Redskins plus 3 1/2 hosting Rams
It certainly was an impressive home win for the Rams last Sunday when they beat their hated division rivals the Seahawks. Now, though, the Rams are traveling in a letdown spot to face the Redskins, who will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 home start.
So the situation sets up well for Washington. But are the Redskins good enough to back? Let me put it this way: The Rams are not good enough to back laying on the road in this spot. St. Louis hasn’t been this high of a road favorite since 2010. It’s not justified.
The Rams have a great pass rushing line. However, the Redskins are now a ground-and-pound team. Washington outgained Miami, 349-256. and controlled the clock, 37:54-22:06 in its seven-point defeat to the Dolphins last Sunday.
This is going to be a conservative, field position type of matchup where a field goal looms large. The Rams aren’t as good as the Dolphins. They have an inexperienced offensive line – half of their offensive linemen are rookies – and their two best running backs, Tre Mason and Todd Gurley, are banged-up. Gurley isn’t expected to play. Nick Foles isn’t that much better than Kirk Cousins.
Even minus DeSean Jackson, the Redskins hold a receiving edge with Pierre Garcon and tight end Jordan Reed, who is expected to play. I also would take Alfred Morris over any of St. Louis’ running backs.
