XFL Week 2 odds: New York Guardians versus DC Defenders, more

Pro football is no longer dead in New York.

With the Giants and Jets languishing in the basement of their respective NFL divisions, New York needed a pigskin savior. It seems to have arrived in the form of the New York Guardians of the XFL.

The Guardians are 1-0 in the new league, courtesy of a 23-9 clubbing of the Tampa Bay Vipers this past Sunday.

Sportsbooks across the country are liking the Guardians’ chances of winning the XFL championship. New York is +400 at DraftKings Sportsbook, and is +350 at FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Guardians have the second lowest title odds behind the DC Defenders (+300) at DraftKings. At FanDuel, the Guardians are tied with the Defenders for the lowest odds at +350.

XFL Week 2 odds

The best game of the XFL’s Week 2 slate will pit the two teams with the lowest odds against one another.

The opening spread for Guardians at Defenders on Saturday is Defenders -5 (-110).

DC is getting the nod here, likely because a homefield advantage that already exists.

The XFL’s Washington outfit beat down the Seattle Dragons 31-19 in Week 1. The Defenders’ defense was particularly impressive in the victory.

Most sportsbooks have not yet posted a total for this game.

Both teams seem to have strong defensive units, however, so the under might be the way to go.

New blood in city rivalry

The New York versus Washington football rivalry may be deceased in Roger Goodell’s league but it will surely get an injection of energy on Saturday in DC (2 p.m., ABC). Washington sports fans have fully embraced the Defenders and tickets on the secondary market are currently going significantly higher than that of the Redskins. Tickets for Defenders games at Audi Field are going anywhere from $130 to $657. You could get into FedEx Field for a ’Skins game this past fall for a measly $5, according to USA Today.

Old school football

It looks like the Guardians’ key to victory this season will be a stifling defense, smart special teams play, and a ball-control offense.

New York may need a little more out of Matt McGloin in Week 2 against the Defenders. The former Raiders quarterback threw for just 182 yards on 11-of-29 passing this past Sunday. He had a passing TD and a rushing TD as well. But cracking the 200-yard mark through the air will likely be necessary against the Defenders’ stout D.