Online betting players know that when it all comes down to it, NFL teams live and die with their offensive and defensive lines, something that Buffalo and Washington had trouble with in 2009. The Redskins have improved there, while the Bills haven’t, and that’ll be the difference in this preseason matchup.
What: NFL betting
When: Friday, August 13th, 7:30 PM ET
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Pick: Redskins
What’s On The Line
The Bills are looking to fill a lot of holes on both sides of the ball, and fans will be hoping that rookie running back C.J. Spiller is signed by the time they get into camp. This will be the first showing of Donovan McNabb in a Washington uniform, although he won’t get that many reps. But what about Albert Haynesworth? Will he still be in the nation’s capital?
Offensive Matchups: Bills Redskins Betting
Trent Edwards is back as the No.1 guy after a year of injuries in 2009, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is waiting in the wings, while Brian Brohm and Levi Brown should also get some reps in this game. Whoever the quarterback is will be throwing to a group of young and hungry wideouts, but it won’t matter unless the offensive line is improved. This was the problem unit on the offense last year, and it was due to a mix of inexperience and injuries. Fred Jackson is the No.1 back, while Marshawn Lynch will probably be shipped out, but everyone is waiting to see what Spiller, the open-field threat can do. Spiller hadn’t signed with the Bills as of July 29th, so that should be priority No.1.
In Washington, it’s all about the pickup of McNabb, who was recruited by Mike Shanahan, the offensive genius who replaces Jim Zorn at coach. Even though Rex Grossman and Colt Brennan will get most of the work in this game, McNabb is a definite improvement over Jason Campbell, but like the Bills, Washington’s offensive line was terrible last year. But with the drafting of Trent Williams, along with the acquisition of Jammal Brown, the line could be in better shape. The Redskins are deep at running back with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, but all three of those guys have been injury prone. The key in this game will be finding some receivers for McNabb, and it’s time for Malcolm Kelly to step up.
Betting Pick: Redskins
Defensive Matchups: Bills Redskins Betting
The Bills are switching to a 3-4 defense under new coach Chan Gailey, and Buffalo was 30th in the league in run defense last year. They’re hoping that rookie Torrel Troup will help in the middle of the line, which will allow the linebackers to make tackles. The secondary is the best group on the defensive side of the ball, but the cornerbacks had some injuries last year, and they’ll be looking at the depth of that unit in this game.
Haynesworth wants to leave reportedly because of Shanahan’s switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4, but to be honest, he wasn’t all that great last year and if he’s going to be a distraction, the Redskins are better off moving him. The Redskins still have a very good defense without him, led by Landon Fletcher, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl, but he’s also 34 years old. He’ll be fine this year, but the Redskins need to start looking for his replacement. Fourth-round pick Perry Riley will probably get a good look at linebacker in this game.
Sport picks: Draw
Notable Injuries: Bills Redskins Betting
Guard Mike Williams (lungs) is reportedly gone for the season with blood clots, while tackle Demetrius Bell (leg) and linebacker Paul Posluszny (groin) probably won’t make this game, either.
Tight end Chris Cooley (ankle) should be fine to take a couple reps in this game.
Sports pick: Redskins
Outlook and Pick: Bills Redskins Betting
The Bills have won their last two regular-season trips to Washington, and even though it’s a preseason game, it could have the intensity of a regular-season game because both teams have new coaches, and players know they’re playing for spots. The Redskins should win because of a deeper defense, and they’ll be out to show that their offensive line is improved. If they win the battle up front against a Buffalo team that has been terrible on both lines lately, they’re an easy sports betting pick.
Stan’s Pick: Redskins