Redskins at Bears and Beating the Book

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night put them and the NFC East in a three way tie at 5-7. The Cowboys still trail the Redskins, Giants and Eagles by one game at 4-8. It is quite a season of futility for the once proud NFC East.

With the Redskins having three games on the road out of their final four games, they must have a sense of urgency every week. The Redskins have not won an away game during the 2015 season. Today, they play in Chicago versus the Bears who have surprised many (including myself) in a rebuilding season, matching the Redskins with a 5-7 record.

The Bears have gotten their quarterback, Jay Cutler, playing better than he has in a few years. There isn’t an abundance of talent on the Bears outside of Cutler and star receiver Alshon Jeffery. The Bears do have a decided advantage with their head coach John Fox and his coordinators, Adam Gase and Vic Fangio.

Best Bet of the Week

Redskins +3.5 over the Bears

The San Francisco 49ers upset the Bears in Chicago last week 26-20. This week they will try to win two consecutive games for the first time in 2015. They must do it on the road again if they are to accomplish that feat as they travel to Cleveland and the Browns are 1.5 point favorites.

The Browns have lost seven consecutive games with six of the losses by double digit points. They hope to get an influx of energy with the return to the starting lineup of their young quarterback, Johnny Manziel. Manziel has played in only half of the Browns’ 12 games this season and sat the bench for the last two because of excessive partying over the Browns bye week despite starting quarterback, Josh McCown being out for the season.

Neither of these teams give bettors a reason to trust them. The Browns do have an advantage though being at home while the 49ers must make long trips east for consecutive weeks. Take the Browns -1.5 points over the 49ers.

Browns -1.5 over the 49ers

The Cowboys went to Washington and got their first win of the season without their starting quarterback, Tony Romo. Now, they hope to stay in the NFC East race when they travel to Green Bay to face the Packers. The Packers won in Detroit in thrilling fashion last week with a last second touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to tight end Richard Rodgers on Thursday Night Football.

Despite their troubles in losing two straight home games and four of their last six games overall, the Packers have a large advantage over the Cowboys. They are a rested team with ten games since they last played and are at home. It has only been six days since the Cowboys played on Monday night and they have to travel for their second consecutive week. The Packers are the better team, take them -5.5 over the Cowboys.

Packers -5.5 over the Cowboys

The Denver Broncos are looking like a more complete team since Peyton Manning has been out. Brock Osweiler is growing into his role as the probable successor to Manning as the starting quarterback of the Broncos and their offense has looked more fluid with him in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Broncos defense has continued to dominate opponents.

The Oakland Raiders travel to Denver hoping to stay in the wild card race as they have been eliminated from AFC West contention. The Raiders have young talent in quarterback, Derek Carr, and his weapons at running back, Latavious Murray, and receiver, Amari Cooper. They have come down to earth somewhat in losing four of their past five games and lost at home to the Chiefs by 14 last week.

The Broncos should dominate at home versus the Raiders as they prepare for the playoffs and a probable first round bye. Take the Broncos -6.5 over the Raiders.

Broncos -6.5 over the Raiders

I also like the Bengals-2.5, Rams +3.5, Bills +1 and the Dolphins +3 to varying degrees. Last week I lost all three of my Top Bets last week and my Top Bet record is now 28-26 with my Best Bet record at 8-6. I did win my other five bets and pushed my overall record to 71-45-3 for the season.

Please follow me on twitter for updates on NFL picks and also for picks on every college bowl game which start on Saturday. Good luck this week!

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