[h=1]Best bets for Redskins-Saints[/h]
ESPN PLUS ($ MATERIAL)
Where does the betting value lie in Monday's prime-time matchup? Warren Sharp and Preston Johnson provide their picks to help you place your bets.
Note: All odds courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook as of Sunday afternoon.
[h=3]Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints (-6)[/h]Total: 53
PickCenter public consensus pick: 55 percent Washington
Sharp's take: Alex Smith hasn't been nearly as flashy as the current Chiefs offense, but the Redskins passing offense actually ranks as the fourth-most efficient despite facing the second-toughest slate of passing defenses. New Orleans' passing defense ranks as the NFL's worst, and despite the Giants struggling against this defense last week, that was more of Eli Manning and Pat Shurmur still not knowing how to create explosive offense. The Saints strength is their run defense, but the Redskins are an offense that should be able to stay balanced and productive.
Drew Brees is having an incredible season, but he has faced the fifth-easiest schedule of opposing pass defenses. Brees' toughest game was against the Browns, who have the No. 4 pass defense. The Redskins pass defense ranks No. 3, and should challenge the Saints passing offense, which will be without Ted Ginn Jr.. The bigger concern for Washington is its run defense. How the Saints will incorporate the return of Mark Ingram remains to be seen, but expect the Saints offense to have success on the ground.
Pick: Redskins +6
Johnson's take: My numbers for this game are Saints -6.15 and 52.1 for the total, so I haven't placed any bets. I'm intrigued by the opportunity to bet this in-game, however. Similar to the Packers-Lions matchup when we talked over the prospect of waiting and backing the team losing at halftime (Green Bay was -3.5 second half and were down 24-0 despite outgaining Detroit in the first half), I prefer to wait and see how the Saints choose to attack this Redskins defense that had a bye week to prepare.
Washington actually has the second-most efficient pass defense, giving up only 5.1 yards per opponent pass attempt. Against the run, however, they rank 22nd. With Mark Ingram returning in the rushing attack for New Orleans, I imagine the Saints will take advantage of the Redskins' weakness against the run. Unfortunately coaches are unpredictable sometimes, and we find ourselves yelling at the TV screen because of some of the decisions they make. This is why I would like to wait and see what Sean Payton's game plan looks to be initially.
If they come out trying to throw the ball and aren't successful, we may find some in-game opportunity on the Washington side early.
Pick: Pass
ESPN PLUS ($ MATERIAL)
Where does the betting value lie in Monday's prime-time matchup? Warren Sharp and Preston Johnson provide their picks to help you place your bets.
Note: All odds courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook as of Sunday afternoon.
PickCenter public consensus pick: 55 percent Washington
Sharp's take: Alex Smith hasn't been nearly as flashy as the current Chiefs offense, but the Redskins passing offense actually ranks as the fourth-most efficient despite facing the second-toughest slate of passing defenses. New Orleans' passing defense ranks as the NFL's worst, and despite the Giants struggling against this defense last week, that was more of Eli Manning and Pat Shurmur still not knowing how to create explosive offense. The Saints strength is their run defense, but the Redskins are an offense that should be able to stay balanced and productive.
Drew Brees is having an incredible season, but he has faced the fifth-easiest schedule of opposing pass defenses. Brees' toughest game was against the Browns, who have the No. 4 pass defense. The Redskins pass defense ranks No. 3, and should challenge the Saints passing offense, which will be without Ted Ginn Jr.. The bigger concern for Washington is its run defense. How the Saints will incorporate the return of Mark Ingram remains to be seen, but expect the Saints offense to have success on the ground.
Pick: Redskins +6
Johnson's take: My numbers for this game are Saints -6.15 and 52.1 for the total, so I haven't placed any bets. I'm intrigued by the opportunity to bet this in-game, however. Similar to the Packers-Lions matchup when we talked over the prospect of waiting and backing the team losing at halftime (Green Bay was -3.5 second half and were down 24-0 despite outgaining Detroit in the first half), I prefer to wait and see how the Saints choose to attack this Redskins defense that had a bye week to prepare.
Washington actually has the second-most efficient pass defense, giving up only 5.1 yards per opponent pass attempt. Against the run, however, they rank 22nd. With Mark Ingram returning in the rushing attack for New Orleans, I imagine the Saints will take advantage of the Redskins' weakness against the run. Unfortunately coaches are unpredictable sometimes, and we find ourselves yelling at the TV screen because of some of the decisions they make. This is why I would like to wait and see what Sean Payton's game plan looks to be initially.
If they come out trying to throw the ball and aren't successful, we may find some in-game opportunity on the Washington side early.
Pick: Pass
