The Washington Redskins almost made the playoffs in 2016. They expect to contend in the NFC East this year. However, no team has arguably looked worse than the Skins through two NFL preseason games. They host Cincinnati looking for improvement, as Washington’s heads into Sunday’s game as betting favorites in the NFL odds.
“Obviously I’d like all 90 guys, when we had 90, be out there all the time,” Coach Marvin Lewis said. “But we know that’s not going to happen. As much as we can, I think it’s important for guys to have an opportunity to play but if they don’t, they don’t.”
One of the most impressive Bengals in preseason has been end Chris Smith, who has made life difficult for quarterbacks in two preseason games. The Bengals traded a conditional draft pick for Smith in the spring, and he’s spent training camp proving he should be on a roster somewhere. Smith has seven quarterback hits in two preseason games, albeit against backups. Smith, a four-year veteran, never broke out in Jacksonville.
Cincinnati at Washington NFL Preseason Odds & Expert Analysis
When: Sunday, Aug. 27, 4:30 PM ET Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD TV: Fox Radio: WEBN 102.7 FM (Cincinnati) / ESPN Radio WTEM 980 AM (Washington) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Preseason Lines: Redskins -3 (42)Fly around, make plays. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/CPGMb2I3wU
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 24, 2017
Weather Forecast
- Partly Cloudy: 26°C/78°F
- Humidity: 44%
- Precipitation: 0%
- Wind: 6 mph E
- Cloud Cover: 47%
- Type of Stadium: Open
Week 2 NFL Preseason Results
Cincinnati (1-1) lost last Saturday 30-12 at home to Kansas City – this will be the Bengals’ first road game. The Bengals had to settle for a pair of field goals during Andy Dalton’s three possessions against K.C. He was 7 of 13 for 98 yards with one sack. Cincinnati’s kicking competition remained all even. Randy Bullock and Jake Elliott have made all of their attempts in two games. Bullock connected from 47 and 26 yards on Saturday, while Elliott was good from 32 and 39 yards. Top draft pick WR John Ross was held out of a second straight preseason game as he recovers from shoulder surgery.How Well Did the Redskins Do?
Washington (0-2) followed a Week 1 23-3 loss in Baltimore with a 21-17 home defeat to Green Bay last week. The Redskins’ overall point differential is the worst in the NFC. Against the Pack, Washington didn’t collect a first down until the opening quarter’s final play and Kirk Cousins only produced a TD while facing defensive reserves on drive No. 6. Washington’s initial three drives resulted in 13 yards. Cousins was 2 for 6 for 9 yards in that span. RB Samaje Perine, a fourth-rounder from Oklahoma, ran for 45 yards on eight carries. He also caught a 29-yard pass from backup QB Colt McCoy.NFL Preseason Week 3 Must Bet Games
Skins Need More From O
This will be Cousins’ first significant time with 1st team offense, which means his 1st significant time without departed receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. Cousins is working on building a rapport with WR Terrelle Pryor and might have No. 1 tight end Jordan Reed on the field for first time. Reed missed the missed 4 weeks of camp and was just activated off of PUP list. Pryor and Cousins have worked together quite a bit since the wideout signed with the Redskins in March. But they’ve only played two-plus quarters together in a game. In the preseason, Cousins has targeted Pryor three times, completing one. Here’s Pryor on working with his new QB: “We started hitting it and we started clicking it and making it work and then we started hitting them every time because it’s just a timing thing,” Pryor said. “On that particular play that I’m talking about, Kirk doesn’t [normally] take a hitch. But when you’re getting bump man [coverage] he takes a hitch because he knows it’s going to take a little bit more time to shake the guy off, get vertical and then break it at the right depth.” On defense, outside linebacker Junior Galette (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday. After missing the first two preseason games, Galette was able to get in a few reps in team drills, suggesting he is close to full health. Coach Jay Gruden said there is a chance he will play on Sunday.Bengals Banged Up
Cincinnati has not been able to get some key players like George Iloka, Dre Kirkpatrick, Giovani Bernard and Ross on the field yet, and they may not play the entire preseason. The biggest problem is at safety with not only Iloka missing time but fellow starter Shawn Williams also out with dislocated elbow. Williams is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. He could be headed to I.R. if the injury lingers, though he’s fully expected to return this season.
“Obviously I’d like all 90 guys, when we had 90, be out there all the time,” Coach Marvin Lewis said. “But we know that’s not going to happen. As much as we can, I think it’s important for guys to have an opportunity to play but if they don’t, they don’t.”
One of the most impressive Bengals in preseason has been end Chris Smith, who has made life difficult for quarterbacks in two preseason games. The Bengals traded a conditional draft pick for Smith in the spring, and he’s spent training camp proving he should be on a roster somewhere. Smith has seven quarterback hits in two preseason games, albeit against backups. Smith, a four-year veteran, never broke out in Jacksonville.
NFL Preseason Game Trends
Bengals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games. Redskins are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins Game History
- Total Meetings: 10
- First Meeting: October 30th, 2016. Wembley Stadium. London, England
- Last Meeting: October 25th, 1970. RFK Stadium
- All-Time Series: Cincinnati 5-4-1
- Largest Margin of Victory: Washington 20-0 (1970)
- Longest Win Streak: Cincinnati 3 (2004-2012)
- Current Win Streak: Cincinnati 3 (2004-2012)
