XFL Week 2: After promising start, let's jump in with this Week 2 teaser

Overall Week 1 of the XFL was successful, and for that reason alone, we're going to do a teaser for this week's game just like we did during the NFL season. Sorry we didn't have one for last week's games, but to be completely honest, we didn't know what to expect, so we decided to wait. Week 1 was absolutely awesome, and we expect the same for Week 2 and the rest of the season. The crowds were solid, the broadcasts were great, we're on board with most of the rule changes and the inside access to coaches' play calls and booth reviews is just awesome. 

The level of play definitely isn't on par with the NFL, but it's definitely better than the Arena League or the Canadian Football League. And just because your Uncle Joe says SEC powerhouses Georgia and Alabama would whoop any team in the XFL doesn't mean it's true. In fact, next time you see him, tell him he has no idea what he's talking about and flat out wrong about Bama or the Bulldogs being able to beat any team in the XFL. 

And more importantly, it's entertaining. The XFL instituted a couple "out of left field" rules like a 3-point try from the 10-yard line after a touchdown and the opportunity to get the ball back after a touchdown if trailing in the fourth quarter by converting a fourth-and-15 instead of attempting an onside kick. At first, we were kind of skeptical, but after watching each game last week, we really liked it. 

So, now that we've established that, let's get down to business — our best teaser for Week 2. Our most confident leg — the D.C. Defenders (+9) on the teaser against the Vegas Vipers. D.C's defense is led by former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and boy, did the Defenders' "D" look good in Week 1. Michael Joseph recorded two picks, including a pick-6, and the Defenders forced a huge fumble inside their own 5-yard line to seal the win. 

D.C.'s offense definitely needs some work in the passing game but dual-threat quarterbacks Jordan Ta'amu and D’Eriq King showed some flashes and did just enough on offense to get the win. Expect another close game on Saturday against Vegas, and even if D.C. doesn't win, don't expect it be by more than a score. Vegas didn't really impress all that much and we're not even convinced the favored Vipers (-3) win outright, making this leg that much more likely to hit.

As for the final leg of our teaser, take the over of 34 points, thanks to the teaser, between the Renegades and Roughnecks. Houston scored a league-high 33 points and were by far and away the most explosive offense in Week 1. We're not so sure Houston scores 30+ points again next week, but you can count on them for at least 20. Quarterback Brandon Silvers hit on some big passes, and when the Roughnecks needed to run the ball, they were able to. 

Meanwhile Arlington rallied from an 11-point first-half deficit last week to beat Vegas behind two defensive scores and despite an overall disappointing offensive showing, we still like Arlington to score at least 20 points again on Sunday. The Renegades struggled to do much on the ground but were able to hit on some big plays in the passing game. This might be a close cover, but with the teaser lowering the over from 40 to 34, we just can't say no. 

The Teaser: D.C. Defenders (+3) to (+9) AND Arlington Renegades/Houston Roughnecks (over 40) to (over 34) (-120 odds via Caesars Sportsbook)

Bet $120 to win $100