What are the odds? Can the Redskins bounce back against the Los Angeles Rams?

Redskins Step out of the Ashes in Week 2

The Redskins got a tough break, losing the division opener to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kirk Cousins and the offensive line got a rude awakening, trying to hold back that 6th ranked Eagles defensive line. But despite all the hurries and the four sacks … the loss showed us some weaknesses that can be improved upon (red-zone efficiency for starters) and that despite the score, the Skins 'D' is much better than originally credited.

Carson Wentz showed great poise in the pocket and incredible athleticism while on the run. The key part of what I just said was: on the run. Wentz was exactly that on multiple plays. Jonathan Allen, Ziggy Hood, and Stacey McGee were getting penetration on that Philly O-line and creating holes for the linebacker unit. OLB Preston Smith got a nice piece of Carson Wentz and Matt Ioannidis and Ryan Kerrigan shared a sack as well. The sack number should have been four or five, but Wentz proved an elusive catch.

One thing I recommend all Hog Haven readers do this Sunday is to watch the Eagles-Chiefs game to taste some lukewarm revenge. If the Washington defense put number 11 on the run like they did … Wentz luck is going to run dry against a defensive front like that of Kansas City. Do you want to see Carson Wentz get pummeled into the turf a few times? Tune in.

The Rams in LA

Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams completely dismantled the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, winning 46 to 9 in Indy. However, as an offensive unit, I am still not impressed with the Rams. On 19 attempts, Todd Gurley only managed 40 yards and on 7 attempts, Malcolm Brown only managed to grab 16 Yards. The run blocking just wasn't there. Goff did manage to pick apart the secondary, dropping 306 yards and a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp. The other factor was receiving out of the backfield. Gurley burned the linebackers to the tune of 11+ yards per reception.

The one thing that did stand out as impressive to me was the Rams defense. Four sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles are the reasons why the point differential on the scoreboard was so vast. This Rams defense is the real deal, many pundits are ranking their defensive Line as #1 in the league. With Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, and Tanzel Smart, this line has serious depth. Spencer Long, Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Brandon Scherff, and Morgan Moses are going to have to watch a lot of tapes and prepare hard … otherwise, Captain Kirk could have a bad day.

Computers Love the Redskins

The computers at Fox Sports show the Redskins beating the Rams in 60.7% of the 501 simulations ran and covering the spread 67.3% of the time. When you couple this with the fact that Las Vegas and offshore oddsmakers opened up with the Rams as only 2 point favorites at home, there are things that analysts and computers are seeing about this matchup that may elude the average football fan. Both Vegas and the computers say this game is going to be close.

This says a lot about the matchup because home field advantage usually averages to three points where Las Vegas is concerned. This means that the Redskins would have been lined out as a 1 point favorite in a neutral environment in Week 2 against the Rams and a 4 point favorite if the Rams were in Washington.

The betting line can now be found at +3 and I wouldn't be surprised if the Los Angeles fan base drives it further as we near Sunday. There is serious value on the Skins covering the number once it moves to 3.5 or 4. You can review BetOnline and keep an eye on the odds.

Gather your friends and watch the Skins take the Rams down to the wire in Los Angeles.