on to tonight where the hedgie feels the need to add to his winnings this week. most followers know the hedgie has a personal bias and friends who like the redskins but rest assured , THE HEDGIE HAS NO HEART when it comes to gambling and simply tries to make mooolah.....last year people remember the first ever 6 star play in the redskins vs the bills after sean taylors death. that was mistimed by a game. after that loss the skins went on a 6-0 tear against the spread. this year the hedgie is 1-0 on redskins games. week one teaser with saints AGAINST the skins...... important to note as we get ready for the play tonight. this should be a great game between two tough teams. a few notes:
- first of all, two of the best WR's in the NFL will play tonight . Sanatana Moss and Hines Ward leave it all on the field and do whatever it takes to help their teams win whether it be making a big catch, blaocking relentlessly , or even returning punts.....
- on the other hand, the hedgie spotted TO crying again after a the NY Giants put a complete whooping on the Cowboys.....hedgie loves it when the Cowboys lose and especially when TO is a part of the process.....
( Couldn't Resist - I LOVE THIS PHOTO)
- vegas anticipates a hard fought low scoring game with the skins installed a 1.5 favorites and the total at 37
- steelers are 5-2 and both losses have come to NFC east teams (eags week 3, giants last week)
- skins are 6-2 and 5-3 vs spread while going 3-1 at home
- both teams are very banged up ;
Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker (knee), offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu (ankle), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) and wide receiver Santonio Holmes (disciplinary) are ‘probable’ versus the Redskins, while punter Mitch Berger (hamstring), defensive tackle Casey Hampton (toe) and linebacker Keyaron Fox (hamstring) are ‘questionable.’ Offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back), free safety Ryan Clark (shoulder) and cornerback Bryant McFadden (forearm) are ‘out.’
Washington running back Clinton Portis (ankle), quarterback Jason Campbell (calf), offensive tackle Chris Samuels (knee) and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) are ‘probable’ against the Steelers, while wide receiver Santana Moss (hamstring) is ‘questionable.’ Cornerback Shawn Springs (calf) and defensive end Jason Taylor (calf) are ‘doubtful,’ while running back Ladell Betts (knee) and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly (knee) are ‘out.’
- most experts are pointing to a hard hitting low scoring affair. the steelers boast the #1 defense in the NFl and their 3-4 scheme is wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. steller LBs Lamar Woodley and James Farrior have a combines 15 sacks so far and Dick Lebeau's schemes will cause much confusion to a banged up skins O-line. Most think for the Redskins or the Steelers to win they will have to establish the run. Portis leads the NFL in rushing while the Steelers have not established the run much yet and it has cost them.
- the hedgie sees things differently and anticipates the steelers to come out throwing. they get back willie parker and santonio holes so hedgie thinks the steelers will come out with an uptempo passing attack vs a skins secondary that has been a little banged up. perhaps even a no huddle look which big ben has thrived in. on the other side of the ball, jim zorn's play calling has been uncanny. he seems to know exactly how to put jason campbell in successful positions to make big plays. he's aggressive and has a knack for keeping defenses off balance. the hedgie thinks this will be a hard fought battle and close game so will do a teaser to capitalize on the slight lines moves. the general public like the monday night home team so has moved the line to redskins - 2 1/2. it's a beautiful night in DC with no wind and temperatures in the mid 50's. with most predicting a low scoring affair the hedgie will take the value and go with :
TEASER:
STEELERS + 8 1/2 and OVER 31
2 stars