If you’re not wagering with BookMaker sportsbook then you’re just another square bettor. Shop for NFL lines where the pros do so register for your own betting account at BookMaker now! The contest pitting the Detroit Lions versus the Washington Redskins will commence Thursday, August 20, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
ODDS
Washington is undefeated at home in the preseason under Jay Gruden and opened as 2.5-point favorites against the Lions. The total came in at 40.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Expect Matthew Stafford to play more than the one series he did against the Jets in the preseason opener. Stafford led the Lions on a first possession touchdown drive completing both of his attempts for 57 yards, the last a 35-yard scoring pass to Golden Tate, before calling it a night. Stafford will likely get a few more reps with the first team offense when they take on the Redskins. Stafford played three series in last year’s second preseason game before being replaced by Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore finished up.
Robert Griffin III attempted eight passes in the Redskins’ preseason opener. That’s double the amount he attempted in last year’s first preseason game, but fewer than most expected with Griffin having more to learn and with more at stake for him. RG3 will get the start Thursday but coach Jay Gruden wouldn’t commit to how much Griffin and the first team offense will play against the Lions. Griffin played three series in last year’s second preseason game when he attempted eight passes in 28 snaps. After a fine opener where he completed 12 of 14 passes and led the Redskins on three scoring drives, backup Kirk Cousins will get snaps along with Colt McCoy in the backup battle.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has changed his focus this preseason. After winning 11 games last year and returning a good portion of the team that lost to Dallas in the playoffs, the former Colts boss isn’t overly concerned with winning in the preseason as he was in his first year. In 2014 it was important for him to instill a winning attitude after the organization had just one winning season in the previous 13. The club responded with its most regular season victories since 1991 and its second playoff berth in 15 seasons. Now the foundation is set and the Lions have two areas of concern that need work in the preseason: the defensive front after the loss of Ndamukong Suh and the running game. The Lions are 4-1 in the preseason under Caldwell after he went just 2-10 during his three years in Indianapolis.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I just want to play and have fun with these guys. Everybody keeps telling me the pressure is on. I really don’t sense it. You know, Peyton Manning said pressure is something you feel when you don’t know what the hell you’re doing. I know what I’m doing out there.” – Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
After losing two of their top three tight ends to season ending injuries in the last few days, the Redskins addressed a major roster need by adding D.J. Williams and Ernst Brun at the position. Washington placed tight ends Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen on injured reserve creating an opportunity for six players to compete at the spot. The addition of Williams and Brun gives the Redskins six tight ends, joining Jordan Reed, Je’Ron Hamm, Chase Dixon and Devin Mahina. Reed moves to the top of the depth chart but he’s been nursing a sore hamstring, giving the others an opportunity to make an impression on the coaching staff.
INJURIES
The Redskins will be without receiver DeSean Jackson for Thursday’s game as he continues to work through a shoulder injury. Coach Jay Gruden said the target is for Jackson to appear in Washington’s third preseason game. Already down two tight ends the Redskins will not take any chances with Jordan Reed, whose sore hamstring will likely keep him out of action Thursday.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Redskins made some shrewd offseason moves to bolster the roster but a lot hinges on how Robert Griffin III bounces back from an injury-plagued 2014. He has a rebuilt offensive line in front of him but more importantly, he’s healthy and that’s a good sign for the Skins. However the passing game takes a hit Thursday with DeSean Jackson out and the search for a new tight end. The Lions have very few concerns right now after whoopin up on the Jets last week. Detroit’s second-teamers on both sides of the ball dominated and they should do so again.
Detroit 26, Washington 20
The NFL lines for this Thursday contest were first released by BookMaker and the Redskins were positioned as 2.5-point favorites with a total of 40. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem, BookMaker sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet, click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The contest pitting the Detroit Lions versus the Washington Redskins will commence Thursday, August 20, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
