The weekend’s best bets – Sep. 20
BRIAN BLESSING
DONBEST.COM (1-1)
Green Bay Packers (-2½) over CINCINNATI BENGALS
A letdown could be in the cards for the Bengals, who bested their longtime nemesis, the Steelers, on Monday in a low-scoring affair. Can the Cincinnati offense keep pace? Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ aerial weapons are healthy and in top form early in the season. The total of 48½ indicates a lot of points will be scored.
ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (1-1)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (-2) over Detroit Lions
The Redskins have been brutal defensively and inept offensively until late in two blowout losses. Expect a renewed effort to get running back Alfred Morris going early and often. Even if you’re not a big fan of trends, one here is difficult to ignore. The Lions never have won in Washington. Detroit is 0-21 against the Redskins since they moved to D.C., dating to 1937.
TED SEVRANSKY
SPORTSMEMO.COM (0-2)
St. Louis Rams (+4) over DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas is 4-13 against the spread in its past 17 tries as a home favorite. The Cowboys are dealing with key injuries on both sides of the ball, including defensive ends Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware and wideout Dez Bryant. The Cover-2 defense does not match up well against the Rams’ spread, three-receiver attack.
MATT YOUMANS
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (0-2)
Oakland Raiders-DENVER BRONCOS (Over 49½)
Despite slow starts in each of their first two games, the Broncos are averaging 45 points. Peyton Manning has passed for 769 yards and nine touchdowns against two quality defenses, and the fast pace he sets will wear out the Raiders. Denver’s games have totaled 76 and 64 points, and this one should reach the 50s.
