NFL Preseason Odds Packers at Redskins (Saturday, August 19)

The Green Bay Packers head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Redskins in week 2 of the 2017 NFL preseason betting action on Saturday night. Washington took a shellacking in their preseason opener, as they were only able to muster a single field goal in a 23-3 loss in Baltimore against the Ravens.

The Redskins’ defense held Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett to just 58 yards in relief of Joe Flacco. Meanwhile, the Packers took the game to the Philadelphia Eagles in their opener, winning 24-9. Although their dominance emerged after the starters had left the field. Let’s take a look at this matchup between two of the NFC’s most storied franchises as you plan your preseason action for this weekend.

HogsHaven Redskins offensive units must be sharper and in sync vs. the Packers https://t.co/DDjeqo9xbp pic.twitter.com/q8F9LRL013 #Redskins

— Redskin Reign (@RedskinReign) August 17, 2017

NFL Preseason Packers at Redskins (Saturday, August 19)

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017, 7:30 PM ET Where: FedExField, Landover, MD
TV: NBC
Radio: WTAQ 1360 AM Green Bay / WTEM 980 AM Washington
Live Stream: NFL Live
NFL Odds: Washington -3, O/U 40.5

Why should you bet on the Packers?

Aaron Rodgers didn’t even need to appear on the field for the Packers to deal easily with the Philadelphia Eagles last week. The three quarterbacks who took the field for Green Bay combined for two touchdowns and 214 yards through the air, starting with Brett Hundley and his 90 yards, as he went 8 for 15. The ease with which the Packer backups were able to move the ball through the air, in the absence of an elite running game, should have the Eagles’ coaching staff working hard to shore up that secondary before this week’s contests.

The Packers’ defense was also impressive. Rookie cornerback Kevin King forced a fumble and rocked several Eagle players with some big hits. Rookie defensive end Derek Barnett picked up a pair of sacks. The Eagles were able to pick up 322 yards for the game, but the Packers figured out how to get stops in their own end of the field, before Philadelphia could move within field goal range. The Redskins have a more seasoned quarterback than the Eagles do, but KIrk Cousins doesn’t have the talent running routes for him that Carson Wentz did last week, so the Packer defense should be able to stand tall again.

Why should you put your money on the Redskins?

Kirk Cousins did appear for a quick series in the Redskins’ opener, going 1 for 2 for a grand total of five yards before heading to the bench, as the Redskins certainly don’t want to risk him getting injured. Look for Colt McCoy and Nate Sudfield to run the offense again this time. The problem for Washington against Baltimore came from the backfield, as the team ran for just 39 yards. To be sure, the Ravens have what could be the best defense in the AFC — a better unit than what Green Bay will bring to town on Saturday.

Rookie Jonathan Allen did pick up a sack in his first preseason action, following up on all of the promise that a 17th overall pick should bring. The Redskins need to cover better against the pass down the field, as the Ravens’ backups found receivers open much too easily in that opener. If you like Washington, you think that their defense will succeed where that Philly secondary failed.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The most impressive part of the Packers’ preseason opener was that Aaron Rodgers did not have to lift a finger. The offensive system is potent enough without Rodgers on the field to run roughshod over opposing defenses, particularly when the reserves are out on the field. I see a similar trend coming this week in Washington, as Green Bay should use their rhythm on both sides of the ball to roll to a win. I predict that Green Bay will win by the final score of 20-16, sending Washington to an 0-2 preseason start.