Washington Redskins (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Rams (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
NFL Football Week 2
Date/Time: Sunday, September 17th, 4:25pm EST
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, CA
TV: FOX
by Bob, NFL Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: WAS +2.5 / LAR -2.5
Over/Under Total: 46
This Sunday there is an NFC game between two teams that had opposite results of what most of us expected. The 0-1 Washington Redskins will travel to the west coast to take on the 1-0 Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, in front of what looked like 1,000 fans took down the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 46-9. The Skins, who some thought would be able to contend with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East lost ANOTHER inner divisional contest against the Philadelphia Eagles 30-17. It may sound cliche but both of these would love a week two win. It would give the Rams an unexpected 2-0 start and the Redskins absolutely do not want to dig a 0-2 hole to kickoff the 2017 season.
This line has been crazy. It opened with the Washington Redskins as a 2.5 point favorite on the road and now just a day and a half later, the Rams are the 2.5 favorite at home. It sounds like the bookmakers did not put much stock into the fact that the Rams won so big, which makes sense seeing as how they are without quarterback, Andrew Luck. This go round, the Rams will be facing a team whos QB is not hurt. With that said, while the books and those that make the lines did not think much of LA, it appears the public does. The line has shifted almost seven points in two days and as of Wednesday morning, 64% of the betting action was on the Rams to cover. As for the total points, this line is set at 46 and has sat pretty much still since it opened. Some books have it at 46.5 but most are stuck at the 46.
The Washington Redskins need a win this weekend and they need it bad. Many have the Cowboys as the clear cut favorite to win the NFC East but with Kirk Cousins at the helm, some believe the Redskins can contend for the division crown or at the very least, battle enough to get into the post season as a Wild Card team. So what went wrong in week one against the Eagles? Turnovers. There were two very costly turnovers that killed Washington’s chances of getting this win. Other than the turnovers, the Redskins, just like the Eagles to be honest, had a hard time moving the ball on the ground. Washington rushed for just 64 yards in the game. In order to have any success against the rams this week, this must improve. If Cousins is forced to do it all on his own again, I do not like the Redskins chances on the road.
The Rams looked good in week one. And even though the Colts were missing Andrew Luck, no one saw a beatdown like this coming. Los Angeles was able to shut down the Indianapolis offense in all phases and second year quarterback, Jared Goff, appears to be coming into his own. Goff threw for 306 yards and a touchdown. The defense also scored twice in the dominant performance. That was a great way to open the season for the Rams but the Redskins are going to be much more of a challenge. Although running back, Todd Gurley, got a touchdown, his rushing numbers need to improve. The Rams had issues last year running the ball and this is something that is going to need to change if they want to make any strides to becoming a team that can compete in the NFC West.
Both teams keys this weekend is to establish a run game. Also, especially for the Redskins, turnovers cannot occur, especially on their own side of the field. Both defenses must make the opponent earn every score. I think this game will be very competitive til the very end with someone winning on a late field goal.
This is a prime example of a game that I will pick purely on being a contrarian bettor. There is way too much action and love being given to the Rams because of their win over the Colts. Yes, the Rams are improving, but they are not there yet. I have a good feeling the Redskins who are desperate to not start 0-2 will come into Los Angeles and take this game by a 24-20 score.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS TO GET THE COVER AND THE WIN! – Bet your Reskins/Rams picks at an online sportsbook where you can bet on games at -105 odds instead of the more expensive -110 price tag that your bookie is sticking you with! Making the switch to betting at discounted odds will save you TONS of cash! Find this great offer as well as 20 point teasers and parlays up to 25 teams at the web’s best bookmaker: 5Dimes.