Chiefs at Redskins Pick
Two teams struggling for respectability will square off at FedEx Field on Sunday when the Washington Redskins host the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs suffered a disappointing 26-20 overtime loss in Week 5 against the Cowboys. Matt Cassel threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while Dwayne Bowe caught five passes for 74 yards and a score. Although they lost, Kansas City covered the spread as 7-point underdogs.
The Redskins also fell last week, losing a 20-17 decision to the Panthers in Carolina. Jason Campbell threw for 145 yards and a touchdown, while Clinton Portis rushed for only 57 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. He also caught a touchdown pass in the loss, as Washington covered as 5.5-point underdogs.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Redskins 6.5-point favorites over the Chiefs on Sunday. The over/under total for this matchup has been set at 37.5.
The Redskins aren’t a bad football team – they’re just a poorly coached one. When they reach the red zone, head coach Jim Zorn gets conservative with his play calling. Washington had a golden opportunity to earn a road victory last week in Carolina and the Redskins’ coaching staff got conservative in the second half. It’s almost like they’re trying to play in tight ball games.
The public is going to look at this game and jump on the Chiefs because both of these teams haven’t played well this season. Why not take the points if both teams are struggling?
But don’t forget the travel involved for Kansas City, who heads into a tough environment this week, regardless of how well the Redskins have been playing. We expect Cassel and the Chiefs’ offense to continue to struggle, especially against a Washington defense that hasn’t played that bad to date.
Zorn knows that his job is on the line and at some point, he’s going to have to take the training wheels off his offense and trust that Campbell can run it without making mistakes. We think this will be that weekend and Washington will play inspired after some of its players came out in support of Zorn this week.
Redskins cover in a low-scoring affair.
Our NFL Week 6 Free Pick for this matchup is: WASHINGTON REDSKINS –6.5 and UNDER 37.5.
Chiefs at Redskins Current Odds
209 Kansas City Chiefs +6.5 Over 37.5
210 Washington Redskins –6.5 Under 37.5
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Kansas City is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Washington is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Washington is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
NFL Week 6 Injury Report
Kansas City Chiefs
Kolby Smith RB P-U-P List
Branden Albert T Missed Wednesday Practice (ankle)
Andy Alleman G Missed Wednesday Practice (shoulder)
Jarrad Page S Missed Wednesday Practice (shoulder)
Washington Redskins
Phillip Daniels DE Missed Wednesday Practice (biceps)
Cornelius Griffin DT Missed Wednesday Practice (elbow)
Chris Samuels T Missed Wednesday Practice (neck)
Hunter Smith P Missed Wednesday Practice (right groin)
Albert Haynesworth DT Limited Wednesday Practice (ankle)
Anthony Montgomery DT Limited Wednesday Practice (knee)
Clinton Portis RB Limited Wednesday Practice (calf)
Posted: 10/18/09 8:00AM ET