The Orlando Guardians put forth their best performance of the season during last week’s 10-9 loss to the Arlington Renegades. Despite dropping their third straight game, the Guardians could have easily stolen a victory on the road had a few things gone their way.
This week, Orlando will get its second opportunity to play the undefeated Houston Roughnecks. The two teams met in Week 1 when Wade Phillip’s squad dominated the Guardians, 33-12. Head coach Terrell Buckley and his staff will need much more production from the offense, which has yet to score more than 12 points in a game.
Orlando Guardians (0-3) vs Houston Roughnecks (3-0)
Time: Saturday, March 11th, 7:00 PM EST
Location: Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Television Broadcast: FX
Weather Forecast: 73°F with clear skies expected, winds up to 7 mph
Betting Odds (per DraftKings Sportsbook):
Moneyline: HOU -390/ORL +320
Spread: HOU -9/ORL +9
Over/Under (points): 37.5
Guardians Injury Report
Orlando remains relatively healthy with just three players listed on this week’s injury report. Backup defensive back Roman Tatum is out for Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury. Guardians’ fans will be happy to see both Caeveon Patton and Cody Latimer as probable for the matchup. Latimer leads all tight ends in the league with a combined 155 yards and two touchdowns through the first three weeks.
Guardians-Roughnecks Prediction
The Guardians showed that despite a poor record to start the season, the team is going to continue to fight. Orlando’s defense stepped up big time in last week’s game allowing just 10 points to the Renegades. While Houston’s offense has proven to be a level above that, the Guardians should perform much better than they did against the Roughnecks back in Week 1.
Another factor that plays into the Guardians’ hands will be the home-field advantage. The Roughnecks have had the privilege of playing each of the first three games at TDECU Stadium in Houston. Camping World Stadium will be Brandon Silvers, and the rest of the squad’s first time on an opposing field.
Guardians’ fans should be excited to see some new faces take the field Saturday night. Buckley and his staff made several moves during the week with the most significant being the signing of former USF star quarterback, Quinton Flowers. Additionally, the Guardians decided to part ways with running back Kelvin Taylor after activating running back Devin Darrington earlier in the week. Orlando’s secondary also saw some reinforcements this week with cornerback CJ Holmes returning from injury, as well as the signing of former Minnesota Vikings cornerback, Tye Smith.
While the team continues to try and improve the roster, Houston will prove to still be too much for Orlando come Saturday. The Guardians have simply not shown enough on the offensive side of the ball to warrant a prediction of them winning this game. With all that being said, it would not come as a surprise if Buckley’s squad looks better than it did two weeks ago.
Prediction: Orlando Guardians 16, Houston Roughnecks 24
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