Vegas Vipers at DC Defenders 3/12/23 - XFL Picks & Predictions

The final game of the week four XFL schedule will feature a matchup between the Vegas Vipers and the DC Defenders from the nation’s capital. The Vipers (0-3) have not been able to live up to preseason expectations for head coach Rod Woodson and rank sixth in the league in rushing offense. On Saturday, Vegas surrendered an eight-point lead in the final minutes of a 30-26 home loss versus Seattle.

Vegas took a 26-18 lead on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Brett Hundley to John Lovett. Hundley finished with 224 passing yards and a team-high 66 rushing yards on eight carries. The Vipers were gashed on defense by the Sea Dragons, who gained 519 total yards on 8.2 yards per play.

The DC Defenders league have reeled off three straight victories to start the season behind a ground attack that ranks first in the league with 449 rushing yards. The Defenders rank second in the league with ten sacks and have returned two of their four interceptions for touchdowns. On Saturday, DC rushed for 136 yards and held on late for a 34-28 home victory versus St. Louis.

DC scored first on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Ta’amu to TE Ethan Wolf. On the ensuing drive, Michael Joseph picked off an A.J. McCarron pass and returned it 41 yards to the house. WR Lucky Jackson led the Defenders with four catches for 89 yards.