Week 2 of the preseason gets us that much closer to the games that actually count. Unlike in the opening week of preseason, we might actually see some starters in Week 2, especially with these two squads. The Washington Redskins really need to get Alex Smith in for a couple of series against live fire. How much Josh McCown plays for the New York Jets is likely irrelevant, as rookie Sam Darnold and backup Teddy Bridgewater stole the show last week and should dominate the game coverage Thursday night.
Because of that, especially with all the intrigue surrounding the Jets’ quarterback situation, this one might be worth a look in your NFL betting plans this week.
Odds
New York Jets at Washington Redskins (-2, O/U 39.5)
New York Jets
The Jets blanked the Atlanta Falcons with a 17-0 victory in Week 1. Sam Darnold finished 13-for-18 for 96 yards and a touchdown. Teddy Bridgewater continued to show his value as an offseason acquisition, going 7-for-8 for 85 yards and a touchdown and here’s a great chance he’ll be traded before the preseason’s over. Trenton Cannon led the Jets in rushing with 11 carries for 40 yards, while Charles Johnson caught three passes for 45 yards and a score.
Last season, the Jets were ranked No. 28 out of 32 teams in offense, so they really need to get some cohesion going. It might be a solid tell on his regular season plans to see how long head coach Todd Bowles leaves McCown in at quarterback. If I’m him, I want to see Darnold play with the ones sooner rather than later. Also, it’s not a bad idea to keep showing off Bridgewater. Teams are going to get more desperate for QB help as the season goes on. If Andrew Luck doesn’t look 100 percent healthy, the Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t hesitate to inquire about Bridegwater’s services.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins fell in a battle of backups, 26-17, against the New England Patriots. Colt McCoy finished 13-for-18 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Kapri Bibbs was Washington’s leading rusher, carrying the ball four times for 48 yards. Cam Sims led all receivers with two catches for 74 yards and Robert Davis also hauled in three catches for 35 yards, but tore his ACL and will be out for the season.
I expect to see Alex Smith and the Redskins starters play at least two series Thursday night — maybe more if they’re not clicking. Losing Davis last week might make head coach Jay Gruden a little gun shy and no one should blame him. Last year, with Kirk Cousins running the show, Washington was the No. 15 ranked offense and they need to improve on that.
Like the Jets, the Redskins are set at backup QB with McCoy, one of the more solid options in the league. He’ll be facing off against New York’s backups on defense, but that’s still not a bad unit. The Jets were the No. 6-ranked defense last season.
The Pick
With Bridgewater and Darnold playing out the second, third and fourth quarters, the quarterback situation is just too strong for New York. Facing the Redskins backups, this should be a solid victory, so I say go against the spread. If McCoy can roll against the Jets’ reserves, the over could be in danger too. I’d look hard at that as well. Jets 27, Redskins 17
