1️⃣ XFL Power Rankings
1️⃣ Houston Roughnecks (1-0)
Last game: Beat Orlando Guardians 33-12
Up next: vs. Arlington Renegades (Sunday)
Without question, the Roughnecks had the most dominant and complete game out of any other team in the XFL. Houston’s offense racked up 353 total yards behind a strong effort from QB Brandon Silvers (272 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions).
Defensively, they racked up seven total sacks and three total INTs. I believe next week against Arlington, will show us who is the best team in the league.
2️⃣ Arlington Renegades (1-0)
Last game: Beat Vegas Vipers 22-20
Up next: at Houston Roughnecks (Sunday)
After week 1, Arlington has the best defense in the league. Not only did they interception Vipers QB, Perez, but both were returned for touchdowns. They will need Plitt and the offense to do a little more against Houston, but nonetheless, the defense alone makes them one of the best teams in the league.
3️⃣ Vegas Viper (0-1)
Last game: Lost to Arlington Renegades 22-20
Up next: vs. D.C. Defenders (Saturday)
Yes, I understand they loss, but there’s a reason they’re here for me. In the first half, QB Luis Perez was 14-17 for 177yards and 2 TDs.
While the offense did struggle in the second half, their defense only gave up 9 total points. Many teams will not score on them, and for that, I have them ranked here.
4️⃣ D C Defenders (1-0)
Last game: Beat Seattle Sea Dragons 22-18
Up next: at Vegas Vipers (Saturday)
I struggled putting D C this high, why? Their offense was atrocious. QB Jordan Ta’amu finished the game 8-19 for under 100 yards. Totaling under 200 as a team for the game.
Like others, their defense looked solid. Seattle had difficulty, especially in the second half against the pass rush of the Defenders. Plus, the Defenders fans are crazy, they alone deserve this ranking.
5️⃣St Louis Battlehawks (1-0)
Last game: Beat San Antonio Brahmas 18-15
Up next: at Seattle Sea Dragons (Thursday)
St Louis has the most experienced QB, in A.J. McCarron. But they struggled for the entire game until the Brahmas went into a prevent with under two minutes left. It’s going to be interesting to see how they match up against Seattle, on the road, on a short week. Overall, their defense played decent enough to get the win.
6️⃣ Seattle Sea Dragons (0-1)
Last game: Lost to D.C. Defenders 22-18
Up next: vs. St Louis Battlehawks (Thursday)
Ben DiNucci had an interesting game. He racked up almost 300 yards in the air, but he was responsible for all three turnovers, including the fumble with :19 left in the game. Their defense was stellar and only gave up 177 yards to D C. Short week for the Sea Dragons, but they’re at home. Let’s see how the fans respond to a Thursday night game.
7️⃣ San Antonio Brahmas (0-1)
Last game: Lost to St. Louis BattleHawks 18-15
Up next: at Orlando Guardians (Sunday)
First off, my favorite logo in the league. Secondly, my favorite city and most-deserving (St Louis a close second) of a franchise. Lastly, the best fans in the league, in my opinion.
I debated ranking them higher, because they have the best run game in the league. They played a phenomenal game, until the final 90 seconds. They couldn’t stop AJ late and gave up 15 points, which included a 3-point conversion. They will need to bounce back and luckily for them, they have Orlando on the schedule.
8️⃣ Orlando Guardians (0-1)
Last game: Lost to Houston Roughnecks 33-12
Up next: vs. San Antonio Brahmas (Sunday)
Paxton Lynch looked, let’s call it what it is, awful. Thankfully for him, so did the entire team. The Guardians were blown out and had the worst outing of all XFL teams in Week 1.
I’ll be really curious to see what they can do when they don’t have give up on the run game so early.
Overall, I enjoyed opening weekend. The openness of reviews and seeing/hearing the thought process behind it. The no kick extra points is a plus, for me. The kickoff rule is great. We got to see the onside kick/4th and 15 option happen in multiple games.
I’m looking forward to Week 2 and excited to give my thoughts of the matchups every week.
Editor: Bobby Autin