Redskins vs. Rams: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins will square off in a matchup of two teams that had opposite results in their respective Week 1 matchups.

The Redskins got off to an incredible start to their 2012 campaign with the help of rookie quarterback, Robert Griffin III. In his debut, Griffin III smoked the New Orleans Saints offense, passing for 320 yards and two touchdowns with an impressive completion percentage of 73.1.

On the flip side, the Rams put up an unexpected challenge to the Detroit Lions, narrowly missing an upset by just four points.

St. Louis did have the lead with under two minutes left in the game, but were unable to keep up their strong defensive performance and ultimately succumbed to a game-winning touchdown pass from Detroit's quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

Here's a look at the Week 2 showdown between the Rams and Redskins.

Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

When: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 4:05 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX (Check local listings for exact channel)

 

Spread: Redskins -3 (via Bovada.lv)

Griffin III might find it a big tougher to move the ball through the air against the Rams this week.

St. Louis picked off Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford three times in Week 1 and certainly didn't make it easy for the Lions' explosive offense to move the ball during the first three quarters. There's no doubt the Rams have a better defense than the one the Redskins faced in Week 1.

The Rams should be able to put some points on the board this week playing an almost equally bad defense. Washington allowed 32 points to the Saints last week, and that was despite a non-existent rushing attack from New Orleans.

While both teams still have a lot to prove, the Redskins are the better team of the two as of right now after exploding out of the gate in Week 1.

Over/Under: Redskins 44.5 (via Bovada.lv)

After showing some success against the talented Lions offense in Week 1, the Rams should have an easier time handling the Redskins offense, but by how much will be the question.

RG3 had a rookie debut for the ages, and his talent came to the forefront against the Saints. But rookies are bound to have some bad games during their inaugural season, and this could be the first for Griffin III if the Rams bring the same defensive intensity they did in Week 1.

St. Louis' offense didn't have a whole lot of success last week. The Rams were only able to muster up 250 yards of total offense, 198 of which came from the arm of Sam Bradford. Jeff Fisher's squad has a very shaky offensive line that can make even the poorest defenses look elite.

The Rams will try and win this game on the defensive end while trying to prop up their questionable offensive attack. Griffin III could quite possibly come back down to earth in Week 2, making it quite clear that taking the under is the safest bet.

Key Injuries (via ESPN)

Rams: Rodger Saffold (questionable, neck), Scott Wells (IR, foot)

Redskins: Pierre Garcon (questionable, foot), Chris Baker (probable), Brandon Meriweather (out)

Fantasy Big Plays

Rams: Steven Jackson, RB

Jackson had his fair share of issues in Week 1, but that doesn't erase the fact that on his best day, Jackson can still run with the best of them.

The Rams' running back carried the ball 21 times for 53 yards in Week 1, failing to cross the goal line. But judging from the amount of times Jackson had the ball in his hands against the Lions, it's abundantly clear that coach Fisher will look to pound the rock with his No. 1 back.

Jackson will get his yards on the ground, but also look for him to be an option for Bradford out of the backfield. Over the years, Jackson has shown an uncanny ability to catch the ball, and that's exactly the type of skill a young signal-caller like Bradford will lean on if things start to hit the fan.

Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB

You might be expecting RG3 to take a step back in Week 2, however don't be so foolish as to bench him in anticipation of such expectations.

Griffin III had great success in Week 1, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. The 'Skins' quarterback hasn't fully revealed his ability to run the ball, and we could very well see that two-headed attack from the No. 2 overall pick in the draft during Week 2.

He might be facing a slightly tougher defense this week, but I still expect Griffin III to put up enough stats to make him a must-start for fantasy football owners.

Key to Rams Win: Stop RG3

Griffin III is the most explosive player on the Redskins offense, and that's obvious after only one week in the NFL.

Washington's offense will go through RG3 each and every week, so St. Louis must make sure it not only puts pressure on him, but contains him in the pocket as well. If the Rams allow Griffin III to run wild, it could be a long day for their defense.

Luckily for St. Louis, Griffin III might have one less option to go to if Pierre Garcon (questionable) isn't at full strength this week.

Key to Redskins Win: Bring the Heat on Rams O-Line

As mentioned above, the Rams' offensive line is shaky at best, so if the 'Skins can put some pressure on St. Louis' O-line, they could make it a long day for Jackson and Bradford.

Bradford's biggest play of Week 1 was for 23 yards, and while he had a solid game against the Lions, chances are the Rams aren't going to go for big plays. That will make it extremely tough for St. Louis to keep Washington's defense honest.

On top of that, Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is notorious for calling short passes. A consistent and effective blitz for the Redskins could mean a ton of sacks on Bradford and a lot of lost yardage for Jackson.

Prediction: Redskins 24, Rams 20