Only one team in the history of mankind can claim an XFL Championship – the 2001 Los Angeles Xtreme. That all changes tomorrow night when the DC Defenders and Arlington Renegades settle it on the field (or turf) as they’ll compete for the 2023 XFL Championship in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
While betting on the Arlington Renegades to win the XFL Championship may seem risky, here are a few reasons why we think they have a solid shot at going all the way in 2023.
Home Field Advantage
Arlington is a 300-mile drive from San Antonio, home of the Alamodome. That means Renegades fans are only a few hours’ drive away from the XFL Championship Game, while DC supporters will have to fly to Texas.
This game has the potential to feature the highest attendance of the year, so an edge in the on-hand fanbase will serve Bob Stoops’ defense well. XFL Championship Game betting sites have set the over/under at 48 points, projecting an outcome where both teams score above 20.
Prior Head-To-Head Matchups
DC and Arlington met in Week 9, with the Defenders narrowly winning at home by two points. A fourth quarter offensive explosion from Arlington brought the Renegades down from 17 points to force overtime.
That experience gives the Renegades confidence going into the XFL Championship Game, especially considering that this contest will be played at a nearby neutral location.
Renegades Quarterback Luis Perez
Luis Perez 2023 Stats: 1,636 yards, 149 completions, 224 attempts, 7.3 yards-per-attempt, 66.5% completion percentage, 9 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Perez finished fourth overall in the XFL for regular season passing yards even though he only played in eight games, starting four. The 28-year-old XFL veteran has righted the ship in Arlington over the latter part of the season and has them playing solid football when it matters most.
“Luis has made a huge difference… He is a natural leader, very sharp and intelligent, has a great arm and is a mature player who has helped galvanize this team.”
Arlington Renegeades Coach Bob Stoops
Luis torched the Roughnecks in the XFL South Championship Game to the tune of 289 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero INTs, and he looks to continue that hot streak into tomorrow evening.
Bob Stoops’ Defense
Bob Stoops made his hay as a defensive coordinator, and his unit leads the XFL in forced fumbles and interceptions. The Renegades’ defense is going to be jacked up on Saturday, and Stoops has had two full weeks to scheme for the DC offense.
Be sure to research the box scores from the past five weeks before betting on the DC Defenders tomorrow. There is a clear building of momentum for the Renegades, and it could result in Arlington hoisting the XFL Championship Trophy.