Broncos Favored To Rebound in Washington

NFL News - November 10th, 2009 - Written by John

The Denver Broncos found themselves to be the trendiest team in the NFL early on, with a young coach fist pumping over wins, a smothering defense that led the league and a quarterback who suddenly could do no wrong.

Two weeks and two losses later, the shine has worn off and all that is left is a division battle with the surging San Diego Chargers, who have won three-in-a-row.

Looking to retool, and maintain at least a one-game lead, the Broncos head to Washington to face a Redskins team that has been competitive, if nothing else, in their last two games. Denver, who would've been a double-digit favorite if this game was played in Week Eight, is a small favorite on the road. They surrender 3 1/2 points in the early lines on BetUS. The over/under is a meager 36 1/2.

Recent trends can't argue with the low number. Denver is 7-1 hitting the under in it's last eight games, while Washington boasts similar numbers, hitting the under 10 times in it's last 11 home games.

What's baffling is, despite the Broncos fast start, they have been unable to separate themselves from bad teams. They are 3-13-1 ATS against teams with losing records recently, and the Washington Redskins certainly qualify.

For that to be true, Denver's offense has been struggling to find the end zone. It's average game differential is 3.3 points, a low number considering it's defense is surrendering a mere 15.5 points a game, third-best in the league. Elvis Dumervil has been a monster in the team's second level, tied with Minnesota's Jared Allen for the league lead in sacks (10.5).

Quarterback Kyle Orton started the year with just one interception, but had three last week against the Steelers. The good news is Washington's defense is far more susceptible to an air attack, but his recent struggles will have to be addressed in the future.

The Redskins have been hammered by injuries, making an already long season even longer. First was tight end Chris Cooley, who broke his ankle two weeks ago against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Then, last week, starting running back Clinton Portis was pulled from the game with a neck injury.

Washington has won only two games, but both came at home against NFC teams.

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