Washington Redskins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
Where: Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, FL
When: Thursday, August 31, 2017 – 7:30 PM ET
Line: Washington Redskins (+2.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5); total: 36.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CSN Mid-Atlantic
NFL News and Previews
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- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
Betting on the Washington Redskins (+2.5)
The Redskins were on their way for a 0-3 card in the preseason last Sunday, when Colt McCoy’s sudden clutch gene took over. The quarterback drove the team down the field twice in the fourth quarter for a touchdown and field goal, guiding the ‘Skins to a come-from-behind, 23-17, victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
For the preseason finale, though, we may see them take home another defeat. McCoy and official starter Kirk Cousins have not been great in the past weeks, as they only combine to go 46-for-79 (58.2 percent) for 444 yards, three TDs, and two picks. As a result, no receiver is also producing notably – Matt Hazel and Chris Thompson were their leading pass-catchers, and they only had six catches each for 40 and 79 yards, respectively.
The two men in the backfield will be Rob Kelley (68 yards on 3.0 YPC) and rookie Samaje Perine (65 yards on 3.42 YPC), and both are also having pedestrian numbers as of late.
Washington’s defense is about the defending the pass, as they are giving up the second-fewest passing yards in the last three weeks (155.3 per game). However, their awful front seven, which allows 126.3 per game and ranks 27th overall, is cancelling it out.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
It was another week of posting a low score and suffering a loss for the Buccaneers. They got beat by the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, 13-9, in a defensive slugfest. It was the second consecutive game where they only posted 12 points or less, and they are now dead-last in the preseason in scoring (11.0 PPG).
Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick did what they could under center, combining to go 24-for-38 for 255 yards. But because their offensive line got toasted for much of the contest, and allowed 10 QB hits/sacks and 10 tackles for loss, the offense couldn’t establish anything noteworthy, both in passing and rushing. The running backs only tallied 78 yards on 3.4 yards per carry.
The backfield and the receiving corps will be should be eager to make up for last week’s stagnant performance. Jacquizz Rodgers and Doug Martin are the usual guys for the ground attack, while Adam Humphries and Chris Goodwin could be the wideouts to have the most opportunities (2016 Pro Bowler Mike Evans is likely to sit out).
The defense’s aggression has Tampa placing fourth in scoring defense (14.7 PPG), but overall, they are just posting middle-of-the pack numbers against the pass and run, which results in surrendering 316.7 total yards per game (18th).
Writer’s Prediction
Tampa Bay (-2.5) engages in another low-scoring affair. This time, though, they win, 14-10.
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