Washington Redskins vs. New England Patriots: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The 9-3 New England Patriots will travel to FedEx Field to battle the 4-8 Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Patriots seem to have hit their stride as they try to lock in a first-round bye in the playoffs, and possibly home-field advantage throughout.

The Redskins are 4-8, and they have lost seven of their last eight games. Even though their defense has been solid this season, especially against the pass, the Skins have struggled.

They have the 31st-ranked rushing attack, and inconsistent QB play from John Beck and Rex Grossman hasn’t helped.

When: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

Watch: CBS

Spread: New England (-9)

The fact that the Patriots are nine-point favorites on the road tells you how well they’re playing and how bad Washington has looked recently. The Redskins' anemic offense will have trouble sustaining drives. That will wear down their defense, and the pass rush will slow down, even with their two excellent young rushers, Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo.

Wes Welker has been a bit banged up, but the emergence of tight end Rob Gronkowski and the presence of veteran Deion Branch is more than enough firepower.

Over/Under: 48

The big number is tricky, as the Skins have a good defense, but poor offense. The game could easily turn out 24-10, or 28-10. This number seems a little too high in my opinion. The Patriots have scored more than 30 points four games in a row. The Skins have looked better with Grossman, but the number still scares me.

Patriots Key Injuries

Brandon Spikes—doubtful. knee

Julian Edelman—questionable, back

Patrick Chung—questionable, foot

Devin McCourty—questionable, shoulder

Wes Welker—questionable, knee

Danny Woodhead—questionable, abdomen

Redskins Key Injuries

LaRon Landry—doubtful, groin

Sav Rocca—doubtful, left ankle

Terrence Austin—questionable, hamstring

Stephen Bowen—questionable, knee

Jammal Brown—questionable, hip

London Fletcher—questionable, ankle

DeAngelo Hall—questionable, back

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Tom Brady (NE)—Despite the Redskins quality pass rush, the Pats offense is in one of those grooves. When they are clicking as they are now, they are going to score points, and that means big fantasy numbers for Brady. He hasn’t thrown an INT in a month, and when you combine that with 10 TDs, Brady is a big play.

WR Deion Branch (NE)—Branch could be a primary beneficiary of Brady’s day, with Welker less than 100 percent and the Skins keying on Gronkowski, that open things up for Branch. He has more receptions over 20 yards than any other Patriot.

Keys to Patriots Win

Turnovers are big for both teams. The Pats have to stay away from allowing the Skins to put points on the board with short drives. The Redskins offense will struggle to sustain drives, so it makes things easier if they give up short fields. Likewise, special teams will be big. They must play disciplined and smart in the coverage and punting games/

Keys to Redskins Win

The Skins must run it effectively. That means a lot of Roy Helu. Establishing him and the rushing attack will open up the play-action pass. That is when Grossman is at his best. If they do that, the Redskins will allow their defense a break, and they can apply pressure throughout the game.

Prediction

Patriots 28, Redskins 10