The Washington Redskins have a quarterback but holes elsewhere. The Denver Broncos are strong on defense but don’t have good prospects at quarterback. The two very different teams will face off in Week 16 of the regular season in a game which should be competitive.
Both teams had playoff aspirations heading into the season but didn’t live up to expectations and are simply playing out the string. The Broncos have been pretty impressive of late but they are inconsistent because of the unknown on offense.
The Redskins have the home field advantage and hope Kirk Cousins will have a big game and lead the team to victory. Washington doesn’t have much to play for but can finish the season at .500 with a pair of wins down the stretch.
This matchup in Week 16 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Denver Broncos +3.5
Washington Redskins -3.5
Over/Under 40.5
Odds Analysis
The Redskins are more than field goal favorites, and the spread seems pretty accurate as Denver is getting a slight majority of the action to cover. The scoring total is low as Denver has an elite defense and an offense that has trouble putting up points. The “under” is the much more common choice by bettors thus far.
Injury Report
Trevor Siemian — The Broncos’ quarterback was place on injured reserve on December 14th, ending his season two games early. Siemian was carted off the field after suffering a dislocated shoulder injury on a sack by Colts’ linebacker Barkevious Mingo in the first quarter of Denver’s win over Indianapolis last Thursday. He was replaced by Brock Osweiler since Paxton Lynch was inactive Thursday.
Lynch — Denver’s backup quarterback remains sidelined with an ankle injury he sustained in Week 12 against the Raiders. The initial diagnosis was that Lynch would miss two to four weeks with the injury, which could mean he is healthy enough to start this week against Washington. Early reports indicate that the Broncos would lean toward starting Lynch over Osweiler if that’s an option.
Shane Ray — The Broncos’ outside linebacker has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the final two games of the season with a wrist injury. Ray was plagued by injuries all year and underwent three surgeries on his left wrist in a span of four months this season. The third-year player had a strong start to his NFL career and was poised for another big year before being bit by the injury bug in training camp.
Trent Williams — The Redskins’ left tackle missed last week’s game with a knee injury and his availability for this one is in doubt. Williams was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday and would be a key piece, especially against Von Miller and a strong Denver pass-rush.
Matchup To Watch
Kirk Cousins vs. Denver defense -- The Broncos have allowed a significant number of points this season, but that is no fault of the defense, as it is once again among the league leaders in yards per play allowed. Denver will aim to keep Cousins in check.
He is an upper-tier quarterback but is missing several key pieces on offense, including tight end Jordan Reed, wide receiver Terrelle Pryor and running back Chris Thompson due to injuries. Washington is also dealing with injuries on its offensive line.
The Broncos’ defense has often been put in suboptimal situations by the offense or the special teams unit. If that happens in this one, the difference between holding the Redskins to a field goal and allowing a touchdown could be huge.
Free ATS Pick
The Broncos have the more talented team, but quarterback is such a problem that it’s hard to choose them in this one. Washington is the favorite for a reason and should come away with this win as Cousins should make enough plays and take care of the ball.
The spread, though, is too high. Take the Broncos to cover.
NFL Odds: Redskins 23, Broncos 20
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