New York Guardians(2-2) vs Dallas Renegades (2-2)
Saturday, March 7 2020 5:00 pm EST @ Globe Life Park in Arlington
Odds: Dallas Renegades-7.5(sportsbettingdime.com)
Midway Mark
The New York Guardians were a disaster in their prior two road games, but have been strong at home. They come to Dallas seeking their first road win. Dallas has lost two close home contests but won twice on the road. Someone is going to break from the past and get a first result here.
Dallas will start Phillip Nelson at QB following the MCL injury to Landry Jones. New York has yet to name their starter this week as it can be Luis Perez after his first win at the helm of the Guardians or will Matt McGloin return following his thorax injury? This key matchup at the midway point can go a long way to finding out if either of these teams can get a playoff spot.
Key Matchups
Jawaun Johnson (48) vs Donald Parham (49)
Jawaun Johnson is often asked to cover the opposing tight end or backs out of the backfield. He is the quickest of the linebackers and has done a good job of late, He will have his hands full here with who has established himself as the best tight end in the league.
Donald Parham is a big 6’8″ receiving target. He already has 20 receptions for 273 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nelson would be wise to pick out his biggest and best target as much as possible to make his job easier,
Joey Mbu (94) vs Cameron Artis-Payne(34)
Joey Mbu is a big defensive tackle and will need to hold his own here for New York. With Jones out, it is certain New York will see a lot of the Dallas running backs. Mbu will need to step us as the previous two road games saw the Guardians struggle against the run, especially early in the games.
Dallas may lean more on Artis-Payne and the running game than they already do, It will be up to Mbu to hold the line for the Guardians and not allow Dallas get into manageable downs and distances to easily. Artis-Payne wants to keep playing like the top 5 running rusher he has been so far.
Darius Victor (27) vs Asantay Brown (58)
It won’t be Dallas being the only team looking to run the ball. Over the past 2 games, the Guardians have rushed over 100 yards both times. Darius Victor has been getting the most touches for the Guardians and has had an increased workload as the Guardians have started to create more of a power identity. Victor is short, butt strong and hard to find sometimes behind the tall lineman, he is a punishing runner and will look to weaken that defensive front.
Asantay Brown has 21 tackles in the first 4 games and has been a force at the line of scrimmage getting to the ball. He will need to continue to lead the defense to control the Guardians run game and force them to rely on their passing game, which has not been their strong point.
Injury Report
New York Guardians
S Andrew Soroh – Head & knee (limited all week, still may play), C Ian Silberman – Neck (limited in practice, hopeful he will play)
Dallas Renegades
QB Landry Jones – Knee (will be out), G Salesi Uhatafe – undisclosed (has not practiced all week)
Fantasy Preview
Cameron Artis-Payne will get a lot of touches n this game and Donald Parham will certainly get double-digit targets for Dallas, They are must starts. For New York Darius Victor will get a lot of touches and figures for consideration.
Mekale McKay has not been getting the targets many think he should have, but he is the go-to man in the red zone and had a touchdown last week, but counting on the New York passing game is something to give pause,
Preview Summary
This could be a make or break game for both teams. New York is trying to keep pace with St. Louis and DC. Dallas, without Landry Jones, has looked, suspect. A two-game losing streak could knock them out of playoff contention.
