The San Antonio Brahmas need a win just to keep pace with the Arlington Renegades for the second spot in the XFL South Division playoff race. Despite losing three of its last four games, the Brahmas defense has been solid, holding opponents to an average of 14 points per game over that span. However, the offense has sputtered, especially with running back Kalen Ballage injured. Can the Brahmas muster enough offense to put the Vipers on ice?
Meanwhile, Vegas has its own issues, with it’s only win coming over the hapless Orlando Guardians. Now that the Vipers have traded away QB Luis Perez to the Renegades, they seem to be counting on Jalan McClendon to be their QB1. Hopefully wide receiver Jeff Badet can continue to establish himself as one of the best receivers in the XFL, as he currently leads the league with five touchdowns.
What should we look for?
The week seven matchup against Vegas at Cashman Field will be the final road game of the season for San Antonio. The Brahmas have played the majority of their season on the road, but they will play three straight home games (Apr. 9, Apr. 15, Apr. 22) in the Alamodome to close out the season. Conversely, the Vipers will play three straight road games to close out the season, so the week seven matchup marks Cashman Field’s final 2023 XFL game.
Entering week seven, the Brahmas have surrendered only 88 points on the season, 13 less than the second-best scoring defense in the league (Arlington). Through six weeks, San Antonio has allowed an average of only 14.7 points per game and is leading the XFL in tackles for loss with 53. The Brahmas defense has also compiled 15.0 sacks so far this season, third-best in the league.
While the San Antonio Brahmas are only allowing 14.7 points per game, the Vipers are averaging 21.3 points per game since week three. Despite their 1-5 record, the Vipers are third in the league in both passing TD’s (11) and passing yards (1329). Vegas also leads the XFL in receptions of 20+ yards. The Brahma’s secondary has had an interception in five straight games, they will look to continue the streak.
Beyond scoring on either the first or second possession this season, Vegas had outscored its opposition 52-39 in the first half and didn’t allow a first half touchdown until Week 3 against Seattle heading into Week 6, but after being outscored by 17 points in the first half by St. Louis, the Vipers have now allowed 56 points in the first half compared to scoring 52. The 52 first half points rank as the fifth most opening half points in the XFL this season. In the second half, it’s been a different story for Vegas, as the Vipers have been outscored 95-53 in five second halves this season.
Vegas Vipers wide receiver Jeff Badet has been one of the most reliable receivers for the team this season, as he has leads the team in three categories: 24 receptions, 341 yards and five touchdowns. His touchdowns lead the XFL this season, while his yardage ranks second in the league and receptions rank tied for fifth. The former Oklahoma and Kentucky standout’s 14.2 yards per reception also ranks second in the league amongst receivers who have caught at least 20 passes. In Week 1 against Arlington, Badet caught two touchdowns, which were his first two touchdowns as a professional football player. Against Seattle, he had a 56-yard reception in the
third quarter, which at the time was the longest reception in the XFL, but was later surpassed in the game when Josh Gordon caught a 65-yard touchdown reception and then the next day when DC’s Chris Blair had a 58-yard reception. Against Orlando in Week 5, the Florida native caught five passes for 80 yards including two touchdowns.
Conclusion
Despite Jalan McClendon making his first start of the year in place of an injured Brett Hundley, the Vipers are a shocking three-point favorite over the Brahmas. Vegas suffered a humiliating home loss of 29-6 to the Battlehawks last week. St. Louis’s A.J. McCarron was able to rip through the Vipers’ pass defense for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Vegas was able to sack McCarron three times, but it had little significance because they were unable to force any turnovers.
The good news for the Vipers’ defense is that this week’s opponent in San Antonio, which only averages 14.8 points per game, won’t have an explosive offense to deal with. Last week, the Brahmas rotated between Jawon Pass and Kurt Benkert as the quarterback, playing musical chairs. Pass appeared more impressive than Benkert, but nobody is certain of their plans for this week. Jack Coan, who is listed as QB1 on the Week 7 depth chart after missing last week’s game with an ankle injury, might perhaps play.
Therefore, take the Vipers and the points on Saturday. As for the O/U of 39.5, this won’t be an offensive show, so take the under.
