Week Six finished with a bang on Monday night, and the new XFL Fan Zone Power Rankings are here.
1. DC Defenders (6-0)
DC flexed its muscles on the entire league Monday night, defeating the Roughnecks 37-26. After trailing 8-0, the Defenders scored twenty-three straight points before Houston would answer, including a crucial pick-six in the second quarter. From there, the game was never really in question. DC even looked much improved in the passing game and on kickoff coverage, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league. DC has a two-game lead in the North, with only four to play, making the Defenders a lock for the playoffs.
Up Next: vs. Orlando (Away)
2. St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2)
The Battlehawks returned to form in week six, routing Vegas 29-6. Quarterback AJ McCarron demonstrated why he is considered to be a league MVP candidate, going 23-for-29 for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. St. Louis faces a reeling Roughnecks team this weekend in the Dome. The pressure is on St. Louis to keep pace in the North, as the Sea Dragons keep winning. It will be interesting to see how St. Louis handles the dual quarterback attack from Houston.
Up Next: vs. Houston (Home)
3. Seattle Sea Dragons (4-2)
Seattle has won four straight games after starting the season 0-2. That’s the good news for Seattle. The bad news is that those two losses were to DC and St. Louis. With only two teams from each division making the playoffs, the Sea Dragons will likely need to win all remaining games against XFL South opponents and split with either DC or St. Louis to have a chance at the playoffs. Seattle’s defense has improved greatly, but the offense continues to turn the ball over, especially in the red zone.
Up Next: vs. Arlington (Away)
4. Houston Roughnecks (4-2)
Houston is in a free fall right now. The Roughnecks lost composure on Monday night, committing twelve penalties. The penalties ranged from untimely to bizarre, as one player was flagged for squirting water at an official. Quarterback Brandon Silvers was ineffective and was pulled mid-game in favor of Cole McDonald. McDonald responded, going 8-for-11 for 194 yards and a touchdown while adding 37 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. Houston’s schedule has been brutal, as the XFL North has run roughshod over the Roughnecks.
Up Next: vs. St. Louis (Away)
5. San Antonio Brahmas (2-4)
The Brahmas have been the most unlucky team in the XFL, losing multiple starters so far this season. The defense has remained fairly consistent for San Antonio, and the addition of quarterback Kurt Benkert has already resulted in a win. Running back Jacques Patrick also had a solid week six, rushing for 82 yards and averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
Up Next: vs. Vegas (Away)
6. Arlington Renegades (3-3)
Arlington may be 3-3, but the future is not bright. In the past five games, Arlington has scored 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 points. That is simply not sustainable. Arlington is fortunate to play in the weaker XFL south, but the Renegades have games against Seattle, Orlando, DC, and Houston. That is a tough road for a team that can’t score more than 20 points. With the loss to San Antonio last weekend, Arlington is now in a position to miss the playoffs entirely. The upside for Arlington is the trade this week. Vegas quarterback Luis Perez was dealt to the Renegades on Tuesday. Perhaps Perez can breathe some new life into the struggling Renegades’ air attack.
Up Next: vs. Seattle (Home)
7. Vegas Vipers (1-5)
Vegas followed up win number one with a complete dud of a game in week six. The Vipers were dominated in all facets of the game and looked like a 1-5 team. Vegas has a very tough remaining schedule and will likely not win again this season. There are just too many inconsistencies to have success. Trading for linebacker Ryan Mueller (from Renegades) will hopefully improve the defense and help Vegas finish games.
Up Next: vs. San Antonio (Home)
8. Orlando Guardians (0-6)
Orlando has a slightly more favorable schedule than Vegas and has begun to demonstrate the ability to score points. Don’t expect Orlando to remain winless this season. Interestingly enough, the Guardians are not yet eliminated from playoff contention. With games remaining against both the Defenders and Battlehawks, the playoffs are very likely just a pipe dream.
Up next: vs. DC (Home)
David Taylor can be found on Twitter @DavidTaylorXFL
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