NFL Betting Preview
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Cowboys -  1.5   ,  Total  43.5

The Dallas Cowboys finally get quarterback Tony Romo back on Sunday and they are hoping he can save their season.  The Cowboys started the season strongly but have played poorly in recent weeks, especially since Romo has been out.  The Cowboys have lost four of their last six and are one game behind the Redskins in the NFC East and they are three games back of the New York Giants.  Winning the division looks out of the question and making the playoffs is in serious jeopardy.  A loss to the Redskins here would really put them behind the eight ball.  Most people believe Dallas has to win at least five of the last seven games to make the playoffs. “Everyone says we are out of the picture,” Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens said, “There’s seven games left. We’re not counting ourselves out by any means.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cowboys on the Road.

The Cowboys will be counting heavily on Romo to upgrade the offense.  They averaged 29.2 points with him but just 13.7 points per game without him. “I’ve done a lot of studying, and a lot of thinking about the game and trying to gain an understanding of what it is we may need to do a little bit differently or what we may need to continue to do or do better,” said Romo, “I feel very confident and excited going forward about things that we may have changed around, improved upon. I think this team has got a great second-half run in it. Hopefully we’ll be able to show that this week.”

They should get a good test from a Washington team that is looking to bounce back from a poor effort against Pittsburgh two weeks ago.  The big key for Washington on Sunday could be the health of running back Clinton Portis who is listed as questionable.  Portis is second in the NFL in rushing this season and a big part of the Washington offense.

The Redskins have won five the last seven games against the Cowboys.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Cowboys are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in November. The Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. The Cowboys are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Cowboys are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC East. The Cowboys are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Washington.

The Redskins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC East. The Redskins are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a bye week. The Redskins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November.

SBG Global Current Line: Cowboys -  1.5   ,  Total  43

The Over is 6-1 in the Cowboys last 7 games in November. The Over is 5-1 in the Cowboys last 6 games overall. The Over is 16-6-2 in the Cowboys last 24 road games. The Over is 10-4-3 in the Cowboys last 17 vs. the NFC East.

The Under is 4-0 in the Redskins last 4 home games. The Under is 4-1 in the Redskins last 5 vs. the NFC East.

Pick: Redskins 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Washington Redskins (6-2)
Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Redskins  -  2.5   ,  Total  37

ESPN continues to have a lot of luck on Monday nights this season and that should be the case again this week as the Washington Redskins host the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Redskins have been one of the league’s surprises this year at 6-2 while the Steelers have looked solid at 5-2.  The only losses for Pittsburgh came against the NFC East as they lost to Philadelphia in September and to the Giants last week. The problem for the Steelers in both of those games was protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  He was sacked eight times by the Eagles and five times last week against New York.

“The whole NFC East is (similar to the Eagles and Giants),” Roethlisberger said. “They’re throwing a lot of blitzes at you. They’re all big guys who can move around and throw different looks at you and try to confuse you. We’ve seen it twice so far and we’ll see it again this week.”

SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Redskins at Home.

The Steelers have not played the Redskins at Washington in 20 years.  Their visit on Monday may not be a pleasant one considering the Redskins have the sixth-ranked defense in the league.  One of the reasons the defense has been solid is the offense.  The Redskins keep the ball away from opponents with a running game led by Clinton Portis who leads the NFL in rushing yardage.  Quarterback Jason Campbell has also played well, ranking 5^th in the league in quarterback rating.  The Washington offense should be tested by a Pittsburgh defense that is third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed.

Pittsburgh has won the last three meetings against the Redskins but all of those games were in Pittsburgh.  The last time the teams met in Washington was in 1988.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Monday’s game. The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November. The Steelers are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Steelers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Monday games.

SBG Global Current Line: Redskins  -  2.5   ,  Total  36.5

The Redskins are 22-8-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Redskins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Redskins are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games in November.

The Over is 8-3 in the Steelers last 11 games overall. The Under is 6-1-1 in the Redskins last 8 Monday games. The Under is 4-1 in the Redskins last 5 home games.

Pick: Steelers 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Washington Redskins (3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern – FOX

SBG Global Opening Line: Eagles – 5.5   ,  Total  43

The Washington Redskins were the overlooked team in the NFC East before the season began but after last week’s upset win over Dallas, they are starting to get respect.  If they can win another road game in the division they would really establish themselves as serious playoff contenders. “All four teams are solid teams, and it’s still anybody’s division,” Washington head coach Jim Zorn said. “Our goals are still ahead of us, and we made that so by beating Dallas in Dallas.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Redskins on the Road.

