Two years ago the Washington Redskins squared off against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field, in which fans got a glimpse of the future, as well as the present as the Washington Redskins face it right now. On Monday night these teams are ready to meet up again, in NFL betting action that is slated to get underway at 8:30 PM ET and televised live on ESPN.
The Redskins are off a horrible experience against the New York Giants, one of their division rivals in the NFC East. They could not stop Eli Manning, who was working his West Coast offense to perfection, and could not stop turning the ball over either, as they sustained a 45-14 loss. That was part of the CBS Thursday night football package, so it gave the ‘Skins some extra time to regroup.
Seattle has had the benefit of a full bye week; the Seahawks last took the field against the Denver Broncos in what was an emotional rematch of their resounding Super Bowl victory. They looked like they were going to cruise to a victory, but blew a lead and allowed the game to go into overtime. But they never let Peyton Manning to get his hands on the ball, as they went on an 80-yard drive to seal a 26-20 win.
These are the numbers as they are posted at America’s Bookie on this Monday night game:
Seattle Seahawks -7 (-115)
Washington Redskins +7 (-105)
Over 45.5 Points -110
Under 45.5 Points -110
Two seasons ago the Redskins lost to Seattle in a playoff game in Landover, and lost their starting quarterback in the process, as Robert Griffin III went out with a knee injury. Kirk Cousins came in for him, and that is exactly the spot Washington finds itself in now. Cousins was outstanding in a relief role against Jacksonville, but the fact is that he has lost five consecutive starts. In his latest appearance, he threw four interceptions during a stretch of five possessions, as the game completely slipped away from the ‘Skins.
As far as NFL bettors are concerned, it is debatable as to whether this is a confidence-killer for Cousins. Certainly it isn’t a boost. Head coach Jay Gruden called the debacle against the Giants “a great learning experience” for him. We’ll see, and America’s Bookie customers will also see how objective brother Jon is going to be in his role as the color analyst on the ESPN telecast.
The Redskins have some injuries to be concerned about. Perhaps the most important one, from the standpoint of a breakdown of this game, is the dislocated kneecap of left tackle Trent Williams, who is apparently ready to go, although he will be tested early and often by the Seattle pass rush. NFL bettors also have been watching the situation with the Washington tight ends. Niles Paul, the team’s leading receiver (21 catches, 313 yards), is coming off a concussion, and Jordan Reed, who has been dealing with hamstring issues, are both expecting to play.
The thing that would really help Washington, however, is the running game, if they can get one going. They are capable, with Alfred Morris, who is fifth in the NFL with 316 yards, but America’s Bookie customers should be cautioned that the Seahawks have been very difficult against the run, allowing just 2.8 yards per carry. And the secondary, which is one of the best in the business, is very good at keeping the ball in front of it; the opposition has just 6.5 yards per pass attempt.
Richard Sherman is the most high-profile member of that group, and he may act as a blanket over DeSean Jackson, the Redskins’ biggest downfield threat. Kam Chancellor, the Pro Bowl safety alongside Earl Thomas, has also been making his way back as he’s been beset with an ankle injury. This challenge offers Cousins all he can handle. Is he ready for it?
