Here’s why the Redskins are worth betting on in Week 16
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Giants at Redskins Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds
- Odds: Redskins -2
- Over/Under: 41
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is due to return to the starting lineup in relief of Eli Manning while the Redskins are coming off of a competitive loss against the Eagles in Week 15.
Our experts anticipate the Giants feeding Saquon Barkley against Washington’s lagging run defense in this battle for the cellar of the NFC East.
Giants-Redskins Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Giants
The Giants placed Evan Engram (foot) on injured reserve earlier this week, so he’s done for the season. They could potentially get Rhett Ellison (concussion) back as he was a full participant on Wednesday, but he was downgraded to limited practice on Thursday
The Redskins placed Trey Quinn (concussion) and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (elbow/shoulder) on injured reserve. The loss of Scherff is a significant blow as he’s one of their best pass-blocking lineman.
One key injury to monitor is cornerback Quinton Dunbar (hamstring), who grades out as one of Pro Football Focus’ best corners this season. He was ruled out last week, but returned to practice on Wednesday and then was downgraded to no practice on Thursday. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Biggest Mismatch
Saquon Barkley vs. Washington’s Run Defense
It finally looks like the Giants’ lead running back has started to return to form after his Week 3 high ankle sprain. Barkley produced the overall RB5 stat line with 143 total yards and two touchdowns against Miami’s poor run defense. Fortunately for Barkley, he sees another favorable matchup in Week 16 at Washington.
Washington has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards and second-most receptions to opposing running backs this season. The Redskins rank 24th in run defense DVOA and just allowed 172 total yards and two touchdowns to Philadelphia rookie running back Miles Sanders last week.
With Jones returning to practice on Wednesday, the Giants offense should be back at full strength, with the receiving production of wide receivers Golden Tate and Darius Slayton likely to improve. This should hopefully open running lanes for Barkley, who ranks 13th with an average of 6.9 defenders in the box per run (PlayerProfiler).
It’s been a disappointing year for Barkley fantasy owners, but with this health finally close to 100% he should be able to take advantage of his most favorable matchup this season. — Mike Randle
Sean Koerner’s Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Pick ‘Em
- Projected Total: 41
This is a pass for me. — Sean Koerner
Expert Pick
Randle: Redskins -2
The Giants had their moment for Eli Manning last week, and now travel on the road to Washington to face a Redskins team that is playing much better than their record would indicate.
The Redskins are 2-2 in their past four games, including a home win over the Lions and an impressive road win at Carolina. They have been very competitive in their last two losses with a five-point road loss to the Packers and a home loss to the Eagles that was decided on the last play of the game. The Redskins’ defense has been much improved and will be ready at home against their division rivals.
The Giants 28th-ranked pass defense will have no answer for rookie wideout Terry McLaurin and quarterback Dwayne Haskins (two touchdowns, zero interceptions) looked much more comfortable at home against Philadelphia.
The Giants are 1-6 away from home, with their only win coming as a result of a last-second missed 34-year field goal. I’ll take a Washington team that has been much more competitive under interim head coach Bill Callahan and give the points before the line creeps over the magic number of -3.
Randle is 238-231-5 (50.7%) overall betting on the NFL. You can follow him in our free app.