Roughnecks’ Odds of Winning XFL Championship Improve to +225

• Following 2-0 start, Houston’s odds shorten from +325 to +225 to win XFL championship
• Roughnecks opened the season at +750 across all sportsbooks
• With the DC Defenders as +190 favorites, read below to find out if the Roughnecks are worthy of a wager

The Houston Roughnecks improved to 2-0 in the inaugural XFL season, following a Week 2 28-24 victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Cam Phillips had three touchdown catches as the Roughnecks saw their overall XFL Championship odds improve to +225 with the club’s second straight victory.

Is it still too early to lock the Roughnecks in as a top contender or is Houston actually the real deal this season?

Here’s a closer look at the XFL championship odds.

2020 XFL Championship Odds

Odds taken on Feb. 17

Prior to the XFL regular season kicking off, the Roughnecks were listed as +750 underdogs across all sportsbooks to win the championship. Those odds shortened over time, moving to +325 heading into Houston’s Week 2 matchup against St. Louis.

The early futures from sportsbooks suggest the title race could be between two teams this season: the Roughnecks and D.C. Defenders, who come in as the +190 favorites to win it all.

Cam Phillips rippin up the #XFL https://t.co/JMSL8DNR13

— Justin (@ItsCoachiola) February 17, 2020

Houston’s latest victory came with some hurdles, also suggesting there’s some work ahead if they want to contend for a championship in 2020.

The Roughnecks led the game 21-6 at one point in the second quarter and went into halftime up 21-12. Despite scoring another TD, the Houston defense allowed St. Louis back into the game. In the end, the Roughnecks were able to squeak out the victory.

Western Conference Will be a Tight Race

The XFL’s Western Conference is going to be tight all season long. However, a team that’s faded after pre-season promise is the Los Angeles Wildcats, who fell to 0-2 and are now +1400 long shots to win the XFL title. This coming after the Wildcats opened the season as the +300 favorites to come out of the West and win it all this season.

Victory Monday Mood 😁@JohnnyMaxey92 | #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/4fjpWtci7I

— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) February 17, 2020

Will the same thing happen to the Roughnecks, or will the club’s strong 2-0 start be the building blocks to a championship season?

Don’t expect Houston’s odds to plummet any time soon, as the Roughnecks have upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) and Dallas Renegades (1-1) in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively.

The Roughnecks continue to boast the best offense in the league this season. Through two games, Houston has scored nine touchdowns. However, they’ve given up the second most at six. Only the lowly Wildcats (8) have given up more touchdowns heading into Week 3.

Roughnecks Worth Betting at +225

Defense will certainly be a cause for concern for the Roughnecks moving forward and something to keep an eye on before placing money on Houston to win the title.

The Roughnecks will more than likely top the Western Conference, but the question remains: can they beat a top-tier team like the Defenders in the finals?

Cam Phillips just keeps balllllin #xfl #XFL2020 #XFLfootball https://t.co/VHvXGs9Sml

— HokieFeed (@HokieFeed) February 17, 2020

It’s hard to ignore Houston’s top-ranked offense at this point — especially with former Virginia Tech star receiver Phillips leading the way.

Although the XFL season is young, get in on the Roughnecks at +225 while the price is still there. This is a team that could finish with at least eight wins this season.

Pick: Houston Roughnecks (+225)