Week 3 delivered a few surprises in the XFL, and the playoff race in both conferences may be more open than previously suspected. The Houston Roughnecks remained undefeated in a high-scoring game against the winless Vipers, but the DC Defenders suffered a stunning loss on the road in LA.
The Wildcats dominated Cardale Jones’ club to emerge as a new threat in the Western Conference, and Landry Jones led the Dallas Renegades to a second consecutive win. In Week 4, we’ll see a potential playoff preview in the West, while two Eastern Conference teams may be facing must-win scenarios already.
Here are For The Win’s current XFL power rankings entering Week 4:
1. Houston Roughnecks (3-0)
Week 4: at Dallas
The Roughnecks escaped Tampa Bay with a win in a game that was far closer than it was expected to be, but QB P.J. Walker had another stellar day, passing for 306 yards and three touchdowns - all to receiver Cam Phillips. Their showdown with in-state rival Dallas is a potential playoff semifinal preview.
2. St. Louis BattleHawks (2-1)
Week 4: vs. Seattle
Football returned to St. Louis last weekend with the BattleHawks' first game in the Dome, and the atmosphere was tremendous as St. Louis dominated the Guardians. The BattleHawks' defense has allowed just five touchdowns this season, and they'll now welcome a Seattle team that has struggled to score.
3. Dallas Renegades (2-1)
Week 4: vs. Houston
Landry Jones threw two more interceptions in Week 3 to help keep Seattle in the game, but aside from Jones' turnovers, the Renegades have been great since his return. The backfield duo of Cameron Artis-Payne and Lance Dunbar is the best in the league, and it remains to be seen if offensive coordinator Hal Mumme will give his backs more carries, or stick with letting Jones throw the ball 40 times per game in his Air Raid offense.
4. LA Wildcats (1-2)
Week 4: at New York
The Wildcats stunned DC - my top team through two Week 2 - with a dominant performance at home to get their first win of the year. Quarterback Josh Johnson looks great, the LA defense played brilliantly, and the Wildcats are entering an easy portion of the schedule, with games against the Guardians and Vipers over the next two weeks.
5. DC Defenders (2-1)
Week 4: at Tampa Bay
One week after a 27-0 beatdown of the Guardians, the Defenders lost 39-9, and QB Cardale Jones had an awful day with three interceptions. The Defenders are still clear favorites to win in Tampa Bay, and given the Vipers' and Guardians' struggles so far, make it into the Eastern Conference Playoffs later this season. Still, Sunday's performance in LA was worrying.
6. Seattle Dragons (1-2)
Week 4: at St. Louis
Quarterback Brandon Silvers had a decent first half at home against Dallas in Week 3, but the Dragons' offense was shut out in the second half. It may be time for Jim Zorn to move on to backup B.J. Daniels.
7. Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3)
Week 4: vs. DC
The Vipers put up 27 points against the Roughnecks in a surprisingly close Week 3 game, but Tampa Bay couldn't convert a first-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the fourth quarter and spoiled a chance to pull a massive upset. They'll welcome the Defenders, who just suffered an embarrassing defeat on the road. A loss in Week 4 would effectively bury the Vipers' slim playoff hopes.
8. New York Guardians (1-2)
Week 4: vs. LA
The Guardians tried playing all three of their quarterbacks against the BattleHawks, and backup Luis Perez may have earned himself the starting job after leading the Guardians on an immediate touchdown drive after entering the game. The Guardians have been awful in back-to-back road games, but can they turn their season around at home in Week 4?
