# 2023 Houston Roughnecks season

The 2023 Houston Roughnecks season was the second season for the Houston Roughnecks as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2023 season. The Roughnecks played their home games at the TDECU Stadium and were led by head coach Wade Phillips.
Earning their first playoff berth and clinching first place in the South Division, the Roughnecks were eliminated by the Arlington Renegades in the South Division title game in the playoffs.
This was the last season before the XFL merged with the United States Football League to form United Football League (UFL). As part of the merger agreement leading up to the 2024 season, the XFL's Roughnecks would disband and the USFL's Houston Gamblers would take over the Roughnecks name.

## Schedule

All times Central
| Week | Day | Date | Kickoff | TV | Opponent | Results | Results | Location | Attendance |
| Week | Day | Date | Kickoff | TV | Opponent | Score | Record | Location | Attendance |
| 1 | Saturday | February 18 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN/FX | Orlando Guardians | 33–12 | 1–0 | TDECU Stadium | 12,784 |
| 2 | Sunday | February 26 | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN2 | Arlington Renegades | 23–14 | 2–0 | TDECU Stadium | 11,765 |
| 3 | Sunday | March 5 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN2 | San Antonio Brahmas | 22–13 | 3–0 | TDECU Stadium | 11,309 |
| 4 | Saturday | March 11 | 6:00 p.m. | FX | at Orlando Guardians | 44–16 | 4–0 | Camping World Stadium | 10,013 |
| 5 | Thursday | March 16 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN | at Seattle Sea Dragons | 14–21 | 4–1 | Lumen Field | 9,231 |
| 6 | Monday | March 27 | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN2 | at DC Defenders | 26–37 | 4–2 | Audi Field | 12,492 |
| 7 | Sunday | April 2 | 1:00 p.m. | ESPN | St. Louis BattleHawks | 15–24 | 4–3 | TDECU Stadium | 12,013 |
| 8 | Sunday | April 9 | 2:00 p.m. | ABC | at San Antonio Brahmas | 17–15 (OT) | 5–3 | Alamodome | 12,243 |
| 9 | Saturday | April 15 | 11:30 a.m. | ABC | Vegas Vipers | 28–21 | 6–3 | TDECU Stadium | 10,967 |
| 10 | Sunday | April 23 | 2:00 p.m. | ESPN | at Arlington Renegades | 25–9 | 7–3 | Choctaw Stadium | 12,821 |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Orlando Guardians

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Guardians | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
| Roughnecks | 6 | 15 | 0 | 12 | 33 |
at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: February 18
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,784
* Referee: Chris Coyte
* TV announcers (ESPN): Lowell Galindo, Sam Acho, and Taylor McGregor
Game information :
First quarter
ORL – Cody Latimer 27-yard pass from Paxton Lynch (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:01. Guardians 6-0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 4:59.
HOU – Jontre Kirklin 10-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (1-pt Conversion No Good), 2:22. Tied 6-6. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:22.
Second quarter
HOU – Deontay Burnett 46-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (1-pt Conversion No Good), 10:59. Roughnecks 12-6. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:41.
HOU – Max Borghi 27-yard run (1-pt Conversion No Good), 6:04. Roughnecks 18-6. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:28.
HOU – Hunter Duplessis 33-yard field goal, 1:52. Roughnecks 21-6. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:21.
Third quarter
No Scoring Plays.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Hunter Duplessis 33-yard field goal, 10:18. Roughnecks 24–6. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:36.
ORL – Andrew Jamiel 51-yard pass from Quinten Dormady (3-pt Conversion No Good), 10:29. Roughnecks 24-12. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:30.
HOU – Cole McDonald 5-yard rush (1-pt Conversion No Good), 3:08. Roughnecks 30-12. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:43.
HOU – Hunter Duplessis 22-yard field goal, 1:23. Roughnecks 33-12. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:30.
Top passers
ORL – Quinten Dormady – 12/18, 142 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 26/42, 272 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
ORL – Jah-Maine Martin – 9 rushes, 41 yards
HOU – Max Borghi – 8 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
ORL – Andrew Jamiel – 3 receptions, 80 yards
HOU – Deontay Burnett – 8 receptions, 90 yards :

