NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins

Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins
Saturday, 8/24/13, 4:30 PM EST, TV: NFL Network
Opening Point Spread: Washington -3.5
Current Betting Line: Washington PK
Opening Total: 43
Current Total: 42.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 ATS in the 2013 NFL preseason

Buffalo has won and covered its firs two NFL preseason games, including a 20-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings as 3.5-point home favorites on Aug. 16, while going UNDER the betting total of 43. The Bills’ quarterback competition is in full swing entering Week 3—something that can’t be ignored when looking over the pro football odds page. Former Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Kevin Kolb will get the start in this affair, with rookie EJ Manuel sitting out the rest o the exhibition schedule with a knee injury.

The Bills lead the NFL with 23 flags through two games, which could be an important factor to handicap when making your pro football picks in this matchup. Buffalo is looking for consistent play from the starters knowing it’s their final lengthy dress rehearsal for the regular season. “This is the last time we’ll play against until September,” commented Bills running back C.J. Spiller. For the first time this preseason two of the team’s top receivers will be in the lineup together, including No. 1 wideout Stevie Johnson.

Washington isn’t expected to have its top two quarterbacks at FedExField, with Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III both battling injuries. “I know we’ll evaluate it day by day,” commented Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. The Redskins’ main goal is to avoid the type of injuries that will jeopardize players in making future contributions to the team. The franchise will likely only have Rex Grossman and Pat White available under center—an opportunity for both to try and win the No. 3 spot on the depth chart.

The Redskins have never played their starters in the fourth preseason game under Shanahan, which means this is likely the last time running back Alfred Morris will see some action. Potential backup Roy Helu Jr. has looked good in the early going—gaining 57 yards on 13 carries in the first two games. On the other side of the ball, linebackers London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan will lead the defense.