|   | NFL Betting Preview - Broncos vs. Redskins |
| November 15, 2009 |
NFL Betting Preview and Pick - Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins (Sunday 1 ET)
By Matt Fargo
Denver has now lost two straight games and doubt is finally starting to settle in. After a 6-0 start, the Broncos were the talk of the NFL but back-to-back losses against the Ravens and Steelers, neither of which were close, has people wondering was the first part of the season a fluke or can Denver bounce back?
The public seems to think that the Broncos will bounce back as they are all over them this Sunday, but we are seeing a reversal of the line as the number has actually come down.
Playing Baltimore and Pittsburgh in consecutive weeks is no easy task and getting Washington may seem like a break, but this could be a team ready for a plunge.
Heading back to the east coast shows a tough travel log the last three weeks as it was out there against the Ravens, went back home and then is now back east on a short week. That is not prime.
Washington is having a truly disappointing season, there is no way to sugar coat it. Their two wins have come against the lowly Buccaneers and Rams and even those were ugly. While the Redskins are 2-6, they could feasibly be 0-8 and that is what the majority of the pubic is seeing.
However, at the same time they have has some tight games in which a few plays could have turned the game in the other direction.
After getting outgained by the Giants in their opener, they have been outgained only once since then which is pretty impressive for a team with only two wins. Because the offense has been so bad, the defense has been the unit that has kept things close and that defense can keep things close again against another offense that is far from potent.
Washington was roughed up last weekend by Michael Turner as he gained 166 yards on only 18 carries. The Redskins rushing defense used to be one of the best but it has definitely slipped some. To their credit, they have faced some very good backs this season and while the Broncos running game is decent, there is no one guy who cane take a game over like Turner did.
The Redskins will have to be quick off the ball up front and smart with their recognition and feel for blocking schemes. Albert Haynesworth is not making a lot of noise this season because of the Redskins issues, but he is having a very good year and he can make a big difference.
Denver's offense ranks 31st when running the ball on third or fourth down, while the Redskins have the best defense in the league in the same situation. As mentioned, the Redskins offense has been putrid and now with Clinton Portis out, a key ingredient is lost.
Denver's defense has been solid all season, but there have been some issues the last couple weeks and we cannot forget this unit was one of the worst in football last season.
Don't be surprised to see Washington finally take some chances. This is the best time to take a team such as Washington as they are facing a team that is not in a good way right now and especially coming off a short week with the added travel on top.
The Redskins fall into an incredible situation that has been money for years. Play on home teams after failing to cover the spread in three out of their last four games and with a winning percentage of .250 or less going up against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season. This situation is 24-1 ATS (96 percent) over the last 10 seasons.
Denver is 0-7 ATS as a chalk between 3.5 and 9.5 points over the last two seasons adding icing on the cake.
Pick: Washington Redskins +4.5 (-105) at SportsInteraction.com.
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