#### Week 2: vs. Arlington Renegades

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Renegades | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Roughnecks | 11 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 23 |
at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: February 26
* Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 11,765
* Referee: Jeff Heaser
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Matt Barrie, Joey Galloway, and Tiffany Blackmon
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Hunter Duplessis 42-yard field goal, 12:10. Roughnecks 3–0. Drive: 6 Plays, 22 Yards, 2:40.
HOU – Nick Holley 5-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion Good by Jontre Kirklin), 7:40. Roughnecks 11–0. Drive: 1 Play, 95 Yards, 0:05.
Second quarter
ARL – LuJuan Winningham 4-yard pass from Drew Plitt (2-pt Conversion No Good), 9:23. Roughnecks 11–6. Drive: 6 Plays, 23 Yards, 2:59.
ARL – Nate Becker 13-yard pass from Drew Plitt (2-pt Conversion Good by Tyler Vaughns), 3:53. Renegades 14–11. Drive: 4 Plays, 40 Yards, 1:44.
Third quarter
HOU – Cedric Byrd 15-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (1-pt Conversion No Good), 7:42. Roughnecks 17–14. Drive: 6 Plays, 45 Yards, 2:55.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Max Borghi 4-yard rush (1-pt Conversion No Good), 5:00. Roughnecks 23–14. Drive:13 Plays, 70 Yards, 7:44.
Top passers
ARL – Drew Plitt – 15/29, 120 yards, 2 TD, INT
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 14/28, 173 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
ARL – De'Veon Smith – 7 rushes, 16 yards
HOU – Cole McDonald – 12 rushes, 27 yards
Top receivers
ARL – Sal Cannella – 4 receptions, 38 yards
HOU – Ben Putman – 4 receptions, 65 yards :

#### Week 3: vs. San Antonio Brahmas

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Brahmas | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 13 |
| Roughnecks | 8 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: March 5
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 11,309
* Referee: Jason Autrey
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Tom Hart, Greg McElroy, and Cole Cubelic
Game information :
First quarter
SA – T. J. Vasher 9-yard pass from Jack Coan (1-pt Conversion Good by T. J. Vasher), 12:29. Brahmas 7–0. Drive: 5 Plays, 36 Yards, 2:31.
HOU – Jontre Kirklin 7-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion Good by Jontre Kirklin), 8:30. Roughnecks 8–7. Drive: 8 Plays, 45 Yards, 3:59.
Second quarter
HOU – Jontre Kirklin 3-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion No Good), 11:16. Roughnecks 14–7. Drive: 8 Plays, 84 Yards, 3:51.
HOU – Deontay Burnett 18-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion Good by Cole McDonald), 4:54. Roughnecks 22–7. Drive: 7 Plays, 72 Yards, 3:39.
Third quarter
SA – Jacques Patrick 2-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 2:53. Roughnecks 22–13. Drive: 8 Plays, 45 Yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SA – Jack Coan – 8/20, 64 yards, 1 TD
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 24/35, 278 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
SA – Kalen Ballage – 10 rushes, 35 yards
HOU – Max Borghi – 15 rushes, 74 yards
Top receivers
SA – Alize Mack – 3 receptions, 27 yards
HOU – Jontre Kirklin – 6 receptions, 77 yards :

#### Week 4: at Orlando Guardians

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Roughnecks | 20 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 44 |
| Guardians | 0 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
* Date: March 11
* Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 10,013
* Referee: Reggie Smith
* TV announcers (FX): John Schriffen, Tom Luginbill, and Stormy Buonantony
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Travell Harris 21-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion No Good), 11:10. Roughnecks 6–0. Drive: 7 Plays, 52 Yards, 3:50.
HOU – Fumble recovery returned for touchdown by William Likely (2-pt Conversion Good by Jontre Kirkland), 9:53. Roughnecks 14–0. Drive: 3 Plays, 27 Yards, 1:17.
HOU – Deontay Burnett 49-yard pass from Jontre Kirklin (2-pt Conversion No Good), 4:15. Roughnecks 20–0. Drive: 5 Plays, 66 Yards, 2:44.
Second quarter
ORL – José Borregales 33-yard field goal, 9:16. Roughnecks 20–3. Drive: 10 Plays, 35 Yards, 5:20.
HOU – Jontre Kirklin 42-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion No Good), 1:01. Roughnecks 26–3. Drive: 1 Play, 39 Yards, 0:07.
ORL – Jaylen Smith 31-yard pass from Paxton Lynch (1-pt Conversion Good by Charleston Rambo), 0:39. Roughnecks 26–10. Drive: 2 Plays, 30 Yards, 0:22.
Third quarter
ORL – Charleston Rambo 81-yard pass from Paxton Lynch (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:50. Roughnecks 26–16. Drive: 1 Play, 78 Yards, 0:11.
HOU – Dejoun Lee 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 2:08. Roughnecks 32–16. Drive: 8 Plays, 71 Yards, 4:34.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Travell Harris 59-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:57. Roughnecks 38–16. Drive: 3 Plays, 57 Yards, 1:57.
HOU – Dejoun Lee 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 3:40. Roughnecks 44–16. Drive: 8 Plays, 61 Yards, 4:17.
Top passers
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 24/30, 239 yards, 3 TD
ORL – Paxton Lynch – 18/30, 267 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Dejoun Lee – 6 rushes, 45 yards
ORL – Devin Darrington – 12 rushes, 40 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Travell Harris – 3 receptions, 83 yards
ORL – Cody Latimer – 4 receptions, 57 yards :

