The 2023 XFL Playoffs Are Set: Ranking The Four Remaining Teams
Updated: Jun 30, 2023
The third time is the charm for the XFL. After a failed launch in 2001 and a COVID-19 shortened season in 2020, fans will finally get to see the spring football league complete it’s full slate of games. The regular season has just concluded, and the playoffs begin this upcoming weekend. Let’s recap the four teams who are vying for the first ever XFL Championship.
North Division
1. DC Defenders (9-1)
The D.C. Defenders finished with the best record in the league at 9-1, clinching the North Division title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Defenders were led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu who threw for 1,894 yards and 14 touchdowns with only three interceptions. DC also had the league’s leading rusher, Abram Smith, who finished the season with 791 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
The Defenders’ only loss came in Week 7 against the Orlando Guardians, who spoiled their perfect season with a 37-36 upset. DC scored more points (298) than any other team in the XFL all season.
2. Seattle Sea Dragons (7-3)
The Seattle Sea Dragons secured the second playoff spot in the North Division with a 7-3 record, edging out the St. Louis Battlehawks on a tiebreaker. Both teams finished 7-3. The Sea Dragons and the Battlehawks had identical records, head-to-head results, division records and common opponent records, but the Sea Dragons had a better point differential (+66 vs. +47). Seattle won their final game 28-9 over the Las Vegas Vipers, while the St. Louis Battlehawks defeated the Orlando Guardians 53-28.
The Sea Dragons were led by former NFL quarterback Ben DiNucci, who threw for 2,671 yards and 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. DiNucci also rushed for 305 yards and three touchdowns. The Sea Dragons had a balanced offense that ranked second in the league in rushing yards.
South Division
3. Houston Roughnecks (7-3)
The Houston Roughnecks dominated the South Division with a 7-3 record, clinching the division title and home-field advantage for the division championship game. The Roughnecks started the season with four straight wins, but then lost three consecutive games before bouncing back with three consecutive wins to close out the season.
The Roughnecks were led by quarterback Brandon Silvers who threw for 1,551 yards and 13 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Houston had some of the better defensive numbers in the league by ranking second in points allowed and second in points differential.
4. Arlington Renegades (4-6)
The Arlington Renegades clinched the second playoff spot in the considerably weaker South Division with a 4-6 record. They finished one game ahead of the San Antonio Brahmas (3-7).
The Renegades were led by quarterback Luis Perez who threw for 1,636 yards and nine touchdowns with seven interceptions. Arlington had a solid defense that ranked first in points allowed but the inconsistent offense makes it difficult to pick the Renegades.
When And How To Watch The XFL Playoffs
South Division Championship: Arlington Renegades (2) vs. Houston Roughnecks (1) on Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
North Division Championship: Seattle Sea Dragons (2) vs. D.C. Defenders (1) on Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN
League Championship: Winner of North Division vs. Winner of South Division on Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Who Will Win It All?
A case could be made for three out of the four teams taking home the XFL Championship. The DC Defenders have been on a roll all year with the best record in the league. However, Seattle and Houston have better point differentials.
Arlington is in by default, being the second-best team in the weaker South Division. Houston easily defeated Arlington in both games this year and should again in the South Division Championship.
Expect a close North Division Championship with DC going against Seattle. The Defenders have won both head-to-head matchups in 2023 despite them being close.
The XFL Championship will likely be between the Roughnecks and Defenders. DC beat Houston 37-26 in Week Six in their only head-to-head matchup this season.
Follow StadiumRantHQ on Twitter. Check out our other articles @Stadium Rant. Are you a sports fan? Have some takes you want to get out into the world? This is the place because we have plenty of opportunities at Stadium Rant spanning the whole NFL and more!
Comments