NFL picks: After a disappointing step back season last year in which they went from Super Bowl champions to out of the playoffs the Baltimore Ravens have looked razor sharp in preseason and ready for a return to contender status. The Washington Redskins also took a step back last season after making the playoffs in surprise fashion in 2012 as star QB Robert Griffin III was plagued with injuries. So far in preseason the Redskins are responding to new head coach Jay Gruden with two wins in two games. The Baltimore Ravens will host the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium Saturday night with coverage on NBC starting at 7:30 PM ET.
Hail to the Redskins!
The Washington Redskins are 2-0 straight up and 1-1 against the spread with an even 1-1 split on totals. Gruden arrived at Washington as a proven and respected offensive coordinator that quickly developed raw rookie QB Andy Dalton with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Redskins offense has seen an immediate payoff as it has been the top-ranked unit overall in the NFL in preseason. The defense has also looked solid and ranks 4th in the NFL preseason for points allowed. Washington is coming off a 24-23 home win over Cleveland but failed to get the money as two point favorites with the game going over the total of 41.5. Backup QB Kirk Cousins has a 91.3 QB rating while fellow backup Colt McCoy is at 118.1. Regular starter Robert Griffin III has continued his struggles from last year with a 64.9 QB rating.
Raven Reviews
The Ravens are 2-0 both straight up and against the spread with an even 1-1 split on totals. Baltimore ranks 7th overall in the NFL preseason for total offense and 3rd for scoring offense. The Ravens defense ranks 8th in the NFL preseason for points allowed. Tyrod Taylor has attempted the most passes for the Ravens so far with mixed results as he has a 79.0 QB rating with a 1/1 TD/INT ratio. Regular starter Joe Flacco looks primed for a comeback season with a 97.7 QB rating. Lorenzo Taliaferro has led the Ravens with 130 yards rushing and 4.5 yards per carry.
Our Pick
Cousins, McCoy, and defense make the Redskins our call.