#### Week 5: at Seattle Sea Dragons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Roughnecks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Sea Dragons | 6 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 21 |
at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: March 16
* Game time: 9:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 9,231
* Referee: Jason Autrey
* TV announcers (ESPN): Lowell Galindo, Sam Acho, and Taylor McGregor
Game information :
First quarter
SEA – Ben DiNucci 20-yard rush (3-pt Conversion No Good), 3:43. Sea Dragons 6–0. Drive: 7 Plays, 46 Yards, 3:23.
Second quarter
SEA – Damion Willis 9-yard pass from Ben DiNucci (3-pt Conversion Good by Juwan Green), 0:45. Sea Dragons 15–0. Drive: 9 Plays, 90 Yards, 3:38.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
HOU – Max Borghi 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 7:22. Sea Dragons 15–6. Drive: 4 Plays, 25 Yards, 2:04.
SEA – Darius Bradwell 3-yard rush (3-pt Conversion No Good), 1:22. Sea Dragons 21–6. Drive: 6 Plays, 38 Yards, 2:25.
HOU – Justin Smith 47-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (2-pt Conversion Good by Deontay Burnett), 0:29. Sea Dragons 21–14. Drive: 8 Plays, 74 Yards, 0:58.
Top passers
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 25/47, 227 yards, 1 TD
SEA – Ben DiNucci – 17/32, 209 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Max Borghi – 6 rushes, 12 yards
SEA – Darius Bradwell – 9 rushes, 12 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Travell Harris – 5 receptions, 58 yards
SEA – Jahcour Pearson – 5 receptions, 82 yards :

#### Week 6: at DC Defenders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Roughnecks | 8 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 26 |
| Defenders | 3 | 14 | 9 | 11 | 37 |
at Audi Field, Washington, DC
* Date: March 27
* Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,492
* Referee: Reggie Smith
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Taylor Zarzour, Tom Luginbill, and Stormy Buonantony
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Max Borghi 4-yard rush (2-pt Conversion Good by Cedric Byrd), 5:08. Roughnecks 8–0. Drive: 8 Plays, 66 Yards, 4:32.
DC – Matt McCrane 34-yard field goal, 1:18. Roughnecks 8–3. Drive: 8 Plays, 52 Yards, 3:50.
Second quarter
DC – Abram Smith 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 1:57. Defenders 9–8. Drive: 10 Plays, 61 Yards, 4:37.
DC – Interception returned for touchdown by Santos Ramirez (2-pt Conversion Good by Josh Hammond), 1:15. Defenders 17–8. Drive: 1 Play, -12 Yards, 0:42.
Third quarter
DC – Alex Ellis 1-yard pass from Jordan Ta'amu (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:12. Defenders 23–8. Drive: 8 Plays, 72 Yards, 4:48.
DC – Matt McCrane 32-yard field goal, 2:08. Defenders 26–8. Drive: 11 Plays, 44 Yards, 6:03.
HOU – Deontay Burnett 85-yard pass from Cole McDonald (3-pt Conversion No Good), 1:19. Defenders 26–14. Drive: 2 Plays, 86 Yards, 0:49.
Fourth quarter
DC – Lucky Jackson 30-yard pass from Jordan Ta'amu (2-pt Conversion Good by Chris Blair), 13:16. Defenders 34–14. Drive: 6 Plays, 76 Yards, 3:04.
HOU – Max Borghi 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:03. Defenders 34–20. Drive: 6 Plays, 65 Yards, 3:12.
DC – Matt McCrane 50-yard field goal, 6:14. Defenders 37–20. Drive: 7 Plays, 36 Yards, 3:49.
HOU – Cole McDonald 1-yard rush (3-pt Conversion No Good), 1:57. Defenders 37–26. Drive: 9 Plays, 62 Yards, 4:17.
Top passers
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 10/17, 111 yards, 0 TD
DC – Jordan Ta'amu – 19/31, 245 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Max Borghi – 11 rushes, 25 yards
DC – Abram Smith – 19 rushes, 95 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Travell Harris – 5 receptions, 60 yards
DC – Lucky Jackson – 5 receptions, 136 yards :

