The Houston Roughnecks (0-1) head to our nation’s capital to take on the DC Defenders (0-1). Both teams are coming off losses in week one, which makes this game critical in the early season. The loser of this game will have an uphill climb for the rest of the season.
Can the Defenders show they are still one of the best teams in the league, or will the Roughnecks be the ones to rebound?
Houston Roughnecks Vs. DC Defenders Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Houston Roughnecks | +5.5
-112 |
O 40.5
-110 |
+195 |
| DC Defenders | -5.5
-108 |
U 40.5
-110 |
-238 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Houston Roughnecks Vs. DC Defenders Fixtures
- Fixture: Houston Roughnecks vs. DC Defenders
- Date and Time: April 7, 2024 @ 4:00 pm EST
- Location: Audi Field in Washington DC
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Houston Roughnecks | Vs | DC Defenders |
| 0-1 | Record | 0-1 |
| 12.0 | Points Per Game | 12.0 |
| 43.0 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 44.0 |
| 131.0 | Passing Yards Per Game | 209.0 |
| 37.5 | 3rd Down % | 35.7 |
| 18.0 | Points Allowed | 27.0 |
| 34.0 | Rushing Yards Allowed | 75.0 |
| 194.0 | Passing Yards Allowed | 195.0 |
| 60.0 | Opposing 3rd Down % | 12.5 |
| +1 | Turnover Differential | 0 |
| 3 | Sacks | 1 |
| W 27-14 | Last Game | L 27-12 |
Key Stats & Players
Houston Roughnecks
The Roughnecks only ran 37 plays in their week one loss. It was a combination of only going 3-8 on third down and then allowing the Showboats to go 9-15 on third down. The time of possession was 39:32-20:28 in favor of their opponent. Additionally, the Roughnecks were called for 12 penalties for 89 yards.
It’s hard to see Houston struggling this much again in the second straight week. However, if the trends continue, it could be a long season.
DC Defenders
The Defenders were shocked by the Brahmas, but the score doesn’t tell the entire story. The stats of the game were very similar, but the fourth down conversions changed the game. The Defenders allowed San Antonio to convert three fourth-down conversions, which kept touchdown drives alive.
If there is a silver lining for DC, it is that Ty Scott was the leading receiver in the UFL after week one. This team went 9-1 in the XFL last season, and if a couple of plays go the other way, this team is 1-0.
Game Prediction
There was a lot to like about what the DC Defenders did in week one. As I said before, if they had stopped the Brahmas on one of the fourth-down conversions, the game might have been different. Houston’s lack of production on both sides of the ball was alarming. While it’s hard to get worse, it seems unlikely everything will be fixed in a week. A 5.5-point spread is tricky, especially with the UFL’s unique scoring. Give me the Defenders, but I would like it to be close.
Final Pick
Houston Roughnecks +5.5, Under 40.5
Get More Great Sports Content
Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
Follow him on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @TotalApexSports. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!
