Looking to close out their exhibition season with three straight wins and covers will be a Washington Redskins side that’s gotten no appreciation whatsoever for winning the NFC East last year heading into the regular season. Dirk Koetter’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers might just have different plans however with the team also looking to snag its third straight win before traveling to Atlanta for Week 1 of the regular season.
Closing out the preseason on Thursday, September 1, 2016 will be the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Raymond James Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington Redskins +3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3
Over/Under 39.5
Odds Analysis
There was some slight buyback on the Redskins at the open with the Bucs moving from 3 point favorites at -115 juice to home favorites with the standard -110 home field juice. With both squads taking care of their wagering supporters in the preseason, it’s likely this number holds firm until kick-off unless some line changing news is released.
The total has held firm at 39.5 since the open.
Quarterback Rotation
Kirk Cousins saw his most extensive work of the preseason last week against Buffalo whom he threw for 188 yards against and three touchdowns with an interception. After making just five passes in the ‘Skins preseason opener, he didn’t suit up in Week 2. Looks like Jay Gruden is looking to keep his QB1 fresh for the regular season, so it’s likely he won’t see the field in this one against a reenergized Tampa Bay defense.
Instead look for Colt McCoy and rookie Nate Sudfeld to get the honor of leading the Redskins potent attack throughout the entirety of this game.
Jameis Winston has shed the 20 pounds of baby fat he had on his frame throughout his rookie season. Because of it, he’s looked a bit more mobile and been able to hurt opposing defenses by rolling out of the pocket. On top of that, he’s been making excellent audibles at the line of scrimmage which has allowed Tampa Bay’s offense to come up with some big plays.
Off a stellar outing in the team’s dress rehearsal last week in which he threw for 259 yards and a pair of scoring strikes, it’s likely he takes this one in from the sideline and takes mental reps to get ready for the Week 1 showdown in Atlanta with the division rival Falcons. Neither Mike Glennon or Ryan Griffin have done much to separate themselves as the decided QB2, so it’s likely Koetter gives each a ton of play to help him make his decision.
Coaching History
Jay Gruden has been a monster in the preseason since coming over from the AFL leading the Redskins to eight wins in 11 tries through his first 2+ years as head coach. A win here tonight would move him to 3-1 SU in each of his first three seasons. Washington has split its first two preseason Week 4 games under his watch.
This preseason marks the first in which Dirk Koetter called the shots as a head coach. The Bucs are 2-1 under his watch and scored an average of 22 points per game while averaging 16.7 points per game in the first half.
Free ATS Pick
While the Redskins have been lucrative bets in the preseason under Gruden’s watch, I’m not exactly sure they’ll give a damn about this one. They have bigger fish to fry in the regular season – especially with both the Cowboys and Giants bigger favorites to win the NFC East even though they won it last year.
Tampa Bay on the other hand is a team looking for respect. If they keep getting after the quarterback and forcing turnovers the way they have this preseason, they’ll no doubt be a player within the watered down NFC South. Taking a flyer on them at better than a 6-1 return looks awfully attractive right about now! Keep an eye on the defense in this one. If the starters are out there for a bulk of the game, Tampa Bay is the way to go both pre-game and live.
NFL Odds: Buccaneers 24, Redskins 13
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