Week Nine XFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
April 21, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
Two playoff spots have been decided and two more will be won in the final week of the XFL's 2023 season. The D.C. Defenders clinched the North Division with an overtime victory over the Arlington Renegades, and the Houston Roughnecks captured the South Division after topping the Vegas Vipers. By defeating the St. Louis Battlehawks, the Seattle Sea Dragons kept their hopes alive, and the San Antonio Brahmas remained in contention by holding on to defeat the Orlando Guardians.
The final week of the XFL regular season starts Saturday with the Orlando Guardians at the St. Louis Battlehawks, and later sees the D.C. Defenders travel to face the San Antonio Brahmas. On Sunday the Houston Roughnecks play at the Arlington Renegades, and the Vegas Vipers complete the XFL's regular season at the Seattle Sea Dragons.
The Power Rankings after week nine:
1. D.C. Defenders 8-1
With the Defenders locking up the North Division, look for backup quarterback D'Eriq King to get some more playing time against the Brahmas. After breezing through the first half of the season, D.C. has found itself in much closer games down the stretch.
2. Seattle Sea Dragons 6-3
As the hottest team in the league, a win over the Vipers would give the Sea Dragons a great chance to clinch a playoff spot thanks to tie-breakers. A loss will eliminate them.
3. St. Louis Battlehawks 6-3
Even if the Battlehawks lose to the Guardians, they can still make the playoffs if the Sea Dragons lose to Vegas.
4. Houston Roughnecks 6-3
The Roughnecks defense has helped them win two straight games and clinch first place in the North Division. While they could use the finale to rest starters, it could also provide an opportunity to work on their ailing offense.
5. Arlington Renegades 4-5
The Renegades nearly pulled out a win after an amazing, 17-point comeback in the fourth quarter of their overtime loss to the Defenders. They will gain a playoff spot with a victory or a Brahmas loss.
6. San Antonio Brahmas 3-6
The Brahmas will make it to playoffs with a victory over the Defenders and a Renegades loss to the Roughnecks. Two of the team's three wins have come over Orlando.
7. Vegas Vipers 2-7
The Vipers have suffered three straight losses of seven points or less. They can spoil the Sea Dragons' playoff hopes with a victory in their final game.
8. Orlando Guardians 1-8
Though they have but one win to show for it, Orlando has been one of the more entertaining teams in the XFL of late with their last five games going down to the wire.
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XFL Stories from April 21, 2023
- Week Nine XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Nine XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Nine XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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