XFL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Week 1 (2023)
Super Bowl 57 was a classic. Unfortunately, it wrapped up the 2022 NFL season. While we have to wait until August for NFL football again, the XFL is back!
After the league initially failed in 2001, the XFL returned in 2020. Unfortunately, the league was suspended and eventually canceled in March 2020 because of COVID-19. However, the XFL is back nearly three years since the league got canceled.
Spring football hasn't been successful in the past, as we've seen leagues fail multiple times. Hopefully, this time it will be different. Let's look at some potential XFL bets you should make this week.
Check the rest of our XFL Odds, Picks & Predictions for Week 1:
Best XFL Bets for Week 1
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook
Vegas Vipers vs. Arlington Renegades: Vipers +3 (-105)
While the XFL was around in 2020, this year is like starting from scratch from a betting mindset. However, this matchup features two of the top contenders for this year, according to DraftKings. The Vipers have the fourth-best odds of winning the title at +550, while the Renegades have the third-best odds at +500. Yet, those odds don't make sense to me. The Vipers are loaded with former NFL players, including wide receivers Martavis Bryant and Geronimo Allison. Those two combined for 23 receiving touchdowns in 93 career NFL games.
Furthermore, quarterback Brett Hundley is on the roster. The former UCLA quarterback started nine games in the NFL, throwing nine touchdowns that year. Meanwhile, Luis Perez played in the USFL last year, throwing for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns with only one interception. The Vipers also have former NFL top-10 draft pick Vic Beasley on the roster. In his second year in the league, the former Clemson star led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. Unfortunately, his career flamed out after that, as Beasley had only 18 sacks over his final 56 NFL games.
I like the Vipers on the moneyline at +125. However, taking them plus the three free points is the safer call.
St. Louis Battlehawks vs. San Antonio Brahmas: Battlehawks -2.5 (-110)
With no meaningful history to lean on, picking winners this week will be a combination of trusting your gut and luck. However, this matchup features the most favored team to win the title this year. The Battlehawks have the best odds of winning the title at +400. Meanwhile, the Brahmas have the third-worst odds at +650. Furthermore, the Battlehawks have a better roster than the Brahmas.
St. Louis has a few former NFL draft picks on their roster. Wide receivers Marcell Ateman and Hakeem Butler have only 20 receptions on 42 targets in their short NFL careers. However, both were dynamic in college. Ateman averaged nearly 17 yards per reception during his four years at Oklahoma State and had 13 receiving touchdowns over his final two seasons. Meanwhile, Butler had over 2,000 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in his last two years at Iowa State. Furthermore, they have A.J. McCarron at quarterback. McCarron had a limited NFL career, starting only four games. Yet, he was productive in college, totaling over 9,000 passing yards and 77 touchdowns with only 15 interceptions during his time at Alabama.
Despite the Battlehawks being the favorites to win the title this year, bettors only have to give up 2.5 points against the Brahmas. At -110, that's my favorite bet of the week.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.