While Tom Brady says talk of an undefeated season is the “furthest thing from anybody’s mind,” the Patriots once again look unbeatable, leading to comparisons of the 2007 team that won 18 straight games. New England opened as 13.5-point favorites against the Redskins, the largest line on the board, and an indication that oddsmakers aren’t buying Brady’s comments.
ODDS
New England opened as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 52. The Patriots covered their last two games as double-digit chalk, including a 51-17 home win over Jacksonville as a 14.5-point favorite earlier this season. The line jumped to -14 early with the total wagered to 51.5.
KEY INJURIES
Bashaud Breeland – Suffered a hamstring injury in Washington’s Week 7 win over Tampa Bay and is uncertain about returning on Sunday. His injury could leave the Redskins with only one non-rookie at the cornerback position, Will Blackmon. Quinton Dunbar or Deshazor Everett would likely be the replacement if Breeland is unable to perform.
Tre’ Jackson – Injured his left knee in the fourth quarter of New England’s last game but didn’t sustain any ligament tears and will not require surgery. New England’s starting right guard is doubtful to play Sunday and how soon he returns will depend on how well he responds to treatment. The Pats may also be without offensive linemen Marcus Cannon and Shaq Mason.
KEY MISMATCH
Teams that have a roster of healthy defensive players can’t stop the Patriots high-scoring offense and the Redskins may have to attempt the impossible with an injury-filled secondary. Despite coming off a bye week, cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall, Breeland and Chris Culliver all said it’s unclear if they’ll be able to play on Sunday. Pass-rushing linebacker Ryan Kerrigan is also recovering from surgery on a broken bone in his right hand and is questionable. Brady directs the league’s fifth-ranked overall offense and second-ranked passing attack and keeps putting up special numbers. Against the Dolphins last week he threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns completing 26 of 38 passes for his 69th career 300-yard game. It was also his 24th game with four or more touchdown passes and his NFL record 19th with at least four touchdowns and no interceptions. For the season Brady has 20 touchdown passes and his only interception went in and out of the hands of receiver Julian Edelman.
KEY STAT
35.6 – New England’s NFL-leading points per game. The Patriots have scored at least 30 points in six consecutive games. Washington is in the middle of the pack in scoring defense, ranking 16th allowing 24.0 points per contest.
BETTING ANGLE
The oddsmakers didn’t need to issue a double-digit spread to understand the Redskins’ task in trying to upset the Patriots. The Pats are trying, once more, for history as they are 7-0 and have looked unstoppable. The Skins, meanwhile, are trying to stay alive in a division that may or may not produce a winner with a record over .500. It’s very easy to see this game being a blowout. The Redskins were 14.5-point underdogs to New England back in 2007 and lost by 45. Since then the Skins have finished last in the NFC East six times and made one playoff appearance going 43-76. The Pats, meanwhile, are 91-28 with six playoff appearances and a 1-1 record in the Super Bowl. There’s a big gap between the teams and has been for years. Regardless of how the Redskins view the gambling line, they know they can’t afford to play anything other than their best game if they want to win.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Redskins will have to deal with Brady and the Pats offense with a shorthanded defense and that’s not going to go very well. New England has been a well-oiled machine this season, leading the NFL in scoring with the league’s second-best passing attack. There have been injury concerns along the Pats offensive line, but like with other areas of the club, there’s no drop-off when the reserves come in. And that just shows us how well operated the organization is. It’s just hard to imagine the Redskins winning this game, especially on the road, and New England covered earlier this season as a 14.5-point favorite against Jacksonville. So a two-touchdown spread isn’t anything new to the Pats. With their defensive backfield intact, the Skins could cover the spread. With injuries possibly keeping several key defenders out of this game, Washington has no chance.
New England 42, Washington 21
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