Breaking down betting splits for Week 5 XFL action

The XFL kicks off Week 5 on Saturday, and we have an even mix of favorites and underdogs getting some love at DraftKings Sportsbook. There is only one remaining undefeated team in the league, as the Houston Roughnecks have taken all four of their matchups while the St. Louis BattleHawks are the clear second place team at 3-1. Parity reigns after those two teams.

We get three home favorites and one road favorite in Week 5. Home teams are 10-6 against the spread so far this season. But, two big road dogs are getting plenty of action, with Seattle seeing 79 percent of the handle as +12.5 dogs, with bets coming in evenly with Houston seeing 52 percent and Seattle 48 percent. The Roughnecks are undefeated, but have won by only 7, 7, and 4 points in their last three.

The Guardians are the other big road dogs to get love, as 81 percent of the handle and 77 percent of the wagers are for New York at +7.5. The push for the Guardians is likely based on recent quarterback play, as the Guardians had a semblance of an offense with Luis Perez at the helm last week and the Renegades lost Landry Jones late last week and will start their backup Philip Nelson.

Bettors don’t have any confidence in the DC Defenders and Cardale Jones turning things around against the BattleHawks in D.C. this Sunday. As -4.5 road favorites, the BattleHawks have 95 percent of the handle and 87 percent of the wagers. And, after watching Jones complete 22-of-48 passes (45.9%) for 175 yards (3.56 YPA), no touchdowns and five interceptions over the last two weeks, I don’t see how you can trust him, even at home.

Despite their 1-3 record, the public feels strongly about the LA Wildcats at home taking on the 1-3 Tampa Bay Vipers. As -2 point home favorites, the Wildcats are receiving 79 percent of the handle and 78 percent of the bets against the spread. The play of Josh Johnson, which has been excellent, coupled with the Vipers heading cross country, is a big reason for the support.

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