We say every year that the preseason results should not really be paid attention to all that much. Coaches barely crack open their playbooks for these games, while many of the starters see limited time on the field, if they even see it at all. The preseason is more about finding out which of the fringe players might be ready to take the next step, while also finding out which of the players who enter training camp don’t yet have what it takes to play in the NFL.
Some of that latter group will have their fates revealed after the end of Week 3 of the preseason, with some of the roster cutting sure to begin once the final whistle blows on the third game that each team plays. While winning isn’t necessarily important in preseason, teams still want to get the W, so look for the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders to be on the lookout for a positive result in this one. It has not been a great preseason showing for either team, so a little positivity here might be just what the doctor ordered.
Let’s check out which team comes in as the NFL Betting favorite while making some predictions.
Redskins vs Falcons 2019 NFL Preseason Week 3 Lines & Expert Pick
- When: Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 PM EST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- TV: NFL Network
- Radio: SiriusXM/NFL
- Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
- NFL Odds: Washington Redskins -3 (Total 41.5)
Panthers vs Patriots 2019 NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds & Prediction
Weather Forecast
- Isolated Thunderstorms: 32°C/90°F
- Humidity: 66%
- Precipitation: 30%
- Cloud Cover: 52%
- Wind: 6 mph W
- Stadium Type: Retractable
Why bet on the Washington Redskins?
For the first half of last season, the Washington Redskins looked as though they were going to challenge for the NFC East, but a season ending injury to QB Alex Smith derailed this group in a big way. Whether Smith ever returns to the field remains to be seen, which means that we are likely going to be seeing a whole lot of rookie QB Dwayne Haskins this season.
In the preseason, Haskins has shown some serious potential, but he has also shown that he still has a lot to learn if he is to become an elite QB in this league. The Redskins are 0-2 in preseason play, but perhaps more alarming is that they have managed just 23 total points in those two outings. Washington are just 1-5 SU in their last 6 games played in August.
Team Stats (Offense)
- Points per Game: 20.00
- Passing Yards: 250.86
- Rushing Yards: 114.29
- Turnovers: 2.43
Why bet on the Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons saw their preseason get off to an earlier start than most, as they went down 14-10 to the Denver Broncos in the annual Hall of Fame Game. It was not a great start to the preseason, and things have not really gotten any better since then. They followed that defeat up with a 34-27 loss to Miami, after which they were downed 22-10 by the New York Jets.
While no team likes to lose, even in preseason, there were some signs last week that the Falcons will likely be okay once the real games begin. Matt Ryan got to see some time on the field in the loss to the Jets, going 10-14 for 118 yards. Expect to see him get some playing time in this one, too. Atlanta are not an August team, losing each of their last 12 games in that month.
Team Stats (Offense)
- Points per Game: 28.57
- Passing Yards: 218.29
- Rushing Yards: 143.29
- Turnovers: 1.57
2019 NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds, Overview & Picks
Redskins vs Falcons NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Trends
- Washington are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
- Washington are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the NFC South division
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
- Atlanta are 0-12 SU in their last 12 games played in August
- Atlanta are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games at home
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Redskins vs Falcons
Neither of these teams have played their best ball in the month of August, but I get a feeling that the Falcons will want to close out their preseason with a win on home field. I think they win this one going away.
Score: Washington Redskins 13 – Atlanta Falcons 27