#### Week 7: vs. St. Louis BattleHawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| BattleHawks | 6 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Roughnecks | 0 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 15 |
at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: April 2
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,013
* Referee: Jeff Heaser
* TV announcers (ESPN2): Tom Hart, Greg McElroy, and Cole Cubelic
Game information :
First quarter
STL – Gary Jennings Jr. 14-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (2-pt Conversion No Good), 4:18. BattleHawks 6–0. Drive: 13 Plays, 96 Yards, 7:53.
Second quarter
HOU – Deontay Burnett 1-yard pass from Cole McDonald (1-pt Conversion No Good), 13:34. Tied 6–6. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:44.
STL – Hakeem Butler 5-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (2-pt Conversion Good by Hakeem Butler), 8:22. BattleHawks 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 5:12.
HOU – Hunter Duplessis 25-yard field goal, 3:11. BattleHawks 14–9. Drive: 10 Plays, 63 Yards, 5:11.
STL – Donny Hageman 59-yard field goal, 0:01. BattleHawks 17–9. Drive: 2 Plays, 8 Yards, 0:05.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
HOU – Fumble recovery returned for touchdown by William Likely (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:44. BattleHawks 17–15. Drive: 1 Play, 0 Yards, 0:23.
STL – Darrius Shepherd 10-yard pass from A. J. McCarron (1-pt Conversion Good by Brian Hill), 3:54. BattleHawks 24–15. Drive: 11 Plays, 74 Yards, 6:49.
Top passers
STL – A. J. McCarron – 26/34, 222 yards, 3 TD
HOU – Cole McDonald – 15/32, 106 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
STL – Brian Hill – 11 rushes, 53 yards
HOU – Max Borghi – 9 rushes, 46 yards
Top receivers
STL – Darrius Shepherd – 7 receptions, 70 yards
HOU – Cedric Byrd – 7 receptions, 50 yards :

#### Week 8: at San Antonio Brahmas

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Roughnecks | 6 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 17 |
| Brahmas | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 15 |
at Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
* Date: April 9
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,243
* Referee: Francisco Villar
* TV announcers (ABC): Tom Hart, Greg McElroy, Cole Cubelic and Kris Budden
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Deontay Burnett 3-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (1-pt Conversion No Good), 8:52. Roughnecks 6–0. Drive: 12 Plays, 70 Yards, 6:08.
SA – Parker Romo 26-yard field goal, 2:00. Roughnecks 6–3. Drive: 13 Plays, 63 Yards, 6:52.
Second quarter
SA – Parker Romo 42-yard field goal, 6:29. Tied 6–6. Drive: 13 Plays, 66 Yards, 7:23.
HOU – Austin Jones 41-yard field goal, 1:01. Roughnecks 9–6. Drive: 11 Plays, 52 Yards, 5:28
Third quarter
HOU – Garrett Owens 5-yard pass from Brandon Silvers (1-pt Conversion No Good), 13:02. Roughnecks 15–6. Drive: 2 Plays, 0 Yards, 0:42.
Fourth quarter
SA – Jacques Patrick 2-yard rush (3-pt Conversion No Good), 1:07. Roughnecks 15–12. Drive: 5 Plays, 36 Yards, 1:54.
SA – Parker Romo 49-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 15–15. Drive: 9 Plays, 44 Yards, 1:00.
Overtime
HOU – Deontay Burnett pass from Cole McDonald for 2 points
Top passers
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 17/36, 146 yards, 2 TD
SA – Jack Coan – 23/41, 190 yards, 0 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Max Borghi – 7 rushes, 10 yards
SA – Jacques Patrick – 16 rushes, 96 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Michael Bandy – 4 receptions, 29 yards
SA – Landen Akers – 5 receptions, 62 yards :

