Week Two XFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on March 3, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
The XFL completed week two with three road teams earning victories, flipping the script from the prior week in which home teams won three of four. The St. Louis Battlehawks edged the Seattle Sea Dragons, the D.C. Defenders surged past the Vegas Vipers, and the San Antonio Brahmas crushed the Orlando Guardians. The only home team to win was the Houston Roughnecks who held off the Arlington Renegades.
Week three sees a battle of winless teams on Saturday as the 0-2 Sea Dragons travel to face the 0-2 Vipers. On Sunday the marquee matchup features 2-0 St. Louis at 2-0 D.C., while the 0-2 Guardians look to right the ship at the 1-1 Renegades and 1-1 San Antonio tries to stop 2-0 Houston.
The Power Rankings after week two:
1. Houston Roughnecks 2-0
The Roughnecks have shown consistency on offense and appear to have figured out the perfect times to have quarterbacks Brandon Silvers and Cole McDonald on the field. With a stifling defense, the Brahmas will be the biggest test they have faced so far this season.
2. St. Louis Battlehawks 2-0
St. Louis comes off back-to-back, come-from-behind victories, displaying a knack for being at their best when the game is on the line. A win over the Defenders would set up a very enthusiastic homecoming in week four, their first game in St. Louis this season.
3. D.C. Defenders 2-0
D'Eriq King has proven to be a good change-of-pace quarterback, adept at directing the running attack late in ballgames. Starter Jordan Ta'amu struggled in the poor weather at Vegas. The good news is they will be back at home, and the beer snake might make an appearance as well.
4. San Antonio Brahmas 1-1
Brahmas quarterback Jack Coan significantly improved from week one to week two, resulting in Hines Ward winning his first game as an XFL head coach. San Antonio bounced back admirably following a tough, opening-week loss.
5. Arlington Renegades 1-1
The Renegades have struggled offensively so starting quarterback Drew Plitt has been benched in favor of Kyle Sloter, a first team All-USFL selection last year. A struggling Guardians team might offer the perfect opportunity to get on track.
6. Seattle Sea Dragons 0-2
The Sea Dragons have to reverse their turnover fortunes. Fumbles have been costly, and the defense has struggled to take the ball away from opponents. The offense looks good in stretches.
7. Vegas Vipers 0-2
After seeing his first action in the rain Saturday, quarterback Brett Hundley may be the starting quarterback for the Vipers going forward. In a 10-game season Las Vegas is facing a nearly must-win game this week against the Sea Dragons. Fortunately for them, no rain is in the forecast.
8. Orlando Guardians 0-2
Have we seen the last of the quarterback rotation? Erratic Paxton Lynch might be the best option the team has as Deondre Francois threw 13 times for just eight yards. The Guardians haven't been much better on the other side of the ball, surrendering an XFL-worst 63 points.
XFL Stories from March 3, 2023
- Week Two XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Two XFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Week Two 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.
