For the Washington Redskins (2-2), Sunday’s game at FedEx Field against the San Francisco 49ers (0-5) offers the chance to get right back into the NFC East race. For the 49ers, it’s an opportunity to end a five game losing streak.
The FOX network of affiliates will present this game to your eyeballs at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins (-10.5)
O/U: 46.0
The History
The Redskins and 49ers have played 31 times since 1952 with San Francisco holding a 20-10-1 advantage.
Four of those meetings were in the playoffs. The 49ers hold a 3-1 postseason advantage with their last win over Washington in the playoffs coming on January 9, 1993.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-5)
The 49ers have been in their last four games until the final seconds, stretching their game against the Arizona Cardinals into overtime. It’s not done any good as San Francisco lost all of them. You know what probably won’t help? Cutting one of your best defensive players, but that’s exactly what the 49ers did when they shed NaVorro Bowman Friday night. I’m sure he’ll enjoy the weekend off before getting snapped up by another team in need of a former All-Pro inside linebacker in a 3-4 system. It’s not like two other NFC West teams run that system or anything.
The problem for this 49ers team has been its offense. If you toss out the 39 points against the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco has scored less than 10 points twice and only gone past 20 once, in a 26-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week. Quarterback Brian Hoyer had a terrific game, completing 29 of 46 passing for 353 yards and two touchdowns. He put wide receiver Marquise Goodwin over a 100 yards with five catches for 116. Pierre Garcon nearly hit the mark with eight hauls for 94 yards. It did no good. That goose egg remained in the win column.
Looking at the defensive performance, you can almost discount it with Bowman off the team. He perennially led the team in tackles and did the same last week with 10. You remove those, especially in key situations, and maybe none of these games are that close. Bowman obviously wanted out and the 49ers wanted rid of his contract. They’re in a rebuild mode and he’s a player that wants to win now. This is as move that would have made a lot more sense in the preseason, not right before Week Six.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-2)
The Redskins have dropped two games this season, but really only suffered one bad loss. Before their bye, they fell 29-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs, but that score came from a late fumble return for a touchdown from Justin Houston when the Redskins were just tossing the ball around as time expired trying to see if something broke. It broke alright and for people who took the Chiefs minus the points, it was a good day.
There’s reason for Washington to be concerned coming into this game. Cornerback Josh Norman has been ruled out with his rib injury as is tackle Ty Nsekhe. Trent Williams is questionable and didn’t practice all week. I don’t expect him to play. All-Purpose back Rob Kelley is listed as doubtful and never practiced this week either. That means Josh Doctson, Terrelle Pryor Sr. and Jordan Reed will have to do most of the work by themselves.
The good news is that Reed is nowhere on the Redskins’ injury report, so needless to say I’ve put him on a Daily Fantasy line up. If Reed isn’t ready for full go, Washington still has Vernon Davis as his back up. Two weeks ago Davis had two catches for 89 yards.
The Redskins have put forth a serious pass rush in their first four games. They sacked Alex Smith four times and got five stops in the backfield. Hoyer will be a much riper target.
The Pick
The Redskins had two weeks to prepare for this game. The last time San Francisco faced this style of offense they surrendered 41 points to the Rams. I see a similar result happening Sunday. Redskins 38, 49ers 20
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 6-8
Against the spread: 6-8
Season
Straight up: 43-34
Against the spread: 38-39
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