#### Week 9: vs. Vegas Vipers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Vipers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 9 | 21 |
| Roughnecks | 0 | 6 | 13 | 9 | 28 |
at TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: April 15
* Game time: 11:30 a.m. CDT
* Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 10,967
* Referee: Chris Coyte
* TV announcers (ABC): Tom Hart, Greg McElroy, Cole Cubelic and Katie George
Game information :
First quarter
VGS – Sean Price 4-yard pass from Jalan McClendon (2-pt Conversion No Good), 0:40. Vipers 6–0. Drive: 9 Plays, 75 Yards, 4:41.
Second quarter
VGS – Cinque Sweeting 2-yard pass from Jalan McClendon (2-pt Conversion No Good), 9:05. Vipers 12–0. Drive: 7 Plays, 41 Yards, 4:01.
HOU – Fumble recovery returned for touchdown by Tavante Beckett (1-pt Conversion No Good), 3:49. Vipers 12–6. Drive: 6 Plays, 23 Yards, 3:18.
Third quarter
HOU – Fumble recovery returned for touchdown by Ajene Harris (1-pt Conversion good by Tavonn Salter), 8:55. Roughnecks 13–12. Drive: 2 Plays, -1 Yards, 0:44.
HOU – Max Borghi 2-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 1:16. Roughnecks 19–12. Drive: 8 Plays, 49 Yards, 4:00.
Fourth quarter
VGS – Sam Sloman 53-yard field goal, 13:33. Roughnecks 19–15. Drive: 6 Plays, 30 Yards, 2:42.
HOU – Brycen Alleyne 14-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), Roughnecks 25–15. Drive: 2 Plays, 50 Yards, 0:43.
VGS – John Lovett 25-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 6:23. Roughnecks 25–21. Drive: 4 Plays, 65 Yards, 2:28.
HOU – Austin Jones 28-yard field goal, 1:49. Roughnecks 28–21. Drive: 10 Plays, 42 Yards, 4:34.
Top passers
VGS – Jalan McClendon – 27/37, 249 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Brandon Silvers – 16/27, 105 yards, 0 TD
Top rushers
VGS – John Lovett – 9 rushes, 46 yards
HOU – Brycen Alleyne – 12 rushes, 42 yards
Top receivers
VGS – Geronimo Allison – 6 receptions, 60 yards
HOU – Garrett Owens – 4 receptions, 23 yards :

#### Week 10: at Arlington Renegades

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Roughnecks | 12 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 25 |
| Renegades | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
at Choctaw Stadium, Arlington, Texas
* Date: April 23
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,821
* Referee: Jason Autrey
* TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie, Eric Mac Lain, and Tiffany Blackmon
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Cole McDonald 10-yard rush (2-pt Conversion No Good), 10:11. Roughnecks 6–0. Drive: 9 Plays, 69 Yards, 4:50.
ARL – Taylor Russolino 56-yard field goal, 6:35. Roughnecks 6–3. Drive: 7 Plays, 33 Yards, 3:35.
HOU – Jeremy Cox 5-yard rush (1-pt Conversion No Good), 4:30. Roughnecks 12–3. Drive: 4 Plays, 66 Yards, 1:53.
Second quarter
ARL – Taylor Russolino 36-yard field goal, 9:50. Roughnecks 12–6. Drive: 16 Plays, 65 Yards, 9:40.
ARL – Taylor Russolino 19-yard field goal, 0:07. Roughnecks 12–9. Drive: 10 Plays, 53 Yards, 3:54.
Third quarter
HOU – Austin Jones 35-yard field goal, 8:23. Roughnecks 15–9. Drive: 9 Plays, 38 Yards, 5:01.
HOU – Pass interception returned for touchdown by Tavante Beckett (1-pt Conversion Good by Cole McDonald), 5:33. Roughnecks 22–9. Drive: 5 Plays, 20 Yards, 2:50.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Austin Jones 38-yard field goal, 1:13. Roughnecks 25–9. Drive: 7 Plays, 41 Yards, 2:43.
Top passers
HOU – Cole McDonald – 10/11, 120 yards, 0 TD
ARL – Luis Perez – 22/36, 205 yards, 0 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Jeremy Cox – 21 rushes, 120 yards
ARL – Leddie Brown – 14 rushes, 29 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Tavonn Salter – 4 receptions, 47 yards
ARL – Brian Herrien – 5 receptions, 47 yards :