The Redskins have scored at least 24 points in their last three games and quarterback Jason Campbell has looked much better than a year ago.

“Everybody has to look at the Redskins in a different light now,” running back Ladell Betts said. “This is a great team. We can beat anybody. We can play with anybody.”  They will get a serious test on Sunday from the Eagles although they could get a break as running back Brian Westbrook is questionable for Philadelphia. “The injury is another week older, another week of rehab for me,” Westbrook said. “By the time Sunday comes around, I’m definitely more optimistic than I was last week.”

Washington and Philadelphia have split their last six meetings.  Last year the Redskins won 20-12 in Philadelphia.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC East. The Redskins are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall. The Redskins are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games in October.

The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC. The Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

SBG Global Current Line: Eagles – 6   ,  Total  42.5

The Over is 10-4 in the Redskins last 14 games in October. The Under is 4-0 in the Eagles last 4 home games. The Over is 4-1 in the Eagles last 5 games in Week 5. The Under is 13-5 in the Eagles last 18 games on grass. The Under is 10-4 in the Eagles last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Over is 7-3 in the Eagles last 10 vs. the NFC. The Under is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Skins 2 out of 5 units

Washington Redskins (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – FOX

SBG Global Opening Line: Cowboys - 11.5 , Total 46

The late afternoon game on FOX television features the unbeaten Dallas Cowboys hosting the 2-1 Washington Redskins. Most people believe the Cowboys are the favorite to win this year’s Super Bowl based on their early season success. The offense is rolling with quarterback Tony Romo and the defense has been pretty solid. “We’re slowly starting to jell and that’s huge as we get farther along in the season,” defensive tackle Tank Johnson said. “That’s what the regular season is for, jelling for the postseason.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Redskins on the Road.

The Cowboys lead the NFL in offensive yards and they are third in the league in scoring. “We’ve got a good football team, I know that,” Romo said. “But it doesn’t matter whether you’re the favorite now or the least favorite. The reality of it is you’ve got to keep playing games and you’re not trying to be the favorite in Week 3, you’re trying to be it at the end of the year.” The Redskins have scored 53 points in winning their last two games so Sunday’s game could be high scoring. Quarterback Jason Campbell has thrown for 647 yards and four touchdowns this season.

The Cowboys have won 11 of the last 12 meetings against Washington although they lost the last meeting when they rested starters last year after already clinching a playoff spot. Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Redskins are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The Redskins are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. the NFC. The Redskins are 21-8-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Redskins are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Dallas but the underdog is 17-4 ATS in the last 21 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Cowboys - 11 , Total 46

The Cowboys are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in September. The Cowboys are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 4. The Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The Cowboys are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC East. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

The Under is 5-1 in the Redskins last 6 games in September. The Under is 5-2 in the Redskins last 7 vs. the NFC East. The Under is 6-1 in the Cowboys last 7 games overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Cowboys last 6 games on grass.

The Under is 5-1 in the Cowboys last 6 vs. the NFC.

Pick: Skins +11.5 4 out of 5 units

2008 Picks Record: 0-0

Washington Redskins at New York Giants
Thursday, 7:00 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Giants -  3.5  ,  Total  40

The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants begin the 2008 season at home against the Washington Redskins.  It’s the second time in six seasons that the Redskins are part of the NFL’s first game of the season.  They won in 2003 against the Jets 16-13.  In 2004 the NFL started a tradition in which the previous season’s Super Bowl winner hosts the NFL Thursday night game to start the regular season. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Giants at Home.

Thursday’s game is the first regular season test for Washington head coach Jim Zorn.  The Redskins were 3-2 in the preseason as they had to play an extra week in the Hall of Fame game.  The Giants finished the preseason at 2-2.  The Giants didn’t play their starters much during the preseason and quarterback Eli Manning threw very few passes.  A lot of starters missed time during the preseason.  Wide receiver Plaxico Burress didn’t play at all and Amani Toomer caught just one pass. Manning didn’t even play in the preseason finale against New England.  “I feel great,” Manning said. “I think our guys are ready and I think we have a slew of receivers who can play, so whoever they have in the game and whatever we do, we have a lot of weapons. I think that is a great situation to have. If we can have three wides or four wides, there is not one guy you have to target on and say, ‘Hey, we have to prevent this guy from getting catches.’ We can work to a number of receivers and guys do a good job of getting open. Our running attack is looking good with some healthy running backs, our line is looking good, so I feel positive about where our offense stands, where our team stands, and I am looking forward to the start of the season.”

