Although both teams sit at 1-2, the Los Angeles Wildcats hold the upper hand against the New York Guardians. The Wildcats are currently coming off a huge win over the Defenders, meanwhile, the Guardians have lost 2 straight, losing both in blowout fashion. The Guardians have had some issues with team chemistry on offense including Quarterback Matt McGloin calling out his coaching staff on the live broadcast.
However, the Wildcats are trending in the exact opposite direction. The Wildcats will only improve from here as Josh Johnson is practicing more. Johnson missed the entirety of training camp and was limited in practice the week before his start. The Wildcats were also missing 2 starting CB’s and their starting RB but did not miss a beat at those positions.
Key Matchups
Matt McGloin (14) vs Kevin Gilbride (##)
This is not your usual match but it is definitely one to watch. Matt McGloin has called out his coach, on live TV and ruffled feathers. McGloin has not played well at all the past two weeks and McGloin was even benched towards the end of last week’s game. If benched, Luis Perez would take over the starting duties. Perez was traded from the Wildcats so that in itself would also be a matchup to watch.
Tre McBride (15) vs Jamar Summers (21)
Although Summers plays CB on the left side, watching him guard Tre McBride will be a great matchup. Although Summers is an amazing corner McBride had 2 TD’s last game so it will be interesting to see if he can duplicate that performance.
Storm Norton (72) vs Joey Mbu (94)/ TJ Barnes (93)
In every football game the battle at the line of scrimmage is arguably the most important battle. Storm Norton, an LT for the Wildcats is one of the best offensive linemen in the XFL. He will be going against one of the best defensive line duos in the XFL as he takes on Joey Mbu and TJ Barnes
Injury Report (as of Wed, 2/26)
LA Wildcats
Latarius Brady
DE
Hip
Did not participate
Martez Carter
RB
Ankle
Did not participate
Nelson Spruce
WR
Knee
Did not participate
Brandon Barnes
TE
Knee
Limited participation
Jaylen Dunlap
DB
Ankle
Limited participation
Josh Johnson
QB
Thigh
Limited participation
Chad Kanoff
QB
Shoulder
Limited participation
Tre McBride
WR
Thigh
Limited participation
Harlan Miller
DB
Thigh
Limited participation
Larry Rose
RB
Foot
Limited participation
NY Guardians
Garrett Brumfield
OL
Head
Did not participate
Darius Victor
RB
Ankle
Did not participate
Jawuan Johnson
LB
Head
Limited participation
Matt McGloin
QB
Thorax
Limited participation
Avery Young
OL
Shoulder
Limited participation
Garret Dooley
LB
Ankle
Full participation
Fantasy Preview
The two guys that stand out on fantasy wise are the WR’s for the Wildcats. With Nelson Spruce out Tre McBride, Jordan Smallwood, and Adonis Jennings will see more targets than usual. However, try and grab Smallwood and Jennings in DFS plays as McBride will most likely be covered by Jamar Summers. LA’s secondary looked amazing against the Defenders so I would not expect Mckale McKay to have a big day. On the other hand, the Wildcats have not had much success stopping the run so Tim Cook has potential to have a big day.
Preview Summary
Even with the same record, these teams are heading in different directions. The Wildcats are the favorites but traveling to the opposite coast and then playing a morning game can turn ugly for some teams. Injuries have plagued the Wildcats and they don’t stop as WR stud Nelson Spruce will be out but LA has the depth necessary to cover from Spruce missing the game.
My prediction: Wildcats Win
To keep up on the latest Wildcats news and updates follow Matthew on Twitter @_matthewshapiro
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Growing up northwest of Los Angeles, Matthew Shapiro has lived and breathed sports from a young age. As a youth writer/reporter for the LA Wildcats, Matthew has combined his love for writing and sports. Outside of football, Matthew is a huge Lakers fan and wrote about the Lakers prior to joining XFL News Hub. You can follow Matthew on Twitter @matthewxfl or email him at matthew.shapiro@xflnewshub.com
