Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Redskins: Momentum shifting to hosts

Luca Bercelli
08 December 2012

Richard Griffin III

Join

Twitter

Facebook

View the Betslip

After several seasons in the doldrums a win against Baltimore could help propel the Redskins into the post-season

"It just has to be the Redskins in this one and we'll take them to win outright and on the handicap giving up three points"

There's a 22-year-old kid slinging the ball for the Redskins who is fun to watch, and I mean a lot of fun. Robert Griffin III (RG3) has taken the sport by storm after being selected second overall in the draft and along with his own personal great level of play he has inspired his teammates to such an extent that the post-season is now looming as a real possibility.

Washington fans have had a sorry time of it in recent years and haven't had a sniff of play-off football since 2007. That could be all about to change with a win against Baltimore and I think they are well capable of nailing one.

It's not just about RG3, although he has undoubtedly been the catalyst. Many of the supporting cast have stepped up to the plate, most notably rookie running back Alfred Morris. His 1000-yard season has enabled Mike Shanahan to operate his offence effectively in the only way he knows. Run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, and then run the ball some more.

This emphasis on the ground game is a perfect complement to one of RG3's many talents - his stupendous 'now you see it, now you don't' fake hand off. This was employed regularly last week against the Giants and embarrassed quality defenders such as Jason Pierre-Paul. JPP is acknowledged as one of the best pass rushers in the business, but in one notable instance was burrowing into the pile tackling a ball-less Redskin, whilst RG3 was waltzing down an open pitch 15 yards away.

Such plays have enabled RG3 to amass 714 yards rushing himself. Add to that a revitalised wide receiver in the shape of Pierre Garcon and one of the best offensive linemen in the league in the form of Trent Williams and you have an offence that is nigh on impossible to stop.

Momentum is therefore very much with the 'Skins and drifting slowly away from the Ravens. They might sit atop the AFC North with a two-game cushion, but two tight games against a Steelers' team missing Ben Roethlisberger and a narrow verdict over the Chargers have not been convincing.

It just has to be the Redskins in this one and we'll take them to win outright and on the handicap giving up three points.

Recommended Bets

Back Washington Redskins to beat Baltimore Ravens @ 1.784/5
Back Washington Redskins (-3.0pts) to beat Baltimore Ravens on handicap @ 2.111/10