Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams: Last Minute Spread Info and Predictions

The Washington Redskins have gotten off to a much better start than the St. Louis Rams this season.

Injuries and poor play have forced the Rams into an 0-3 hole, while the Redskins come into Week 4 with 2-1 record.

Rex Grossman has done a fine job so far this season and the defense has held its own as well. Their lone loss came last week in Dallas in what was basically a field-goal kicking contest.

The two teams share a common opponent already this season, the New York Giants, and if that game was any indication, things do not look to bright for the Rams.

They do, however, get to see Steven Jackson return to the backfield after pulling up lame in the opening loss to the Eagles. He had two carries including a 47-yard touchdown run in that game. He played sparingly last week, but should be a key contributor this week.

The Rams want nothing more than put their season on track, and an 0-4 start would be devastating.

The Redskins, on the other hand, are looking to maintain a foothold in the NFC playoff picture with a win on the road.

Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Mo.

When: Sunday, October 2nd, 1 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX. DirecTV 710

Over/Under: 44

The two teams average only 34 points between the two of them. Much of that disgustingly low number is attributed to a Rams team playing without Steven Jackson for three weeks.

Even so, the two teams are far from offensive juggernauts even when healthy.

Much like Washington's last game (18-16 loss to Dallas) this game will be ugly and likely go under.

Spread: Redskins -2.5

The Rams still have a lot to figure out, even with the return of Jackson. The one thing they have going for them is home-field advantage. The Redskins have yet to win a game on the road this season (they've only played one), but they did cover.

Until St. Louis proves they can win football games, the Redskins are the only play.

Redskins' Key Injuries

Anthony Armstrong, WR - Limited in practice on Thursday with hamstring injury.

Rams' Key Injuries

Steven Jackson, RB - The star all-purpose back was been bothered by a quadriceps injury for some time. He is expected to play.

Danny Amendola, WR - Not expected to play with dislocated elbow.

Fantasy Big Plays

Steven Jackson, RB - The Rams need a familiar face out of the field, and he'll factor into both the run and pass game. If he's anywhere close to 100 percent he'll be making plays for the first time since Week 1.

Santana Moss, WR - The Redskins wide receiver should have no problem getting open against the Rams' defensive backs. He's quick, savvy and will be used often should the running game falter at all.

Fred Davis, TE - The Redskins' pass-catching tight end will have plenty of opportunities as well. The Rams' safeties will have trouble covering both Cooley and Davis.

Keys to a Redskins' Win

Offensive balance. If Rex Grossman and can push the St. Louis secondary back a little bit (and he should) it will open everything up for the Redskins' run game.

Coach Mike Shanahan would love to add consistent balance to his attack, and with two play-making tight ends their play-action game could be lethal.

Keys to a Rams' Win

Steven Jackson. The only way this team has a shot at winning the game is a healthy Steven Jackson running wild. He started the year off great before getting injured, and if he can come back and regain form it'll be a huge boost to Sam Bradford's passing game.

Prediction

Redskins 24, Rams 14