XFL Week 4 Preview: Houston Roughnecks @ Dallas Renegades

Houston Roughnecks (3-0) vs Dallas Renegades (2-1)

Sunday, March 1st, 2020 4:00 pm EST @ Globe Life Park

Odds: Houston Roughnecks –1 (fanduel.com)

A Texas Showdown

The Houston Roughnecks come into this matchup as the only undefeated team left in the XFL. The dynamic duo of P.J. Walker and Cam Phillips has propelled this team to the top of the power rankings and into talks of winning the Championship. The Renegades have just found their stride. It seemed like Landry Jones was getting used to playing full speed again in their matchup against the Dragons. Donald Parham has emerged as the number 1 option for Landry Jones.

Key Matchups

P.J. Walker (11) vs Landry Jones (12)

This game is looking like it will be an offensive shootout. Walker comes into this game with 10 TDs to just 1 INT. Jones, on the other hand, comes in with 4 TDs to 4 INT. Walker may have the statistical advantage but Jones really improved his game in the second half of the Dragons game. Expect these QB’s to be airing it out all game.

Cam Phillips (14) vs Donald Parham (49)

All eyes are on Cam Phillips to see if he can keep his amazing play alive in week 4. He leads the XFL in Touchdowns and receiving yards and is tied with Nelson Spruce for receptions. Parham has been targeted 6 or more times each week. His 6′ 8″ frame makes him a big target and he has proved he can impact the game in a big way when the ball is in his hands.

James Butler (28) vs Cameron Artis-Payne (34)

Even though both teams have a pass-first mentality, it does not mean the running backs should be slept on. Butler ranks 4th in the XFL in rushing yards with 130 and Artis-Payne ranks second with 185. Both are averaging over 5.6 yards per carry on the young season. Artis-Payne has also been great as a receiver. He has 15 receptions for 75 yards. Butler has also been involved in the passing game but hasn’t made any big moves outside of his week 1 touchdown reception.

Injury Report

Away Team Name

RB           De’Angelo Henderson   DNP                       (Shoulder)         

WR         Cam Phillips                    DNP                       (Ankle)

OL           Marquez Tucker            Limited                 (Knee)

DB          Cody Brown                     Limited                 (Shoulder)         

OL           Demetrius Rhaney        Limited                 (Abdominal)

RB           Andre Williams              Limited                 (Wrist)

Home Team Name

WR         Josh Crockett                     DNP                       (Illness)

DL           Frank Alexander             Limited (Hand)

DL           Winston Craig                  Limited                 (Knee) 

TE           Donald Parham                Limited              (Hand)

DL           Tomasi Laulie                   Full                        (Ankle)

TE           Sean Price                          Full                        (Back)

Fantasy Preview

It is looking like this game will be a shootout. P.J. Walker has proved that he is a must-start these past few weeks. Cam Phillips and Donald Parham have also gone on their own respective hot streaks.

Preview Summary

Houston comes into this game averaging 33 points a game (No. 1 in the XFL) Dallas comes in averaging 24.5 points a game with Landry Jones under center. Both of these teams will be looking to pass the ball a lot. Expect a lot of points, some lead changes and an all-out entertaining game at Globe Life Park.