The playoff race in the XFL Conference heats up this Sunday when the San Antonio Brahmas (5-2) host the defending champion Arlington Renegades (1-6) in a pivotal Week 8 showdown at the Alamodome.

For the Brahmas, it’s a chance to strengthen their grip on a postseason berth. After a dramatic 15-12 comeback win over Houston last week, San Antonio finds itself in a first-place tie atop the XFL standings with St. Louis.

Wade Phillips’ squad has shown remarkable resilience, rallying from double-digit fourth quarter deficits in two of their five wins. Backup QB Kevin Hogan has been the catalyst, leading those late-game heroics off the bench.

The running back duo of John Lovett and Mark Thompson has provided balance, while the defense has been stingy, allowing just 17.7 points per game.

The Renegades, meanwhile, are simply fighting to keep their championship defense alive after finally getting in the win column against Memphis a week ago. Quarterback Luis Perez had a monster game, throwing for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 47-23 rout.

Running back De’Veon Smith added 101 yards and 2 scores on the ground as Arlington’s offense finally came to life. But the Renegades still have an uphill climb to make the XFL playoffs at 1-6.

The last time these two teams met in Week 2, San Antonio needed a 16-point fourth quarter comeback and game-winning field goal to prevail 25-24 on the road.

Expect another hard-hitting, physical affair on Sunday. The Brahmas can’t afford a letdown against the hungry defending champs. While Arlington’s playoff hopes are fading, playing spoiler against a potential postseason foe would be the next best thing.

In a season filled with dramatic finishes in the UFL, this XFL showdown at the Alamodome has all the makings of being another one to go down to the wire.