SBG Global Current Line: Giants -  3.5  ,  Total  41

Here are the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC. The Redskins are 9-19-4 ATS in their last 32 games in September. The Redskins are 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 1.

The Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Giants are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC. The Giants are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 vs. the NFC East. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings between the two teams.

The Under is 5-0 in the Redskins last 5 games in Week 1. The Over is 5-2 in the Redskins last 7 road games. The Under is 17-8-3 in the Redskins last 28 vs. the NFC East.

The Over is 5-1 in the Giants last 6 home games. The Under is 5-1 in the Giants last 6 vs. the NFC East. The Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New York between the two teams.

Pick: Over 3 out of 5 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Redskins
Thursday, 7:00 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Redskins  -  3  ,  Total  35

A little bit of revenge could be on tap when the Washington Redskins host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.  Jacksonville defensive coordinator Greg Williams was expected to get the head coaching job at Washington when Joe Gibbs retired but he was bypassed for the job and Jim Zorn was hired.  Williams could have some strong feelings and his Jacksonville defense could want to prove a point in this game.
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Jaguars on the Road.

Williams replaced former Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Mike Smith who took the head coaching job in Atlanta.  Jacksonville’s defense has looked strong under Williams in the preseason but they are still missing first round draft pick Derrick Harvey who is holding out.  The Jaguars are also missing wide receiver Jerry Porter who has been out with a hamstring injury. Washington will be without defensive end Jason Taylor who was injured last week against Carolina.  Free safety LaRon Landry is also questionable.

Last week in the preseason, the Redskins were humiliated by the Carolina Panthers 47-3.  Quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked four times in the loss.  It was the Redskins worst loss in the preseason since the 1970 merger.

The Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week in preseason action as quarterback David Garrard was 10-16 for 118 yards with two touchdowns.

SBG Global Current Line: Redskins  -  3  ,  Total  34

Normally in the final preseason game the starters don’t play long, if at all, but in the case of Washington they may play longer than normal simply for the fact they played so poorly a week ago. “That’s something I’m going to discuss,” head coach Jim Zorn said. “I’m open to it. I may have to do that just based on what we did [against Carolina]. It’s not a matter of throwing them back out on the field, or putting on pads and scrimmaging for two hours. It’s a matter of developing a drive and getting back some tempo before the regular season. A 10-day layoff without getting them out there for a drive [against Jacksonville] may not be the right thing.”

The NFL betting teams have met twice in their history in the preseason as the Jaguars have won both meetings including a 31-14 win last year. The Redskins have played the Jaguars four times in the regular season and lead the series 3-1.

Pick: Over 3 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Washington Redskins at New York Jets
Saturday, 7:00 pm Eastern – NFL Network

SBG Global Opening Line: Jets   - 3  ,  Total  35.5

The focus on Saturday night in preseason action will be in New York as Brett Favre makes his debut for the Jets.  There is so much interest in the game that the NFL Network changed their broadcast schedule and will now show this game on Saturday night. “All eyes will be on him, and rightly so,” Washington head coach Jim Zorn said. “He’s a tremendous athlete and this is his 18th season. That’s some great experience there.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Jets at Home.

Favre is expected to start and play about a quarter on Saturday.  He will be followed by backups Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff. Last week Clemens played briefly and threw for 31 yards while Ratliff was superb, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-20 win over the Cleveland Browns.  His target for those two touchdowns was rookie wideout David Clowney who is trying to crack the starting lineup alongside Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery. “I was really happy with David Clowney. He had a nice day,” said head coach Eric Mangini.

SBG Global Current Line: Jets   - 3  ,  Total  35.5

Washington is playing their third preseason game of the season.  They opened up with the Hall of Fame game win over the Colts and won last week against the Bills.  Quarterback Jason Campbell played well last week, going 7-10 for 71 yards.  He is now 12-15 for 132 yards this preseason under new head coach Jim Zorn’s system.  He will be followed on Sunday by backup quarterbacks Todd Collins and Colt Brennan. The Redskins had all 11 projected starters on offense last week play two series and they gained five first downs and 81 yards including a Clinton Portis 1-yard run. Washington’s defense, which included projected starters Jason Taylor, Andre Carter, Cornelius Griffin and London Fletcher, held the Bills to one first down on their first two series.

NFL betting stats show that the Jets lead the all-time preseason series with the Redskins 4-3.  The last preseason meeting between the two teams was in 2006 as the Redskins won 27-14.  Jets’ head coach Eric Mangini is now 5-4 against the spread in preseason action.

Pick: Jets 2 units