The first game in Vipers franchise history starts off in Arlington against the Renegades in what will be a shootout to start off the season between 2 dangerous offenses. Luis Perez and Drew Plitt will face off in a possible pass heavy game that will likely be close.
Las Vegas Vipers (0-0) @ Arlington Renegades (0-0)
Start (Kickoff): Saturday, Feb. 18th/ 3PM E.T.
Location: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas
Channel: ABC
Depth Charts And Roster Moves:
On Thursday (2/17), the Vipers made a few moves before this Saturdays game. The Vipers re-signed Stephen Roberts (CB), they also signed Jovann Letuli (OT) who was recently released by the Sea Dragons Wednesday, and released Clayton Bradley (OT) while also putting Maurice Smith (Safety) on the reserve list after not practicing Thursday due to an abdomen injury.
Injury Reports
Vegas Vipers:
WR: Martavis Bryant / Right Thigh / Probable
DT: Destiny Vaeao / Leg injury / Questionable
SAF: Mister Harriel / Left Thigh / GTD
WR: Rannell Hall / Hip / Doubtful
Las Vegas Vipers (0-0) @ Arlington Renegades (0-0) Gameday Preview & Prediction
Talk about starting the season off with a bang! The Renegades and Vipers will look to start off both their season in what will matchup to be a super exciting game to watch. Names like Martavis Bryant (Vipers WR), Will Hill (Renegades Safety), Vic Beasley (Vipers OLB), and Geronimo Allison (Vipers WR) are only a few names that will look to be called a lot in Saturdays game.
Offensive Preview
Both Offenses are super explosive in terms of speed and athleticism in their receiver corps. Vegas has very talented guys on the team. An underrated player who could have a serious impact on the game is Matthew Sexton. Matthew has NFL experience as a returner which could be a game changer due to his speed and vision with the ball.
Vipers could seriously create problems for the Renegades with the kind of experience they have especially since some players on their offense have played for so many different leagues (NFL, XFL in 2020, CFL, and IFL). The Vipers also have a lot of young guys who are still looking to prove themselves which could cause some issues in terms of snap counts or turnovers on offense.
Luis Perez will be the starter for their first game and could have a really good game with the kind of receivers and running backs he has around him. Don’t forget the Vipers also could use the run game especially with Rod Smith who will look to be the starter.
Although Rod will be the starter he will possibly have to share carries and receptions with John Lovett and DeAndre Torrey. Brian Burt could be used on passing plays due to his time as receiver in college.
The Renegades also have some underrated weapons in guys like Jordan Smallwood who has played in the XFL (2020) for the Wildcats and Rannell Hall (if he plays) who are both top tier receivers who haven’t really been brought up in breakout player of the game conversations. The Renegades also have a really strong RB room that they will look to use often but will have to face a tough Vipers LB group.
Defensive Preview
The Vipers have serious talent in the LB group that could be scary. Pita Taumoepenu (ILB), Vic Beasley (OLB), and Martrell Spaight (ILB) are some serious threats to the Renegades overall offense which means they will have to prepare for the Vipers aggressive pass rush and run stop defense.
The secondary for the Renegades are their strongest part of their defense with multiple NFL vets looking to make a big impact against the Vipers tough receiving core. Along with a tough pair of safeties in Will Hill (SS) and Jamal Carter (FS) this defense could prove to be too much for the Vipers offense.
Final Score Prediction:
Las Vegas Vipers: 31
Arlington Renegades: 25
The Vipers are strong on offense and defense with potential to shut down the Renegades. Although they have strong suits on both sides of the ball, the Renegades have the potential to go for 30+ points. With everyone still trying to build chemistry, both teams will probably be able to score often due to both defenses still trying to learn each others strength and weaknesses.
Unleash the Action: Sign up for XFL Insider and Fuel Your Passion for Football!
