Sport: NFLPick Selection: Bears @ Redskins: Washington
I'm laying the points with WASHINGTON. Both teams come off disappointing losses and both now have equal 5-7 records. The team that wins today will still have an outside shot at a wildcard spot while the team that loses will be completely done. Given the venue and the circumstances, I feel that the Redskins will be the more focused and motivated squad. Although disappointed with their current position, realistically, most Redskins' players and fans weren't banking on an extended playoff run this season. Conversely, the defending NFC Champs and their fans assumed winning the NFC North was pretty much a given. The Bears showed some heart in their comeback win over the Broncos two weeks ago. However, any glimmer of hope gained from that victory largely vanished when they blew a 16-7 fourth quarter lead vs. the Giants last week. Playing on a short week, I believe that it will be tough to recover from that painful conference loss. While the Redskins also blew a fourth quarter lead, judging by comments from the players, there was more of a sense of relief to get the game over with (due to the tragic death of safety Sean Taylor) than any dwelling on the loss and what could have been. Now, while still very sad about the loss of their friend, the Redskins are ready to re-focus on football. In other words, I feel that while the Bears may still be thinking about last week, the Redskins have already put that loss behind them. Now, they are ready to go out and win one for their fallen teammate. Its noteworthy that we've reached Week 14, as the Redskins were 5-2-1 ATS (Bears were 2-5-1 ATS) in 2005 and 2006 when playing during the final four weeks of the regular season. I also feel that its significant to point out the yardage difference that these teams have accumulated through their first 12 games. Despite geting badly outgained in the blowout loss to New England, the Redskins are still outgaining their opponents by an average of 330-314 for the season. Conversely, the Bears are getting outgained by a 356-301 average. That differential has been even more pronounced the past three games. While the Bears' offense is getting outgained by a 404-317 margin, the Redskins have outgained their last three foes by a 372-303 margin. The Redskins should be smart enough to avoid letting Hester beat them and I expect their offense to once again outgain the Bears. Combine that with homefield advantage and what I expect will be an emotional advantage, I look for a solid win and cover. *Main Event
|
Handicappers
