Columnist Sal DeFilippo: XFL betting presents new challenge

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Feb. 2, 2001 | 11:44 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or 259-4076.

When Vince McMahon first wrestled with the idea of organizing a professional football league, there certainly were some critics.

But not me. Sure he's probably going to make a mistake here and there, but who doesn't? Remember, George W. Bush was once part owner of the Texas Rangers, and now look where he is.

The same guy who swears by John Ashcroft, yet traded Sammy Sosa, holds the highest office in the land. Don't tell me McMahon can't run a football league.

A dream launched a year ago by the chairman and mastermind of the World Wrestling Federation reaches fruition this weekend as the XFL kicks off its inaugural season.

McMahon's venture with NBC Sports promises a brand of football that is exciting, hard-hitting and rewards attitude and style. There will be cameras on the field and in the locker rooms. As for the cheerleaders -- all I can say is that even if a game becomes a rout, there will be other forms of entertainment -- for most male fans, anyway.

The rules are slightly different from the NFL. You don't kick extra points, there are no fair catches on punts and overtime has a unique twist. Perhaps the most intriguing rule that hasn't been overly talked about is this -- any punt that travels more than 25 yards and hits the ground is a live ball, much like an onsides kick.

But above all, it's professional football, pure and simple. The players all have similar salaries and earn bonuses for each game they win.

Where there is football, there are point spreads. And unlike the NFL and the NCAA, the XFL doesn't mind. Picking these games, especially in the first several weeks, certainly will be challenging -- although bookmakers had little problem setting lines for them.

I'll make selections each week through the championship game, which at least at this stage is being dubbed "The Big Game at the End."

NFL fans should recall the term Super Bowl didn't evolve until a few years after the NFL title games were actually being played, either. Maybe this game, which will be played April 21, will name itself.

But first, we focus on "The Not Quite As Important Games at the Beginning." That is, unless you are XFL and NBC brass, who surely want to get the league off to a strong start.

With McMahon's promotional prowess as the driving force, the success of the league is one thing I won't bet against.

Week 1 selections, with a few key skill position players worth watching:

Saturday's games

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY +4 1/2 at Las Vegas -- There was once a time when Hitmen felt right at home in Las Vegas. That may not be the case anymore, but the hometown Outlaws still have their work cut out for them. Las Vegas is led by former University of Miami QB Ryan Clement. Perhaps the most well-known player on the New York/New Jersey roster is longtime NFL punter Leo Araguz. In a town where 7s are popular, this one is decided by a 3. Outlaws kicker Paul McCallum sends the crowd home happily, but the Hitmen cover the number. Las Vegas 24, New York/New Jersey 21.

CHICAGO +9 at Orlando -- The Rage has been tabbed as one of the league's top teams, led by former Louisville star Jeff Brohm at quarterback and wide receiver Mario Bailey, who set NFL Europe records in receptions, yards and touchdowns in six seasons with the Frankfurt Galaxy. The Enforcers are the long shot to win the XFL crown, a 12-1 proposition at Las Vegas sports books. Chicago, however, has some offensive players with NFL experience in former Dolphins running back John Avery, former Packers wide receiver Roell Preston and former Colts wideout Aaron Bailey. At this stage, nine is too much to give up, even if the Rage is all the rage. Orlando 27, Chicago 19.

Sunday's games

LOS ANGELES -4 at San Francisco -- The league favorite is the LA Xtreme, a 5-2 choice to capture the inaugural crown. Tommy Maddox, who played at UCLA and for the Broncos, beat out the XFL's top draft pick, Scott Milanovich, for the starting quarterback job. Rashaan Shehee and Ken Oxendine, who played in Kansas City and Atlanta, respectively, comprise a strong running back tandem, and the Xtreme has a talented trio at wide receiver in Jermaine Copeland, Damon Gibson and Darnell McDonald. The Demons are led by two former University of California-Berkeley stars at quarterback -- Mike Pawlawski and Pat Barnes. Running back Vaughn Dunbar, a former New Orleans Saints backup, was the Demons' top draft choice and should carry most of the load at running back. The Xtreme has too much offense, however. Los Angeles 30, San Francisco 10.

MEMPHIS +2 1/2 at Birmingham -- The Maniax, along with the league's coolest name, have a former Heisman winner in Rashaan Salaam, who starred at Colorado and played for the Chicago Bears. Memphis also has a big-name playmaker in former Dallas Cowboys star Alvin Harper. The Thunderbolts are led by ex-Florida State QB Casey Weldon and former Auburn running back James Bostic. I'll take the dog once again. Memphis 17, Birmingham 16.