Sports

DC Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson

Staff Writer

The DC Defenders open the season against the San Antonio Brahmas Sunday at the Alamodome at noon ET (ESPN). Let's analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Defenders vs. Brahmasodds and make our expert football picks and predictions.

The Defenders are led by QB Jordan Ta'amu, who turned a successful stint in the XFL in 2020 into jobs with 3 NFL teams over the last 3 years. He'll run offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss' RPO offense and serve as a threat through the air and a little bit on the ground. They'll be led on the ground by RB Cam'Ron Harris, who was picked up late in the 2023 season and rushed 5 times for 25 yards and 2 TDs against the Seattle Sea Dragons in the playoffs. You'll see a familiar name in DC's receiving corps with former Houston Texans WR Keke Coutee lining up in the slot.

Longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has tapped Chase Garbers as his starting quarterback. Garbers, who spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, is reminiscent of 2020 XFL sensation P.J. Walker, according to the club. The team is super excited by former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Anthony McFarland, who possesses the speed that could take over games. WR Jontre Kirklin is also a name to watch, as he was one of the XFL's best receivers before an injury derailed him. TE Cody Latimer is also in tow as the former Denver Broncos and New York Giants receiver could create mismatches as a hybrid tight end.

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Defenders at Brahmas odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:55 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Defenders -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Brahmas +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Against the spread (ATS): Defenders -6 (-115) | Brahmas +6 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Defenders at Brahmas key injuries

Defenders

CB Gareon Conley (hamstring) out
RB Abram Smith (knee) out
WR Vyncint Smith (elbow) out

Brahmas

LB Jamir Jones (elbow) out
LB Zach McCloud (ankle) out

Defenders at Brahmas picks and predictions

Prediction

Defenders 24, Brahmas 17

Moneyline

These teams faced one another in the XFL season finale last year with DC edging the Brahmas 29-28. The Defenders went 9-1 last season and fell to the Arlington Renegades in the XFL Championship Game. The key here is Ta'amu is in his 2nd season in this RPO offense, and he provides stability and a comfort level. So the Defenders are deserving of the heavy favorites moniker. There's no bet to place here.

PASS.

Against the spread

This is one of the biggest spreads in opening week action, but it's warranted. The continuity DC brings back on offense, coupled with the success the Defenders had last season makes them a dangerous team each week.

Take the DEFENDERS -6 (-115).

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Over/Under

Veteran bettors will remember that the early weeks in the XFL went Under often. The books know this, too, and this number is a little dicey. We're projecting it to just sneak UNDER 43.5 (-115). If it goes any lower, though, you might have to reconsider.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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