The Washington Redskins take on the undefeated New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 1:00 P.M. ET.
Last week, the Patriots manhandled their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. Coming into week eight, the Dolphins had seemingly turned a corner with the firing of their head coach, Joe Philbin. Against the Patriots, the Dolphins ran into an immovable object in the form of the Patriots defense. The Patriots held the Dolphins to seven points while offensively putting up 36 points.
Last week, the Redskins were on a bye. The extra week of preparation will definitely help an outmatched Washington squad. Prior to their bye week, the Redskins had their largest comeback in franchise history, erasing a 24-0 deficit to win 31-30. Kirk Cousins at times this year has shown flashes of what it takes to lead an NFL team, if he can pull the upset in New England, it would help solidify him as the team’s starter past this year.
A player to watch for New England this week is LeGarrette Blount. Every week the Patriots emphasize and deemphasize certain aspects of their offensive attack. Last week, Blount had 17 carries for a total of 72 yards. Blount has yet to have a signature game this season. In the Patriot’s rotation of backs, he is their featured power back. This week, look for the Patriots to use Blount and the ground game more and attack Washington’s defensive line.
A player to watch on the Redskins this week is Kirk Cousins. Against the Buccaneers, Cousins had one of his better days as a starter. He threw for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns. In week seven, the Redskins ground game only managed 50 yards. The offense relied heavily on Cousins to move the ball and create points. The Patriots always take away their opponents best weapons and Cousins’ best weapon on offense is tight-end Jordan Reed. Against the Buccaneers, Reed had 11 receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. If the Patriots neutralize Reed, then Cousins will have to find a secondary option to beat the Patriots.
That secondary option could come in the form of DeSean Jackson. The return of Jackson could not have come at a better time. Jackson would easily return as Cousins number one option on the outside and would line up across from Malcolm Butler. Butler has struggled at times this season for the Patriots, and is far from a shut down corner. He is a scrappy defensive back that will fight for position, but he’s been burned a few times this season. If the Redskins come out early and complete a few deep passes, it could rattle this New England secondary, and open up option underneath for Cousins and company.
Patriots Vs Redskins Week 9 Betting Lines
BetOnline.ag currently has the Patriots as 14 point favorites in this game. The over/under on total points scored is 52. BetOnline is our top rated NFL sportsbook at the moment. You can read our full BetOnline review here.
My Pick
New England at 7-0 looks far and away the superior team in this matchup, and while some might overlook an inferior opponent, the Patriots won’t overlook this game. The Patriots are the best coached team in football and it’s hard to imagine them overlooking an opponent. Bill Belichick will have his team ready to play, but the better question is will the Patriots run away with this game? The Patriots are favorites to win by two touchdowns and that’s a huge spread. The Patriots have allowed a few teams to keep it close this year and the Redskins do have a few weapons that might make this game a little tricky for the Patriots. In the end, expect the Patriots to win this game by at least 10 points, but with a 14 point spread take the Redskins to cover.
Play: Redskins +14 @ BetOnline.ag
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