Robert Griffin III: Washington Redskins QB Takes on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
Monday, 9/8/13, 6:55 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Washington -4.5
Current Betting Line: Washington -3
Opening Total: 49
Current Total: 52
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Washington Redskins won all six of their division games in 2012

Philadelphia is set to open its 2013 NFL season against Washington at FedEx Field, as it serves as the debut for head coach Chip Kelly, who was courted by the team after his sensational run with the Oregon Ducks at the collegiate level. The Eagles are hoping that quarterback Michael Vick is able to run a fast-paced offensive scheme, as he had more turnovers than total touchdowns in 2012. “I’m going to have the opportunity to do what I want to do in this offense,” commented Vick this week. The franchise is 27-25 all-time when featured on Monday Night Football. Philadelphia is 5-8 ATS as underdogs the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 7-6 in that situation.

The Eagles have outscored the Redskins by a 181-90 combined margin in their last six primetime visits inside this venue, which is important to consider when looking over the NFL betting lines in Week 1. Philadelphia will have 11 assistant coaches making their professional debuts alongside Kelly, while management added 21 players to the 53-man roster during the offseason. Vick completed 20 of 28 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns during the preseason.

Washington has a great opportunity to pick up a victory in this spot, as head coach Mike Shanahan is 15-4 all-time in games played in Week 1, including a 3-0 mark during his time in Landover, MD. The Redskins have a 28-34 all-time record in this primetime event, including an 18-15 mark when playing in front of their raucous fan base. The team is 7-3-1 in season openers against Philadelphia, which can’t be ignored when making your pro football picks. Washington is 3-2 SUATS as home favorites of three points or less the last two-plus campaigns.

The Redskins are hoping that quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris can build off their sensational rookie campaigns, as they teamed up to form one of the more dynamic offensive backfields in the league. Washington will be cautious with Griffin III in the early going, as he underwent offseason knee surgery after getting injured against the Seattle Seahawks in last year’s NFC playoffs.