Washington @ San Diego

I like San Diego giving the 2.5 in this matchup.


I see San Diego as a much improved team on both sides of the ball. Granted Tomlinson should not be a factor for this team until later in the season but I think this team has improved their overall offense.


Flutie adds leadership and some much needed talent to the offense. The quarterback position has been a major void for this squad for the past 4 years. Riley's offense is not overly complicated and it should suit Flutie well. He is the type of QB that can make "things happen" for a offense sorely lacking in that quality. I would much prefer that F. Jones was available as the TE seems to be Flutie's favotie target.


The defensive side of the ball is also much improved. The defense was very solid a year ago despite their poor record. They upgraded the entire squad by adding M. Wiley and A. Golden at DE and CB respectively.


Washington, on the other hand, seems to be going in the opposite direction. M. Schottenheimer's offense couldn't be a worse fit for J. George. He will try to pound S. Davis but defenses should be playing 8 in the box. Their offense line is banged up and their best lineman, C. Samuels is questionable. Their passing game consists of M. Westbrook, who is coming off an injury himself. R. Gardner may develop into a player but not this early in the season.


The Washington defense is okay and they do have 2 potential Pro Bowlers in the secondary. C. Bailey may turn out to be the next Deion as far as a cover corner is concerned and F. Smoot, although a rookie, could turn out to be a gem. D. Green, even at 41, may be the best nickel back in the game. If Schottenheimer would turn L. Arrington loose he could be an impact player and S. Barber is solid at LB. I think it takes this defense some time to gel. The secondary is young as well as the LB corps and they are learning a new system. Their preseason has looked flat to me.


This is the type of game that I like to wager on. A team that looks to be improving vs a team looking to be in decline.