Minnesota pulled off probably the biggest shocker of last week as they beat San Francisco as 7 point underdogs. Sure the game was at home but nobody really gave them a chance of beating a 49ers that was looking like the best in the league.
After getting torched by Baltimore in the opener on Monday Night the opinion of the Bengals was definitely knocked down a peg.
What a dog of a game this one is. Jacksonville could very easily be the worst team in the NFL this season and Indianapolis is the least experienced I think. Put them together and this one could get pretty ugly to watch.
Many are looking for a regression from the Lions this year. That might be the casee ventually but there is no real evidence yet.
I think by now everyone is familiar with the likelihood of an 0-2 team making the playoffs. If it is going to happen though the Chiefs are in the right division to do it.
San Francisco is off to a terrific start and has to be at the top of most people’s current power ratings. They opened at Green Bay with a fantastic all around performance, stunning the Packers on both offense and defense, winning pulling away.
The Redskins had to be biggest surprise of week one with their upset of the Saints on the road at New Orleans.
What preseason? While testing levels of ineptitude last month the Jets soared last week against Buffalo. We all thought this team couldn’t be that bad but can they really be this good either.
The Greg Schiano era got off to a great start with a win (that I am pretty sure I predicted) to open the season last week. It certainly wasn’t anything fancy as Tampa was outgained in the contest but nevertheless they got it done.
The Baltimore Ravens looked as sharp as anyone in week 1, beating Cincinnati easily and in impressive fashion. Now they are on the road for the first time and playing a nonconference opponent they haven’t faced since 2008 – when they crushed the Eagles 36-7.
With Cam Newton leading the way the Carolina Panthers were among the most improved teams of 2011.
As I start writing this I am struck by the fact that the only reason we know anything about this team is because of Hard Knocks – if people still watch it (there is no juice with the franchise right now).
The 49ers were so good last year that everyone is expecting a letdown. Some think they will be undone by not being able to repeat their phenomenal turnover ratio and others that Alex Smith isn’t possibly going to become a steady performer over the long term.
St. Louis The Rams might have been the worst team in the league last year and I am doubtful they have done much to improve themselves.
A brand new NFL season kicks off Wednesday night when the Dallas Cowboys and the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants square off.
It would be hard to get a more high-profile matchup in the preseason. Andrew Luck vs. Robert Griffin III in Washington this Saturday should be great.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins NFL Betting Preview
FedEX Field
Date/Time: August 25, 4:00 PM EST
NFL Gambling Odds from GTBets
NFL Betting Favorite: Redskins -3
Total: 43.5
RG3 won the Heisman, but Luck was the top draft pick. Everyone knows these two will be compared for many years to come, and this will be the first time they face off against one another on the field.
Let’s take a look at this highly anticipated showdown.
Andrew Luck was amazing in his first preseason game against the Rams, but he struggled last time out against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that Luck couldn’t get going in that one. Still, it proved that while he is an extremely talented quarterback; Luck still has a ton of improving to do. This third preseason game will be a spot where the Colts starters get more playing time than they have in the past.
Indianapolis’ starters are expected to play into the third quarter of this one. Donald Jones will likely get more carries in this one, and Reggie Wayne should be targeted quite a few times. Jerry Hughes is in midseason form for the defense. Hughes already has three sacks in two preseason games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Robert Griffin III hasn’t seen as much playing time in the preseason as Luck. He has one touchdown and no interceptions, but he has only attempted 14 passes. Look for Griffin to play a little more in this one, but he still might not play as much as Luck. Kirk Cousins has been great for the Redskins in backup duty.
Cousins threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns in their last game in Chicago. Pierre Garcon will be playing against his former team here, and I expect him to come up with several catches. Aldrick Robinson has made a big impact for the Redskins offense so far this preseason.
Ryan Kerrigan leads an improving pass rush for the Washington defense.
Look for Luck and Griffin to both have a good game here. Mike Shanahan typically puts a higher emphasis on winning preseason games than any other coach in the NFL. Shanahan’s teams are 47-23 since 1997 in the preseason. I think Washington wins this one and covers the spread.
Free NFL Pick: Washington -3
