XFL Week 8 Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions (2023)

Week 7 of the 2023 XFL season was one for the history books. Three of the matchups ended in a one-possession score. Meanwhile, the Orlando Guardians got their first win over the year. More importantly, they won 37-36 over the previously undefeated D.C Defenders.

Now that every team in the XFL has at least one victory and one defeat, the outlook on the league has changed. The Defenders remain the favorite to win the championship this year at +135. However, the Houston Roughnecks (+250), St. Louis Battlehawks (+450), and Seattle Sea Dragons (+475) are right behind them. All four teams are legit title contenders.

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, every team is mathematically still in the playoff picture. However, the Vegas Vipers and Guardians are long shots to make the postseason. Yet, all four matchups in Week 8 have significant playoff implications. Regardless of the matchup, there are always bets to make, so let's look at some potential XFL bets you should make this week.

Best XFL Bets for Week 8

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Vegas Vipers vs. St. Louis Battlehawks

While the Defenders remain the top team in the XFL, the Battlehawks are arguably right behind them. They are only one game out of the top seed in the North Division and have won three of their past four matchups, including two straight. Furthermore, St. Louis is 0-2 this season against the Defenders but 5-0 against the rest of the XFL. Meanwhile, the Battlehawks got an impressive 24-15 win over the Roughnecks after jumping out to a 17-9 halftime lead. Quarterback A.J. McCarron had 222 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win. More importantly, St. Louis defeated Vegas 29-6 in Week 6.

The Vipers have struggled this season. The team’s two wins have come over arguably the two worst teams in the XFL. More importantly, Vegas has been wildly inconsistent in scoring this year. After totaling 26 points in their first two games of the season, the Vipers scored 26 in their Week 3 loss. However, they have averaged 21.3 points per game over the past four weeks. Yet, Vegas has a 2-2 record during that span. While the Vipers are third in the XFL with 13 passing touchdowns, they are fifth in total touchdowns this year.

I'm surprised the spread is only seven points. The Battlehawks have been a difficult opponent for anyone but the Defenders. Meanwhile, the Vipers have lost three games this year by more than 12 points. By comparison, their two victories have come by an average of 8.5 points per game. St. Louis has only played two home games this season, while the Vipers are winless on the road. Unless something happens to McCarron in this game, expect the Battlehawks to win by double digits.

Pick: Battlehawks -7 (-115)

Arlington Renegades vs. Orlando Guardians

Last week the Guardians pulled the biggest upset of the year with their 37-36 win over the Defenders as Orlando was 9.5-point or more underdogs against DC. Furthermore, the live odds didn't change much during the first half. Despite the Defenders leading by only four at halftime, they remained heavy favorites over the Guardians. Yet, Orlando scored a season-high 37 points after outscoring DC by seven in the third quarter. More importantly, the 37 points were the most by any team in the XFL this season.

Arlington is on a two-game losing streak. Yet, they are only one game out of first place in the South Division thanks to Houston's three-game losing skid. However, the Renegades have struggled all year long and they are one of only two teams not to score 30 or more points in any game this season. Furthermore, Arlington has scored only 10 total touchdowns, the fewest in the XFL, despite having two defensive touchdowns. This team has struggled to score all year, averaging only 13.3 points per game. More importantly, the Renegades have averaged only 14.7 points per game in their victories.

Despite the Renegades having a 3-4 record, it's no surprise that the Guardians are 1.5-point favorites this week. Orlando has struggled at times this year but has also been an explosive offensive. They join the Defenders and Roughnecks as the only teams to score 30 or more points in two or more games this year. Meanwhile, Arlington has scored more than 15 points only once this season, all the way back in Week 1. Expect Orlando to keep their momentum going on Saturday, coming off their first win of the year. Guardians win by a field goal or more.

Pick: Guardians -1.5 (-110)

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.