
Authors note: This article, despite releasing today does not include the latest results. Check back later in the week for Power Rankings week 8.
Another week has wrapped up, with some shocking results. Houston lost very convincing to DC. Seattle had a struggle win against the winless Orlando Guardians. San Antonio avenged last week’s loss to Arlington, and St. Louis convincingly handled their business against the Vipers. myself, Jesse Dyess, and fellow writer Drew Wells are here with our weekly changes to the XFL’s power rankings.
1)
Jesse- DC Defenders
There’s not much I can say about this team that hasn’t already been said. The run-heavy two-quarterback system paired with the opportunistic defense has led them to a two-game lead on the rest of the field. Abram Smith leads the league in rushing by a country mile, and the Ta’amu-King tandem has been a terror for opposing defenses. A matchup against Orlando this weekend makes it highly likely they stay undefeated.
Drew- DC Defenders
The Defenders are the undisputed number-one squad in the XFL, and it doesn’t seem close. QB Jordan Ta’Amu has found his stride and the offense is firing on all cylinders. Matching up against the new-look Orlando Guardians, don’t expect much to change for either squad in the power rankings.
2)
Jesse- Seattle Sea Dragons

I feel like I am going to get a lot of hate from BattleHawk fans for this, but I still think Seattle is the second-best team. While they did struggle against Orlando, the new-look Guardians are likely to give teams a lot of trouble in the upcoming weeks. There does appear to be some trouble in paradise, as Jim Haslett’s comments on Morgan Ellison were at the very least concerning. However, the league’s best passing attack appears poised to lead Seattle into the playoffs.
Drew- St. Louis BattleHawks
St. Louis thoroughly undressed the Vipers last week in a game where the score was not indicative of the total domination that they exhibited. The offense still needs a true spark, and that may be tough to find against a hungry Houston defense on the road in H-Town. This is a MASSIVE game for the BattleHawks as a win puts them in the driver’s seat for the second-place playoff spot in the conference.
3)
Jesse- St. Louis BattleHawks
The St. Louis Battlehawks completely manhandled the Vegas Vipers this week 29-6 . A.J. Mccarron continues to play like an upper-echelon quarterback in this league. Their running game is effective enough to take some of the pressure off of A.J., and they play great defense. It doesn’t hurt that they also have one of the better receivers out there in Hakeem Butler. This was a really tough decision, but ultimately Seattle has not done enough to merit a fall yet. St. Louis slides in at number 3
Drew- Seattle Sea Dragons
After suffering a bit of a scare on the road against the Guardians, I’d imagine many fans of theirs may be clinching their collective you-know-whats every time Ben DiNucci throws a pass. The man makes amazing plays, but good grief does he have a knack for keeping the opponents in the game late. Regardless, Seattle still sports a good defense and a flair for scoring points week-to-week.
4)
Jesse- Houston Roughnecks
what a difference two weeks make. After week 4, this team looked ready to take the league by storm. However, a loss to Seattle and last night’s disastrous showing against DC have left them with more questions than answers. Brandon Silvers was pulled for being ineffective. The whole offense looks lackluster after leading wide receiver Jontre Kirklin got hurt. The defense has shown to have issues that early in the season were masked by a good pass rush. Only time will tell how this team responds, but for now, they are number 4.
Drew- Houston Roughnecks
Last week’s matchup against D.C. on the road was a comedy of errors until the fourth quarter. QB Cole McDonald came in and lit things up offensively late in the game, but the Defenders had already turned the lights out on the Roughnecks. They look to bounce back in a home game against the BattleHawks, with the only question being “Who starts at QB?”’
5)
Jesse- Arlington Renegades
There is a lot I can say here. Arlington looks like a disorganized mess. While their defense has played well enough to keep them in games, their offense has no leadership and has let them down time and time again. This past game against San Antonio had the feel of one of the old Baltimore- Pittsburgh games, where 10 points would probably be enough to win. They made one of the first trades in the XFL, picking up Luis Perez to try to shore up that offense. Unfortunately, as bad as this team has looked, they are still in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot.
Drew- Arlington Renegades
Yes, Arlington just lost to San Antonio. No, I don’t want to reconsider where they are ranked. They split that season’s “series” over the last two weeks, but their defense is better than San Antonio’s. Also, they have more wins. If their offense was better, there’d be more to say here…
6)
Jesse- San Antonio Brahmas

Remarkably because of how bad the south division has been, the Brahmas are still in contention to make the playoffs after splitting the series with Arlington. This team is a mess at the moment. They have yet to find their quarterback. They just recently acquired Kurt Benkert, and he may be seeing playing time against the Vipers.
Drew- San Antonio Brahmas
San Antonio somehow managed a win in their immediate rematch against Arlington. The defense impressed, scoring a touchdown and willing the team to victory, but the offense returned to its pitiful ways.
7)
Jesse- Las Vegas Vipers
I want to like this team, I do. The offense has played well at times, and they have given other teams (Arlington, Seattle) fits. However, this was not one of these weeks. A thorough demolishing at the hands of the BattleHawks, and the uncertainty at quarterback having just traded your starter lock them in at number 7.
Drew- Las Vegas Vipers
The Vipers have lost the plot. It has gotten bad enough that they decided to rid themselves of Luis Perez (traded to Arlington), s if he is the bulk of their problem… can they succeed under Hundley, and is he healthy enough to carry that mantle?
8)
Jesse- Orlando Guardians
This team will probably be remembered as what could have been. Since dormady has taken the field, he has looked fantastic. This team went from blowout after blowout, to giving Seattle everything they can handle. If they can clean up the turnovers and penalties, they would have a real shot at getting their first win. However, they are playing the DC defenders this week, so I doubt very seriously this is where it happens.
Drew Wells- Orlando Guardians
Despite a Herculean effort against Seattle last week, they came up just short of a victory. There is still time though, Guardians fans! Unfortunately for you, it likely won’t be this week. The D.C Defenders are coming to town… woof!