The unbeaten New England Patriots hope to avoid a letdown Sunday when they visit the winless Washington Redskins. New England is coming off a grueling 16-10 win last week over AFC East rival Buffalo, but should have a much easier time against a ’Skins team that has been outscored by an average of 13 points per game.
- New England Patriots vs Washington Redskins (Matchup Report)
- Date/Time: October 6, 1 p.m. ET
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Sportsbook Odds at Sportsbook: New England -13 | O/U 46 (Line History)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Patriots are laying more than two touchdowns for the third time in their last four games. New England has thrived in this role recently, covering eight of its last 10 games when favored by double digits.
New England News & Notes
After scoring 30-plus points in each of its first three games, New England managed just 16 last week against Buffalo (nine if you exclude a blocked punt returned for a touchdown). Tom Brady completed less than half of his passes for 150 yards, uncharacteristically threw an interception in the Buffalo end zone and posted a 45.9 rating, the sixth-lowest of his career.
Fortunately for the Pats, their defense continued to play at an elite level, intercepting four Buffalo passes and recording five sacks. Buffalo did move the ball well between the 20s, finishing the game with 23 first downs and 375 total yards, but New England stiffened in the red zone.
The Pats ended one Buffalo drive with an interception on fourth-and-goal, and the Bills’ lone touchdown came on a one-yard quarterback sneak on fourth down. That TD is the only major New England’s defense has allowed through four games.
Washington News & Notes
Veteran Case Keenum has been awful at QB in his first four games for the Redskins. So when coach Jay Gruden pulled him last week in favor of rookie Dwayne Haskins, most figured it was due to poor performance.
Not so, according to Gruden, who said Keenum’s foot injury was a big factor in the decision. Shortly after, reports began to surface that Gruden doesn’t think Haskins should see the field at all this season, a belief that probably got stronger after Haskins was intercepted three times in his debut.
That all leaves a big question mark of who will be under center for the Redskins against New England. With fans and media calling for his job, Gruden is motivated to play the quarterback who gives his team the best chance to win. Considering that the Patriots have won their last 18 games when facing a rookie or second-year quarterback, it probably isn’t Haskins. But it might not be Keenum, either.
Colt McCoy has recovered from a leg injury suffered last season and resumed practicing, so there’s a chance the former Texas Longhorn may get the starting nod instead. Gruden has already told the media he likely won’t announce his starting QB until Friday at the earliest.
Betting Pick: Patriots -15
Brady and the Pats offense should be eager to get back on track after a subpar showing. And regardless of who starts at QB for Washington, I don’t see how the Redskins do much against this New England defense.
- The Patriots are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after consecutive ATS losses.
- The Patriots are 10-0 SU and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as double-digit favorites.
- The Redskins are 0-6 SU in their last 6 games at home.
