The Washington Redskins won the NFC East a season ago and made the playoffs, but many are expecting a step back in 2016. Washington can challenge that narrative immediately as they get a tough home matchup in Week 1 of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers could be one of the best teams in the AFC in 2016 and will aim to prove it in Washington, although they must try to do so without one of their biggest stars. Pittsburgh is a slight road favorite in this contest.
This matchup in Week 1 of the regular season will take place on Monday, September 12, 2016, at 7:10 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Steelers -3
Redskins +3
Over/Under 50
Odds Analysis
The bettors agree with the general consensus that Washington, despite bringing back its core and adding star cornerback Josh Norman, is the underdog in this one. More than 65 percent of the bets are going on the Steelers to cover despite being the road favorite.
The “over” is the more popular pick when it comes to the scoring total. Both sides have solid quarterbacks and receivers, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the scoreboard get lit up.
The Redskins pay off at +150 on the moneyline, which seems pretty good in a vacuum, as few defending divisional champions playing at home will get those type of odds.
Injury Report
Le’Veon Bell -- The Steelers’ star running back has been suspended for the first three games of the season for missing a drug test. He is one of the most talented players in the NFL and a bona fide star when on the field, but will miss this one. DeAngelo Williams stepped up huge in his absence a season ago -- Bell missed all but six games last year -- and will aim to do the same.
Matt Jones -- The Redskins running back has been dealing with a shoulder injury but has said he will play in the opener. Washington led Alfred Morris walk this offseason, and Jones is expected to get the bulk of the carries, at least early on. He will need to prove he deserves to keep that starting role.
Matchup to Watch
Norman vs. Antonio Brown. This is a titanic matchup. Norman was an All-Pro cornerback a season ago with the Panthers while Brown is the best receiver in the NFL.
This is the first game Norman will play for the Redskins, and it remains to be seen how they employ him. Norman mostly had zone coverage responsibilities in Carolina and wouldn’t track a player across the whole field.
This could be the type of game where you want him to follow Brown, especially because talented Steelers wideout Martavis Bryant is suspended for the year.
Norman is looking to dominate after signing a lucrative contract in free agency, while Brown hopes to continue his game-breaking ways for the Steelers offense.
Free ATS Pick
The Redskins have some talented pieces, especially in the passing game with tight end Jordan Reed and wideouts DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon catching passes from Kirk Cousins. While Cousins had a really nice season in 2015, not everyone is sold that it’s sustainable.
The Steelers have an average defense, so this is the first opportunity of 2016 for Cousins to prove he is legitimate and lead the team to victory. If that happens, Washington could vault to the favorite in the division again.
There aren’t any questions about the Steelers, but this will be a tough one on the road without Bell. Roethlisberger, though, is a veteran signal-caller who won’t be affected by a loud crowd. He should do enough to lead Pittsburgh to not only a win but a cover of the spread.
The Steelers will announce themselves as one of the best teams in the AFC with a statement win over the Redskins. The “over” is the correct play on the total, as there will be plenty of points.
NFL Odds: Steelers 31, Redskins 21
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
