Washington Redskins(0-0SU, 0-0 ATS) vs.New Orleans Saints(0-0SU, 0-0 ATS)
NFL Week 1
Date/Time:Sunday September 9th, 1:00 p.m. EST
Where: Superdome, New Orleans LA
TV: FOX
by Jeff,ProfessionalSports Handicapper, JHSportsline.com
Point Spread:Wash +9/NO -9
Over/Under Total:49.5
Robert Griffin III makes his NFL pro debut in this opening weekmatchupagainst the New Orleans Saints. TheSaintshave had atumultuousoff-seasonto say the least. How will missing their head coach (Sean Payton) for the entire seasonimpact thisteam goingforward. Therhythmof the play-callingonoffense is sure to be a bit different than in years past. DrewBreesthrew for 5476 yards and 46 touchdowns last seasonwith Payton calling the plays.New Orleans is still a veryformidableteam especially inside that dome. New Orleans played five preseason games and even though they went 2-3 SU, the Saints out-gained their opponent in all five games. In fact, this team has gone 15-2 ITS (in the stats) in their last 17 games. Washington went 3-1SUin the preseason and 4-0 ITS. The Washington Redskins are 5-5SUin their last 10 games and have out-gained their foe in eight of the ten. Both teams have been bitten by turnovers and penalties since thebeginningof last season.
Washington plays their first two, and three of their first four games on the road. The Redskins would like to see an improved offense in 2012, as last season they were one of the worst scoring teams with 288 points. They had the second fewest passing plays over 40 yards, so they signed apotentialbig-play guy in Pierre Garcon.Washington is looking for a huge season out ofthe former Colts receiver and plan on throwing him the ball early and often in deep and short routes. Grab him late for a nice Fantasy FootballWRsleeper. The Saints have arguably the top talent in all of the NFL. DrewBreesis a Top 3 QBand return much of their top ranked offense, including three solid running backs. The offensive line is ranked No.5 in all of football.Mark Ingram could easily bust out a career year. His talent has not diminished after one season, though it would be nice to have some assurances that he will play in more than 10 games. Still, given the way the Saints offense works, Ingram should have his share of opportunities to score touchdowns along with PierreThomas and DarrenSproles. The Saints passed for just shy of 335 yards a season ago. What the Saints would like to improve on is their defense against the pass. Gregg Williams, before leaving for St. Louis saw his defense allow 259 yards per game passing. The secondary is a big question mark heading into this season.
GET A WHOPPING 50% MATCH PLAY BONUS UP TO $900 AT ONE
OF THE WEB’S BEST WAGERING SITES: BETONLINE
SPORTSBOOK
New Orleans is virtually unstoppable at theSuperdome. The Saints were unbeaten at home last season and outscored opponents by a remarkable 23.25 points a game. You might say they were unlucky last season as the ball just did not bounce their way. The Saints recovered only seven of their opponents 20 fumbles last season. They had 107 pass deflections but a league-low nine interceptions. SteveSpagnuolo’sscheme should produce more takeaways. There aresome concerns though. Free agency claimed All-Pro guard Carl Nicks,cornerbackTracy Porter, receiver RobertMeachemand linebacker Jo-LonnDunbar. Also, the Saints lacked a draft pick in the first and second rounds to fortify their losses. The Saints aresolid at linebacker but appear to be weaker in the secondary, offensive line, and receiver.
Look for the Redskins to spread out the Saints defense and useRG3 in some zone-reads and designed running plays. They gave upalotto get him so you know they have big plans for him.RG3 looked great in August with some dazzling plays. Letssee how he does in his first career NFL road start. You know it’s going to be Loud when he is under Center. I think he starts off a little slow before getting some big plays in. I don’t see the Saints pass defense being adominateone this year. The lastregularseasonmatchupbetweenthese teams was in December of 2009. The Saints won 33-30 as 9-point favorites. With the total of 46.5 points being surpassed midway through the 3rd quarter.
If you like theSaintsin this game youprobablyalready know they are 14-3SUand 13-4 ATS at home over the last three seasons. New Orleans is 11-1SUand 10-2 ATS when the total is under 50 points. The Over is those games have cashed nine of12 times.
Jeff’sPick to Cover the Point Spread:New Orleans Saints -9& Over 49 points.
I like what the Redskins will do on offense this season and the Saints will always be able to score points at home. There are some concerns with all the distractions, but at the end of the dayRG3 is still making his debut in a very toughenvironment. The Redskins will score some points but theSaintswill pull away late. Take the Saints and Over 49.5!
Additional NFL Football Betting Previews
