If you’re looking for XFL DFS picks for Sunday in Week 2, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve analyzed each team’s highest-probability game scripts to assess the most likely outcomes, including which players are in line to thrive more than anticipated or fall short of expectations.
The following recommended DraftKings lineup (for tournaments, 50/50, or head-to-head competitions) aims to lock in a relatively high floor while maximizing upside.
XFL DFS Considerations
The first two recommended lineups for the 2023 XFL season have done well. Week 1’s DFS offering finished in the top 5%-7% of tournaments, while our proposed Thursday night slate for Week 2 scored inside the top 1%.
What’s happening here? Well, as always, there’s plenty of both luck and skill involved. We can’t control for luck, but we can apply data-driven intel to increase our odds for success.
While researching 100+ XFL skill-position players ahead of this season, I drew a few conclusions:
(1) Quarterback play would be more erratic than in the NFL, with lower ceilings across the board.
(2) The looseness of running back depth charts made betting on RBs risky.
(3) Wide receiver depth charts were largely irrelevant, as the opening weeks would determine which supposed No. 1’s were actually No. 3’s or No. 4’s and which supposed tertiary options were actually target friendly.
So these first two DFS slates locked in high-probability producers. What does that mean? For Thursday’s lineup, which finished in 21st place in DraftKings’ tournament, it meant securing both teams’ quarterbacks and four of the six highest-ceiling receivers.
As you can see, I proposed zero running backs. Seattle’s Brenden Knox was the most expensive Thursday RB. But he’s also a sparsely used aerial weapon, meaning he needs to score to be useful in DFS. And he was outplayed by the more dynamic (and much cheaper) Morgan Ellison.
I suggest continuing this strategy for Sunday’s contests, and in the ensuing weeks until/unless hardening depth charts and data suggest otherwise.
Speaking of Sunday (because that’s why we’re here), the biggest pressure point I’m feeling is at quarterback. A slow start by Arlington’s Drew Plitt could make way for intriguing backup Kyle Sloter.
MORE: XFL Start ’em Sit ’em Week 2
The same goes for Orlando’s Paxton Lynch, whose starter status might be hanging by a thread. And despite solid yardage and touchdown totals for Houston’s Brandon Silvers in Week 1, his two turnovers and three sacks versus bottom-tier Orlando don’t exactly inspire confidence.
That leaves San Antonio’s Jack Coan, who remains a work in progress. How good can he be? If we believe Orlando’s defense is exceptionally beatable (as it appeared to be last weekend), then Coan is poised to take another step forward.
The QB position is the X factor in this proposed lineup. No doubt, Silvers is safer. The question is whether Silvers’ strong opening weekend was based more on a favorable matchup than a favorable arm.
Top DraftKings DFS Picks for Sunday XFL Week 2
Today, we’re playing DraftKings “XFL Classic,” which includes one QB, one RB, two WRs, two Flex players, and one D/ST.
QB Brandon Silvers, Roughnecks ($8,600)
Scheme supersedes talent, at least on this pick. I’m not convinced Coan ($8,200) is any worse than Silvers. That said, Houston’s more open offense should generate more scoring opportunities. While I’ve publicly pushed Houston as overrated favorites this weekend, Silvers has the edge.
RB Max Borghi, Roughnecks ($8,000)
Last week, I wrote that Borghi “could be the biggest DFS bargain, period,” referring to his $4,500 price tag as a severe DFS oversight. This week, DraftKings’ game makers have adjusted, as expected.
MORE: Top 50 XFL Players Week 2
And while Borghi is post-hype, his over/under on receptions is higher than any other RB playing this weekend. That alone should keep him above eight DFS points and make him worth the investment.
WR Deontay Burnett, Roughnecks ($8,500)
“Frontload this lineup with Roughnecks” was the pickup line I used on my wife. Now I’m using it in DFS. As you’ll see here and directly below, this is an all-in, boom-bust slate. If we believe Silvers is the best QB option, then we need to lean into his two best receivers — who also happen to be two of the five or six highest-upside receivers playing on Sunday.
WR Jontre Kirklin, Roughnecks ($7,100)
See above. The pairing of Deontay Burnett and Jontre Kirklin assumes Silvers will throw 40+ times, with 12+ combined targets reaching this duo.
Flex: TE Sal Cannella, Renegades ($6,500)
While including him in last week’s DFS lineup, I referred to the $5,400 Sal Cannella as “surprisingly cheap.” He was the Renegades’ first selection in the “offensive skills” portion of November’s draft for compelling reasons. Perhaps no RB, WR, or TE in the XFL has a higher floor. I’m banking on at least five catches for 55+ yards.
Flex: WR Jalen Tolliver, Brahmas ($7,200)
A tough final Flex pick. Assuming the Guardians’ defense cannot shut down San Antonio, my money is on Jalen Tolliver to produce double-digit points. He lit up the XFL three years ago and is in a fairly secure spot as one of the Brahmas’ most important playmakers.
D/ST Brahmas ($4,000)
With $4,100 remaining, we’ll invest most of it on the team facing Orlando. In fairness, we don’t yet know if Orlando can be a middling team or better. It’s still early. Also, in fairness, San Antonio’s defense could be quite good — and, in fact, a notable strength on a team whose offense is still gelling.
Whatever you decide, good luck.
