Friday, May 25th, 2012
The Washington Redskins will travel cross-country in week 17 NFL pro football action when they face the San Diego Chargers on Sunday afternoon. Kick off time is scheduled for 4:15PM Eastern Time with regional television coverage provided by Fox.
The LVSC NFL odds makers have set the opening point spread in this contest and the San Diego Chargers were opened as a 5 ½ point favorite with the over under coming in at 42.
The early action from the NFL betting public has come in on the underdog Washington Redskins, as the San Diego Chargers are currently a 3-½ point favorite. The total has seen early movement in the betting towards the under, as the over under is currently lined at 38 ½ for the bettors to wager into.
NFL money line gamblers can make a play on the favored San Diego Chargers at –220 with the road underdog Washington Redskins bringing back +180 to win this game without the need for getting the points.
The San Diego Chargers enters this game already locked in as the #2 seed in the AFC playoffs. With that, one could expect the starters to rest for most of this game. Washington sits with a disappointing record of 4-11 have been eliminated from playoff contention long ago.
With a first round bye we may see Phillip Rivers in this contest for at least 2 series. The 6-year veteran quarterback has hit on 65% of his passes with 27 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He is coming off an outstanding performance last time out at Tennessee with 77% completion percentage with 2 touchdowns and no picks. Backing up Rivers and certain to see at least a half of action is 10-year veteran Billy Volek. The Chargers number two quarterback for his career has hit on 59.8% of his passes with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In the 2007 AFC divisional playoffs, he relieved Philips Rivers in the Chargers 28-24 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Volek drove the team to a fourth quarter victory in that memorable Chargers playoff victory.
In the Chargers running game you can expect to see a lot of second year third string running back Jacob Hester carrying the ball. Hester has 40 rushing attempts in his career for 4.2 yards a carry average. Second year fourth string back Mike Tolbert is also expected to see action. The ball carrier has rushed the ball 25 times this season with a 5.9 yards a carry average and a touchdown.
The Chargers defensively allow 20 points per game. They defended the pass very well last week against Tennessee allowing just 88 yards passing last week and forced 3 turnovers. But keep in mind with nothing to play for the Chargers will most likely play their second string on defense.
The Redskins and their fans have been through hell this season. From the coaches to the players one would believe they are happy to see the 2009 season come to an end. The past two weeks the Redskins have struggled for offense, scoring a combined 12 points the past two weeks and worse yet it came in nationally televised games.
Quarterback Jason Campbell is expected to see action in this game. The five year pro has hit on 64% of his passes this season with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Where the team has really struggled has been his ability to convert on third downs to keep drives alive. Washington only has converted on 39% of their third downs this season. Part of the problem has been the injuries to the offensive line. Campbell has been facing pressure all season.
The Redskins have had problems with their running game with starters Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts out with injuries. Quinton Ganther has struggled with 17 carries for 34 yards over his past two games.
Defensively the Redskins allow 21 points a game. They don’t give up many big plays in the passing game as the team allows just 10.5 yards per completion ranking 13th in the league.
For the Latest NFL Odds Please Visit our NFL Odds Page
NFL Trend: San Diego Chargers are 4-1 to the over in their past 5 games
The Wagerline consensus has 81.0 the NFL bettors on San Diego Chargers –3 1/2
The Wagerline consensus has 58.7% the NFL bettors playing over 38 1/2
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