In case you haven’t heard, the Cleveland Browns have been mercifully mathematically eliminated from playoff contention following their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. That said, you can bet you can still see that team being featured on this weekly piece at some. Just not today, though, as we have three better teams to cover, who we think have a shot of (at least) covering their respective spreads as underdogs this week.
Washington Redskins (+7) at Dallas Cowboys (-7) (Thu, Nov. 24, 4:30 PM ET)
Why the Redskins will win: Say what you want about how fast the Packers’ boat is sinking this season but beating a team with Aaron Rodgers at the helm still gives the victor a huge confidence booster. And that’s likely the case for the Redskins, who will ride a wave of momentum following Sunday’s, 42-24 win over Green Bay. As for the tangibles, Kirk Cousins can take advantage of Dallas’ depleted secondary that will remain without Barry Church and Morris Claiborne. Church played a crucial part in Dallas’ 27-23 win over Washington, as he picked off Cousins in the red zone in the fourth quarter. Also, if anything, the Cowboys are just 1-3 SU in their last four games on a Thanksgiving Day.
Why the Redskins will lose: The Redskins are tired whether they admit it or not. They just played Sunday and sandwiched between their win over Green Bay and the date with Dallas on Thursday are ONLY three full days of rest. This would’ve been less of a problem for Washington if they were looking forward to a match with Cleveland, obviously, but this is Dallas the Redskins are about to face. The same Dallas team that has won all of its last nine games while covering the spread in all of them. In addition, the Dak Prescott the Redskins will meet this Thursday is multi-fold better than the one they got introduced to back in Week 2.
Los Angeles Rams (+7) New Orleans Saints (-7) (Sun, Nov. 27, 1:00 PM ET)
Why the Rams will win: Jared Goff’s debut pro debut wasn’t anything to carve some cozy space in our memories, as he merely passed for 134 yards on 17 of 31 completions without a touchdown nor an interception in a 14-10 loss to Miami on Sunday. As sad as Goff’s first NFL appearance, though, the rookie quarterback could hit pay dirt next when the Rams lock horns with New Orleans’ defense leaky pass defense that currently ranks just 29th against the pass. The Rams are averaging just 14.9 points per game, but if there’s a game they can do better, it’s got to be against this New Orleans squad that gives up 28.6 PPG.
Why the Rams will lose: Because there’s the likelihood that the Goff we saw last week wasn’t that far from the Goff we’re going to see the rest of the season. It’s not a knock on Goff’s abilities but rather on his limited experience of playing in live NFL action. While the Rams have a top six defense, the Saints’ offense should be fine moving the ball downfield, especially considering that they’ve done that with success before against the likes of Seattle and Denver, albeit in losses. (Of course, both those teams have better offenses than LA.)
Writer’s Prediction: New Orleans (-7) wins, 23-20.
Why the Chiefs will win: There’s nothing spectacular in Denver’s offense to send chills down the spines of the Chiefs. The Broncos generate a respectable 23.9 points per game but are just 27th in total yards, 23rd in passing yards, and 22nd in rushing yards. With a defense that allows just 18.7 PPG, the Chiefs should be able to handle Denver’s attacks and keep the Broncos within striking distance or in other words, within the range of the spread.
Why the Chiefs will lose: The thing, however, with Kansas City’s defense is that it’s dealing with injuries to some of its major pieces. Cornerback Marcus Peters (hip) didn’t play in last Sunday’s 19-17 loss to Tampa Bay in which Bucs wide receiver went off for 105 receiving yards on 13 targets. Another absence from Peters would mean good news, extra receptions, and likely end zone success for either Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders. Furthermore, the Broncos have near-invincible status since 2012 when they’re at Mile High City, having gone 13-1 SU at home since.
