Career revivals, transparent officiating, and fantastic comebacks were littered throughout Week 1 of XFL action. With the first of four matchups checked off for the week, who’s ready for more XFL games today?
A Thursday night bout between the St. Louis Battlehawks and Seattle Sea Dragons is already in the books for Week 2, so when do the other games kick off? Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 2 XFL games today, including start times, channels, live stream options, and more.
The start of the 2023 XFL season saw three of four games hit the overs, and while the offense may have been slow to start, the second halves were packed with action. With the rosters looking as people expected from a talent perspective, the XFL standings should even out in Week 2. Here’s where you can watch this weekend’s action.
D.C. Defenders (1-0) at Vegas Vipers (0-1)
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Feb. 25
- TV Channel: FX
- Live Stream: ESPN+, fuboTV
The D.C. Defenders and Vegas Vipers get the spotlight to themselves when they kick off the only Week 2 XFL game today. After opening the season with a home victory, the Defenders head to Cashman Field hoping to stay undefeated.
Greg Williams’ defense was ferocious in Week 1, forcing three turnovers and keeping the Sea Dragons’ rushing attack in check all night. On the other hand, the Vipers got out to a hot start against the Arlington Renegades but folded in the second half. Two pick-sixes from the Renegades put Vegas in a hole from which it could never climb out.
If Vegas wants its first win of the season, limiting turnovers is the priority. D.C.’s defense is already firing on all cylinders to start the season. The more time QB Jordan Ta’amu has to develop chemistry with his receivers, the better the Defenders’ offense will get. Keep eyes on D.C. RB Ryquell Armstead, as he excels out of the backfield and as a receiver.
San Antonio Brahmas (0-1) at Orlando Guardians (0-1)
- Start Time: 4 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 26
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN+, fuboTV
The first of two Sunday XFL games today sees a pair winless squads trying to crack into the W column. The San Antonio Brahmas travel to Camping World Stadium to take on the Guardians at 4 p.m. ET. The Guardians were thoroughly beaten down in Week 1, a result many people saw coming in the preseason.
On the other hand, San Antonio saw firsthand just how different the XFL is from the NFL. Nursing a 12-point lead with less than two minutes remaining, the Battlehawks scored 15 points to beat the Brahmas. HC Hines Ward’s coaching career got off to a rough start, but the experience among his staff should ensure a repeat performance doesn’t happen.
San Antonio QB Jack Coan and RB Kalen Ballage had some of the better performances from Week 1 and should benefit from an easier matchup against the Guardians in Week 2. Outside of the final two minutes, the defense was solid against St. Louis. While it seems clear who should emerge from this matchup 1-1, San Antonio was two minutes away from attempting to remain undefeated.
Arlington Renegades (1-0) at Houston Roughnecks (1-0)
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 26
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Live Stream: ESPN+, fuboTV
Football and Texas — is there a better pairing? With three franchises in the Lone Star State, battles between the cities will pop up frequently, with the first coming in Week 2 as the Arlington Renegades take on the Houston Roughnecks.
The final Week 2 XFL game pits two squads who were victorious in Week 1. Houston cruised to an early lead over the Guardians while their defense suffocated Orlando’s offense. Arlington faced a much tougher test, battling a full 60 minutes with the Vipers in a 22-20 victory. Both defenses forced multiple turnovers and got to the QB repeatedly.
However, Arlington will need an upgrade from its offensive line in Week 2. While the Renegades could generate pressure in the opposing backfield, QB Drew Plitt was also sacked three times.
Houston sacked Paxton Lynch and Quinten Dormady seven times, with LB Trent Harris amassing four. If Arlington can’t slow down the Roughnecks’ pass rush, Houston will be the Kings of Texas in the XFL, at least until they play the Brahmas in Week 3.
