Washington Redskins (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. New York Jets (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)
NFL Week 6
Date/Time: Sunday, October 18th, 1:00pm
Where: MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
TV: Fox
by Bob, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: WAS +5.5 / NYJ -5.5
Over/Under Total: 40.5
Sunday in MetLife Stadium we have an AFC/NFC contest between the 2-3 Washington Redskins and the 3-1 New York Jets. In my opinion, both of these teams have been somewhat of a surprise so far in 2015. The Jets sit in second place of the AFC East behind the 4-0 Patriots while the Washington Redskins are still somehow in second place in the NFC East while sitting a game under .500. This game could be very pivotal for each teams slim playoff chances. A win could boost them in the drivers seat of at least a wild card berth.
The line for this game opens with the home team New York Jets favored by 5.5 points over the Redskins. The total points are set at 41 combined. So far against the spread this season, Washington has covered in three of their five games, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to Atlanta this past weekend. The Jets are 3-1 against the spread, just like their overall actual record. As I write this, 55% of the action is on the home fave and 45% has faith that the Redskins can keep it closer. Historically, there is not much to go on since this is the first time these teams have met since 2011. Things have changed since that time: Coaches, rosters, etc have changed. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. This is a true test of which of these teams are a legit contender or pretender.
The Washington Redskins obviously made the right move giving Kurt Cousins the starting job over Robert Griffin III. So far in 2015, Cousins has passed for 238 yards a game but the run game has also been a huge success. Before their game with Atlanta this past weekend, in which they were completely shut down, Washington boasted a top three running attack. Now they are ranked 12th in the NFL but are still averaging over 120 yards a game on the ground led by Alfred Morris. The Washington defense has been the heart and soul however of this team. They are giving up just 20 points a game but they need a little more help from the offense. I believe the defense is here to stay, but the well balanced offense needs to get into the end zone and turn the ball over or settle for field goals. The key this weekend is pretty simple. Keep the game low scoring, which should not be a problem playing against the Jets. The Jets have the leagues top ranked defenseso yeah, the game will probably stay low.
I just said it, the Jets have the NFLs top rated scoring defense. Allowing just 13.8 points per game, the Jets have given up only 55 points in their four games playedimpressive. The offensive side of the ball is pretty average. Other than a top ten rushing attack, the Jets rank 12th in points scored and 24th in passing yards. Early in a season, stats can be skewed due to one good game, or a weak schedule. Well, the Jets have already beaten the Colts by a score of 20-7 and a somewhat overachieving Cleveland Browns team, 31-10. These Jets can play but are they a legit playoff contender? I believe this game is a good test. In my opinion, Washington is a pretty touch match up with many NFL teamsjust ask the 5-0 Atlanta Falcons from this past weekend. They forced Matt Ryan to turn the ball over three times and nearly forced another fumble inside their own end zone that ultimately ended up being the play that put Atlanta in position to win the game. Quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, has done a decent job keeping his team on the winning track, but he needs to cut down on the interceptions. He has thrown seven touchdowns to six interceptions. This ratio can ended up hurting you, and I promise this, the Redskins can play some defense. Just like the key for Washington, the Jets need to keep this game low scoring. Shorten the game with long sustained drives. It should not be a challenge keeping this game low scoring since both teams are not considered offensive juggernauts. The Jets need to force a turnover or two however in order to cover the 5.5.
Seeing as how I predict a very low scoring, boring game, I think it will be tough for the Jets to cover 5.5. However, I am going completely against the grain here. I think Washington comes into MetLife and absolutely puts it on the Jets. I have faith that the Redskins defense will make plays and get in some ideal field positions. Washington will take down the Jets by a score of 23-16. Watch.
Bobs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS PLUS THE POINTS AND IF YOU ARE FEELING REALLY GOOD, TAKE THEM ON THE MONEY LINE TOO!
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