Who has the edge between the Arlington Renegades and the Orlando Guardians?

The Arlington Renegades won a 22-20 nail-biter that came down to the final possession in the first game of the 2023 XFL season. This week they play the Houston Roughnecks the only team in the XFL that enjoyed a blowout victory.

The Renegades beat the Vegas Vipers 22-20 in week one and the Roughnecks beat the Orlando Guardians 33-12. Here’s what to know before these teams collide.

Defense Defense Defense

This game has the hallmark of a defensive slugfest with both teams turning in superb defensive efforts to start the year.

The Renegades defense came to life in the second half only giving up one touchdown while scoring two of their own on defense. The Renegades defense will need constant pressure and good coverage to stop a potent Roughneck attack led by quarterback Brandon Silvers.

The Roughnecks defense was so dominating in week one that they got starting quarterback Paxton Lynch benched during the game. They’ll be hoping to do the same against Drew Plitt who struggled in his season opener.

Slow start for the Renegades offense

The Reneagdes defensive touchdowns were thrilling, but their offense scoring zero touchdowns might be the more important stat.

The Renegades struggled to move the ball all day against the Vipers and of the few successful drives they had most ended in field goals. Their best drive of the day netted the team zero points as they were stopped on fourth down near the goal line.

The Renegade offense will have to figure out how to score with regularity as no team in the XFL scored more than the Roughnecks’ 33 points and the Renegades will have to keep pace to stay in the game.

The Renegades play the Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium on Sunday at 6 p.m. CT.