Vegas Vipers at Arlington Renegades 2/18/23 - XFL Picks & Predictions
Last Updated: 02/13/2023 at 8:25 PM ET
The 2023 XFL season will kickoff with a matchup on Saturday afternoon between the Vegas Vipers and the Arlington Renegades from Choctaw Stadium. The Vipers will be coached by Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson and have some pretty flashy names on their roster. Former Green Bay QB Brett Hundley was signed by Vegas as the highest paid player in the league and he will throw to former Pittsburgh WR Martavis Bryant.
The Vipers are expected to be solid on defense and will be headlined by former NFL All-Pro LB Vic Beasley. On the defensive line, Vegas will feature former Penn State standout Robert Windsor. Deontay Anderson is an intriguing rookie out of Houston that will be used as a hybrid LB/DB.
The Arlington Renegades are the only XFL franchise to return their head coach (Bob Stoops) from the 2020 season. The Renegades expect to be a pass-happy team, with Kyle Sloter getting the first chance under center. Arlington drafted Sloter’s USFL teammate TE Sal Canella and he should be one of the top targets through the air.
Arlington’s defense will be led by All-USFL LB, who recorded 117 tackles for the Houston Gamblers. The secondary is loaded for the Renegades, with De’Vante Bausby and Josh Hawkins flying around making plays.
Vegas is one of most intriguing teams heading into the XFL season, with plenty of talent that could carry them to a championship. Arlington has been tabbed by the sports books as one of the top two teams in the league. With the defenses likely ahead of the offenses, look for Coach Stoops and the Renegades to have the advantage on opening weekend. Final Score Prediction, Arlington Renegades win 23-17.