XFL odds update: DC Defenders now favored to win title

We're through two weeks of the 10-week inaugural season of the new XFL. There are clear signs of successful rule changes that should be implemented by the NFL, and the kickoff rules, mic’d up coaches, and in-game player interviews are fantastic for viewers.

However, the play on the field is what we are going to talk about here. The DC Defenders have put up two impressive performances, and it has led them to the top of the odds table to win the XFL championship.

Let's look at the Defenders' championship hopes and figure out who is the best bet after two weeks.

Deserved favorites

The Defenders started Week 1 with a dominating performance over the Seattle Dragons. They only improved in Week 2, when they shut out the New York Guardians. The Defenders lead the league in point differential at +39 (the Houston Roughnecks are second at +24).

DC quarterback Cardale Jones wants to be the face of the XFL and get an NFL opportunity. Jones led the league with a 116.7 passer rating in Week 1, and he managed to throw for 276 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. He has a multitude of weapons to spread the ball around, and receivers Eli Rogers, Rashad Ross, and DeAndre Thompkins are showing out.

The defense has been the key to DC’s success. The Defenders defense has scored a touchdown in each of the first two games, forced six turnovers, and notched four sacks. The most significant stat is that the six turnovers and four sacks were compiled by 10 different players.

These factors have moved the Defenders' odds from +500 and third choice to the favorites at +200. There is no doubt the Defenders deserve to be the favorite, but it is far too early in the season to take a team to win it all at those odds.

Other Contenders

The Roughnecks have been nearly as impressive in the West Division as DC has been in the East. They made a massive leap from +800 and the sixth choice to +250 and second choice.

Quarterback P.J. Walker has already amassed seven touchdowns to only one interception in his two games. It will be interesting to see the Roughnecks and Defenders matchup in Houston in Week 7.

The Dallas Renegades, the preseason favorite, moved from +325 to +400 and third choice. Their first game was a major disappointment, but the conditions were harsh and they were without their star, quarterback Landry Jones.

In Week 2, the Renegades played better, and running back Cameron Artis-Payne was able to open up with Jones a threat through the air. The Renegades still need to improve in turnovers, but they have the talent to win the championship and provide a value as the third choice.

My dark-horse pick is the St. Louis BattleHawks. They have improved their odds from +1000 to +800, completely shut down the Renegades in Week 1, and gave Houston some trouble in Week 2. They have yet to play a home game and had to play two of the favorites to start the season.

The playmaking ability of Jordan Ta’amu and Matt Jones, mixed with arguably the best defense in the league, makes these odds too juicy to pass up.

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