I believe is why they traded primary starting QB Luis Perez to the Renegades this week. I write “primary” because Perez and Brett Hundley have gone back and forth at the helm of the Vipers’ offense, with Perez earning a lion’s share of work. Now the team presumably will turn to Hundley for the rest of the season to see if can develop into a franchise-elevating QB ahead of 2024.
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Arlington’s acquisition of Perez was brilliant — not that he’s necessarily the solution to their QB woes. Principally, their move blocked the San Antonio Brahmas from potentially upgrading at their most needy position.
Yes, San Antonio has rolled through four quarterbacks in six weeks. Only one game behind Arlington for the second playoff spot in the South, they were prime candidates for a QB upgrade. Now the Brahmas are stuck with arguably the league’s worst offense during a stretch where they realistically need to go 3-1 to have a good shot at the postseason.
But don’t count out their defense. It’s as close to elite as any in the XFL. I’ve been touting it since they held the Battlehawks to three points in the first 57 minutes of their Week 1 faceoff. Even then, it was clear St. Louis had an exceptional offense. It’s just that the Brahmas’ defense is that good.
Orlando Guardians (0-6) vs. DC Defenders (6-0)
- Date: Saturday, April 1
- Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
- TV Channel & Live Stream Options: ESPN and ESPN+
I say this lovingly: the XFL erred in scheduling this game during the semifinals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Two keys to growing a community are (a) presenting something the community wants, and (b) presenting it at times when the community is most likely to engage.
It’s particularly unfortunate that this Guardians vs. Defenders matchup might pay the price. Ignore their records for a moment. Yes, DC should win handily. They have the most dominant running game in the league, and it’s not even close. They also have one of the top defenses and a situationally effective passing attack.
Simply put, they deserve to be undefeated.
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However, Orlando is a deceptively talented 0-6. In particular, their offense kicked into another gear when Quinten Dormady replaced Paxton Lynch at quarterback. This move coincided with the ascension of Charleston Rambo. Paired with Cody Latimer, this is one of the league’s top WR tandems.
Orlando’s problem is defense. But interestingly, they’re comfortably middling in terms of yards surrendered. The bigger issue is turnovers resulting in favorable field position for opponents, putting undue pressure on an overworked defense.
I believe this will be the most entertaining game of Week 7. If you’re a college basketball fan, you might want to record (is that still a thing) this intriguing XFL faceoff and watch it later.
Houston Roughnecks (4-2) vs. St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2)
- Date: Sunday, April 2
- Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
- TV Channel & Live Stream Options: ESPN and ESPN+
How the mighty have fallen. A couple weeks ago, Houston was regarded as a top-two XFL team — in some circles, even better than DC. Since then, they’ve lost No. 1 WR Jontre Kirklin to a season-ending injury, and last week they benched starting QB Brandon Silvers for Cole McDonald.
Meanwhile, the once-promising Max Borghi has fallen on hard times, with injuries and inefficient running plaguing this team’s once impressive rushing attack.
The Roughnecks need to regroup after two straight defeats. But this is a tough week to do so because St. Louis has a championship-caliber roster led by an elite QB, elite RB, and a fearsome WR duo.
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I believe whoever wins the first quarter will win this contest. If Houston comes out flat, it’s probably over. The Roughnecks are literally reeling, and if they can’t right the ship soon, they might actually be in trouble in the relatively soft South division.
But if Houston comes out strong, they still have the talent (including the defensive prowess) to give AJ McCarron and his passing attack fits.