Sky Sports, December 18th, 6pm
Manning’s the man - he’s playing at a level I never believed
he would (all the more impressive as he called the shot in the off-season) and
he’s been so clutch this season that opposing him may be rather foolish, but I
like the Redskins to cover here.
This call depends on the Washington pass rush getting home
(Manning has found this matchup difficult) Roy Helu making hay against the weak
Giants’ run defense and if the Redskins can weather the inevitable Rex Grossman
mistake(s).
Grossman has thrown for at least 200 yards in each of his
last five starts, and is clearly the best option Shanahan has on the roster.
Rex took the Giants for 305 yards and 2 TDs in Week One and with Justin Tuck
and Osi Umenyiora missing, he can get after a weak New York secondary with only
(the admittedly excellent) Jason Pierre-Paul to worry him at the line. Look for
Santana Moss to make some plays, because the big players will need to today if
Washington are to push the home side.
Roy Helu is crucial: he will neutralise the pressure on
Grossman and keep Manning off the field. The Giants have problems at line
backer and Helu can get to the second level and make some big plays.
Eli Manning has weapons deep, and if he gets the ball out in
any comfort he’ll allow Nicks, Cruz, Manningham and Ballard to prosper against
a middling Redskins secondary. This means the Washington pass rush has to step
up and cause Manning the sort of problems he had in the first game this season
- Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan must get to the New York trigger man, who can
get erratic under pressure.
The line has come in from -7 to -5.5 at some places, and I
have to be honest, I don’t like moves off key numbers where the move is
‘against me’. I wouldn't bet this game normally, but if you must, keep stakes
to a minimum.
Pick: Redskins +6 @ 1.91; -110; 10/11
Pick: 1st TD Hakeem Nicks @ 9.0; 800; 8/1
Pick: Anytime TD Victor Cruz @ 2.00; 100; Evens
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