The Washington Football Team and the New England Patriots will lock horns this Thursday for their respective preseason openers. Which team will kick off the preseason on a winning note? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Washington Football Team vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 1 Game on August 12, 2021
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro
When: Thursday, August 12, 2021, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Washington Football Team (-2) vs New England Patriots (+2) – view all 2021 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NFL Network
Betting on the Washington Football Team (-2)
Regular Season Record: 0-0
Despite a 7-9 record last year, Washington still made the playoffs, thanks in large part to the horrendous quality of the NFC East. This time, though, the Football Team are hoping to take a big step forward in Ron Rivera’s second year as head coach. There are still plenty of challenges for Washington this season, but the team is hoping mercenary quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be able to stabilize the offense while in this transitional phase for the franchise. Fitzpatrick is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback in the 2021 NFL regular season, but Washington also still has Taylor Heinicke. Washington added help on offense over the offseason with the arrivals of Adam Humphries and Curtis Samuel. The two should be able to stretch the field at least a bit for star wideout Terry McLaurin. Still, it’s Washington’s defense that will carry this team. Washington was fifth in 2020 with just 21.2 points allowed per game and also fifth with 316.5 total yards surrendered per contest.
The under is 3-0 in Washington’s last three preseason games.
Betting on the New England Patriots (+2)
Regular Season Record: 0-0
The Patriots will give Cam Newton another shot this coming season. But for this preseason game, the quarterback to watch out for in the side of New England is rookie Mac Jones. The Alabama Crimson Tide program product, who was taken fifth overall by the Pats in the 2021 NFL Draft, has a shot at becoming the next franchise quarterback of New England, and he can impress as early in this preseason. Washington’s defense should be a good test for Jones and the Pats’ receivers. N’Keal Harry, who had requested a trade before, can win back Pats fans with a strong showing in this game. This is also a test for New England’s offensive line, which ranked 26th a season ago in offensive quarterback sacked percentage. The Patriots’ pass-protection unit, however, may not see Washington’s big hitters like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen, so there’s definitely a reason to believe that New England quarterbacks will be safe in the pocket.
The Patriots are 3-1 against the spread in their last three home games in the preseason.
Writer’s Prediction
The Patriots win, 17-14.
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