Week Eight XFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on April 14, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
Two overtime games highlighted four close contests in week eight of the XFL season which provided more separation between the playoff contenders and those facing their final two weeks of football this season. The St. Louis Battlehawks defeated the Vegas Vipers, and the Houston Roughnecks downed the San Antonio Brahmas in the league's first tests of its overtime format. In other XFL action, the Arlington Renegades held on against the Orlando Guardians and the D.C. Defenders survived against the Seattle Sea Dragons.
Week nine starts Saturday with the Vegas Vipers at the Houston Roughnecks, and the Orlando Guardians at the San Antonio Brahmas. On Sunday the Arlington Renegades play at the D.C. Defenders, and the Seattle Sea Dragons travel to take on the St. Louis Battlehawks.
The Power Rankings after week eight:
1. D.C. Defenders 7-1
D.C. can clinch a North Division playoff home game with a victory over the Renegades or a St. Louis Battlehawks loss. The Defenders should have a big home crowd cheering them on.
2. St. Louis Battlehawks 6-2
With A.J. McCarron out with a shoulder injury, Nick Tiano did enough to help the Battlehawks edge the Vipers. McCarron will be back as the starting quarterback this week, and St. Louis can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the desperate Sea Dragons.
3. Seattle Sea Dragons 5-3
Seattle suffered a hard-fought, one-point loss at home to the Defenders. They have to defeat the Battlehawks to keep their playoff hopes alive.
4. Houston Roughnecks 5-3
The Roughnecks defense helped them end a three-game losing streak. Houston can clinch a home playoff game with a victory over the Vipers.
5. Arlington Renegades 4-4
Defense lifted Arlington over the Guardians, creating five turnovers and one defensive touchdown. The Renegades are hoping with more practice quarterback Luis Perez will grow comfortable with the offense.
6. Vegas Vipers 2-6
Vegas succumbed to a heartbreaking, overtime loss to the Battlehawks, another game they could have won. Their special teams unit was fooled by a fake punt which led to a late Battlehawks score, and their own fake field goal attempt went awry just before the half.
7. Orlando Guardians 1-7
Hot and cold quarterback Quinten Dormady has to cut down on his mistakes if the Guardians have any chance of winning either of their final two games.
8. San Antonio Brahmas 2-6
The Brahmas defense and special teams has been solid, while the offense has been stagnant. Hines Ward said he would like his team to win a home game, and they'll have two more chances.
XFL Stories from April 14, 2023
- Former Wide Receiver Cody Latimer Finds New Home as Star Tight End for Orlando - Orlando Guardians
- XFL and ESPN Adjust Week Ten Game Time - XFL
- Week Eight XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Eight XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Eight XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
