Houston Roughnecks at D.C. Defenders odds, picks and predictions

The Houston Roughnecks (4-1) come to the nation's capital to face the D.C. Defenders (5-0) on Monday at 7 p.m. ET at Audi Field (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Roughnecksvs. Defendersodds, and make our expert XFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Defenders are the last undefeated team in the XFL and they are taking on a Houston teams that's best in the South Division.

The Roughnecks lost for the 1st time this season last week, 21-14 to the Seattle Sea Dragons. Houston forced 4 turnovers, but was held scoreless until the 4th quarter.

The Defenders beat the St. Louis Battlehawks 28-20 behind a solid run game. While QB Jordan Ta'amu did not throw a TD, RB Abram Smith ran for 3 scores.