The Houston Roughnecks have been the class of the XFL in 2020, and the team is off to a strong start in the 2021 season. After throttling the Orlando Guardians in Week 1, the Roughnecks now take on the Arlington Renegades in a Texas showdown. This matchup is a great opportunity to gauge the strength of both teams and to determine who has what it takes to challenge for the league crown.
The Roughnecks have a new-look roster and head coach, but the results on the field remain the same. Behind the play of quarterback Brandon Silvers and a run-and-shoot offense, the Roughnecks have quickly become the XFL’s highest-scoring team. The Renegades, meanwhile, have yet to score an offensive touchdown this season and will be hard-pressed to keep up with Houston’s offensive firepower.
The Renegades’ defense will have to be at its best if they are to have any chance of slowing down the Roughnecks. The Renegades allowed three touchdowns to the Vegas Demons last week, and they are running into a much bigger challenge in Week 2. Arlington has teased a move to backup quarterback Kyle Sloter, but without playmakers on the outside and with a running game that only gets 2.7 yards a pop, it will be tough for anyone to step in and succeed.
The spread for this game favors Houston by 4.5 points, and I believe the Roughnecks have what it takes to cover. The Roughnecks’ offense was very efficient in Week 1, with Silvers throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns. The two-headed backfield of Max Borghi and Dejoun Lee also averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. Houston can exploit Arlington’s aggressive defense with short passes and screens to their shifty backs and allow them to make plays in space.
Once Houston starts finding the end zone early, head coach Wade Phillips’ defense should be able to pin its ears back and make enough plays to help Houston cover this number. I’m confident that the Roughnecks will be able to come away with a win against the Renegades and make a strong statement in Week 2 of the XFL season.