## Standings

2023 XFL standingsvte :
| North Division |||||||||||||||
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | TD+/- | TD+ | TD- | DIV | PF | PA | DIFF | STK |
| (y) DC Defenders | 9 | 1 | .900 | 0 | -2 | 33 | 35 | 6–0 | 298 | 240 | 58 | W3 |
| (x) Seattle Sea Dragons | 7 | 3 | .700 | 2 | +10 | 30 | 20 | 3–3 | 243 | 177 | 66 | W2 |
| (e) St. Louis Battlehawks | 7 | 3 | .700 | 2 | +9 | 32 | 23 | 3–3 | 249 | 202 | 47 | W1 |
| (e) Vegas Vipers | 2 | 8 | .200 | 7 | 0 | 28 | 28 | 0–6 | 184 | 252 | -68 | L3 |
| South Division |||||||||||||||
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | TD+/- | TD+ | TD- | DIV | PF | PA | DIFF | STK |
| (y) Houston Roughnecks | 7 | 3 | .700 | 0 | +4 | 30 | 26 | 6–0 | 247 | 182 | 65 | W3 |
| (x) Arlington Renegades | 4 | 6 | .400 | 3 | -8 | 15 | 23 | 3–3 | 146 | 194 | -48 | L2 |
| (e) San Antonio Brahmas | 3 | 7 | .300 | 4 | -8 | 16 | 24 | 3–3 | 169 | 183 | -14 | L1 |
| (e) Orlando Guardians | 1 | 9 | .100 | 6 | -5 | 32 | 37 | 0–6 | 204 | 310 | -106 | L3 |
| (x)–clinched playoff berth; (y)–clinched division; (e)–eliminated from playoff contention |||||||||||||

## Postseason
### Schedule

| Week | Day | Date | Kickoff | TV | Opponent | Results | Results | Location | Attendance |
| Week | Day | Date | Kickoff | TV | Opponent | Score | Record | Location | Attendance |
| Division Finals | Saturday | April 29 | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN | Arlington Renegades | 11–26 | 0–1 | TDECU Stadium | 13,558 |

### Game summaries
#### XFL South Division Finals: vs. (2) Arlington Renegades

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Renegades | 6 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 26 |
| Roughnecks | 0 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 11 |
at TDECU Stadium• Houston, Texas
* Date: May 3
* Game time: 6:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 13,568
* Referee: Chris Coyte
* TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie, Joey Galloway, Eric Mac Lain and Tiffany Blackmon
Game information :
First quarter
ARL – JaVonta Payton 14-yard pass from Luis Perez (2-pt Conversion No Good), 9:05. Renegades 6–0. Drive: 10 Plays, 75 Yards, 5:55.
Second quarter
ARL – JaVonta Payton 59-yard pass from Luis Perez (2-pt Conversion Is Good by JaVonta Payton), 13:41. Renegades 14–0. Drive: 3 Plays, 70 Yards, 16:21.
HOU – Jeremy Cox 1-yard rush (2-pt Conversion Good by Deontay Burnett), 7:01. Renegades 14–8. Drive: 12 Plays, 61 Yards, 6:38.
ARL – Brandon Arconado 14-yard pass from Luis Perez (2-pt Conversion No Good), 4:58. Renegades 20–8. Drive: 4 Plays, 45 Yards, 2:04.
ARL – Taylor Russolino 31-yard field goal, 0:05. Renegades 23–8. Drive: 11 Plays, 74 Yards, 2:22.
Third quarter
HOU – Austin Jones 32-yard field goal, 5:42. Renegades 23–11. Drive: 5 Plays, 13 Yards, 2:25.
Fourth quarter
ARL – Taylor Russolino 19-yard field goal, 1:04. Renegades 26–1. Drive: 10 Plays, 57 Yards, 4:12.
Top passers
ARL – Luis Perez – 19/27, 289 yards, 3 TD
HOU – Cole McDonald – 9/25, 82 yards, 0 TD
Top rushers
ARL – De'Veon Smith – 24 rushes, 94 yards
HOU – Max Borghi – 7 rushes, 48 yards
Top receivers
ARL – JaVonta Payton – 5 receptions, 121 yards
HOU – Deontay Burnett – 4 reception, 57 yards :