Between the Lines with Mal Van Valkenburg
Three reasons to like the Buccaneers (-1½) over the Redskins
• Against teams with a losing record, the Bucs are 7-0. The Redskins are 5-7.
• In its past three games, Washington has averaged 13 points while giving up an average of 21.
• In road games, the Bucs are 6-0 ATS and give up only 17.8 points a game while scoring 22.3.
Three reasons to like the Bears (+3) over the Patriots
• The Bears are playing better, and quarterback Jay Cutler is making fewer mistakes.
• Weather can be a concern, and you have to like a home team getting points.
• The Patriots are coming off a big divisional victory on Monday night. There could be a letdown factor going on the road in a short week.
LAST WEEK: 1-1
SEASON: 10-15-1