NFL Preseason Preview: Washington Redskins vs. Buffalo Bills

Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III is going to receive plenty of attention from the media in Thursday's NFL preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, but sports bettors will be banking on the Washington Redskins' coaching staff to continue stressing the importance of playing well in games that are virtually meaningless.

The Redskins are two-point road favorites against the Bills in the NFL betting odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total has fallen a half point to settle in at 34.5.

Head coach Mike Shanahan is set to begin his third year in the nation's capital, boasting a tremendous 47-29 straight-up record during exhibition action, while tallying a 42-32-2 against-the-spread mark in that situation.

Washington has covered its two preseason openers under his direction, including a 42-17 blowout win over tonight's opponent as 4.5-point home favorites, which went well above the posted total of 34.

Griffin III is expected to be on the field for about 20 plays, and it will be interesting to see if offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan keeps the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in the pocket, or if he calls some plays that give the dual-threat signal-caller an opportunity to run.

Buffalo has split its six preseason meetings with Washington overall, but came away with a 23-0 win as four-point favorites during Week 8 of last year's regular season at the Rogers Centre. Running back Fred Jackson was the key player in that contest offensively, gaining 120 yards on the ground and catching three passes for 74 receiving yards.

The Bills are expected to have their starting units on the football field for about 15-18 plays, which will make it hard for them to snap a six-game losing streak against NFC opponents during preseason play.

It's hard not to like the visitor in this spot, especially with Shanahan mentioning last year's shutout loss in every offseason meeting.

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