Week 8 sees the third of the three International Series games to be played in London taking place at Wembley Stadium. The game features an AFC vs NFC clash with two teams that are trying to stay in contention to win their divisions. Prior to the start of the season this looked like the best of the three games on paper at least. We are happy to say that we will be attending the game on Sunday 🙂
Washington Redskins vs Cincinnati Bengals – Kickoff 1.30pm UK or 9.30am Eastern
The Teams
The Redskins come in to this game with a 4-3 record. They suffered a last minute defeat in week 7 in Detroit to a Matthew Stafford inspired Lions team. They are currently tied for third in the NFC East and really have to win to stay in contention with Dallas and Philadelphia.
Cincinnati have a 3-4 record, tied for 2nd in the AFC Central with Baltimore and only one game behind the Steelers. The Steelers are missing star QB Ben Rothlisberger at present so winning in London keeps the Bengals in the race to win the AFC Central.
Interestingly, each team have negative point differentials – Cincinnati are -22 and Washington -3. The Bengals average exactly 20 points per game whilst Washington average a shade below 23. Games in London tend to be low scoring affairs. This makes the unders an attractive betting proposition with odds of 2.1 available for under 48.5. Note – the regular line is 46.5 – the 48.5 is an alternative line for the game.
I think this game will be close and if it were not for the Redskins injury list I would favour them. The early reports show RB Matt Jones as being out of the game. In addition TE Jordan Reed, the Redskins most reliable pass catching threat and star CB Josh Norman are both questionable. The latter two should play, but they are both carrying knocks.
Each team has ‘streaky’ QBs in Andy Dalton and Kirk Cousins. They can each go through stretches of being top 10 players and then throw in a couple of duds. Due to the injuries for Washington and the QB inconsistencies I just favour the Bengals to win. My confidence in this isn’t great and I wouldn’t like to bet one way or the other. I prefer some player lines.
Washington Redskins vs Cincinnati Bengals – Player Lines
Josh Norman will be matched up with All-World WR AJ Green for much of the game. I expect him to get safety help as the Redskins try to eliminate the Bengals big play threat. Green’s player performance line at 95.5 looks a little too high for me. The only danger is that one blown coverage or one of his sensational catches and he blows past the 100 yard mark with ease.
I like two player lines with smaller bets.
A value play is the Bengals number two WR Brandon LaFell who has a player line of 55.5. The Redskins, Norman apart have not been able to cover anyone this season at crunch times. They are particularly bad at stopping 3rd downs allowing 44.6% to be completed. LaFell has 372 yards through 7 games and has a height and size advantage over Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland.
Redskins WR Jamison Crowder has the same line as LaFell at 55.5. I can see him beating this quite easily. He has the quicks and the Redskins have a passing scheme to get him open. Crowder is a big play threat for significant YAC (Yards after Catch). He will play from the slot a lot and also be used on screens as well as the occasional deep play. He was limited in practice on Wednesday with a mild groin issue but is expected to play a lot on Sunday.
Washington Redskins vs Cincinnati Bengals – Tips
Back under 48.5 Total Points for a 3.0/10 stake at 2.10 with SkyBet.
Bet here:
Back Brandon LaFell to exceed 55.5 receiving yards with a 3.0/10 stake at 1.83 with Paddy Power.
WON – Back Jamison Crowder to exceed 55.5 receiving yards with a 3.0/10 stake at 1.83 with Paddy Power.
Bet here:
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