Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams

Game: Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams
Line-O/U: Washington (-3)
Pick: Washington Redskins
Reason: Whether it's Shanahan, McNabb or the combination of the two, these Redskins are for real. They lost a heart breaker and won a game by a holding call, but they look consistent throughout the course of their games. Last year this was a low scoring game (9-7), but the offense, with McNabb, have much more sustainable drives this season. The Rams defensive coordinator, Ken Flajole, had a great stint as the LB coach from 2003-2008, but I don't think he can outsmart the two time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan calling the shots on offense. Last year, the Rams let their opponents average a QB rating of 96.9! Their defense was also #31 in points allowed per game, which won't be helped by Bradford. I think the rushing attack of the Redskins will benefit from the turf, and if you play fantasy, watch out for the dangerous Chris Cooley because he can really be used in so many different ways against the Rams DB's and LB's. If DeAngelo Hall can be the shut down corner he's been so far, Clayton and the rest of the crew will see a new Bradford, a little more rookie like - more interceptions. Turnovers will decide this game and the Rams will have too many. This is a THREE STAR bet. * * *

Houston Texans vs. Washington Redskins

Game: Houston Texans vs. Washington Redskins
Line-O/U: 42.5
Pick: UNDER
Reason: Houston has one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but Washington has Jim Haslett as a defensive coordinator. With Haslett calling the shots for the defense, I can see Houston having much more trouble than their outing against the Colts last week. Also, Mike Shanahan, the head coach of the Washington Redskins, is a run first coach who will slow down the game with their zone-blocking scheme. The offense of Washington doesn't have much explosiveness outside of their running game and Houston will have trouble with the defensive style brought in by Haslett. If Washington can contain Arian Foster, and only let Andre Johnson have one touchdown at most, the UNDER looks like a sure bet. I think these teams will have powerful defenses this week and if the Houston running game can be kept under control, then the UNDER will hold. FOUR-STAR **** PICK.