WFT Gameday Preview
Washington kicks off against a 1-2 Atlanta team at 1 pm this afternoon. Both teams are bottom in the league in defense and offense. This could potentially be a very ugly game to watch or it could be one of the more interesting games of the afternoon. Let me explain why.
Curtis Samuel Adds Options To The Offense
For the first time all season, Washington is going to have Curtis Samuel. Since the team signed him this offseason we haven’t seen him suit up for the burgundy and gold. But after many setbacks in OTAs and training camp, the speedy wideout can give the team something they need most on that side of the ball. Another reliable option for Heinicke. Last year in Carolina Samuel caught 77 balls for 851 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also proved as a threat on the ground with 41 rushes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. For a Washington offense that only has three reliable options for Heinicke, this is huge going forward.
Defense Needs To Step Up
On the defensive side, Washington is without their young promising corner St-Juste due to a concussion. That means Torry McTyer will have a larger role and Darryl Roberts will be pulled from the practice squad.
This should be the game where we see consistent pressure from our defense. Atlanta’s offensive line has not done a great job so far this season. Matt Ryan does have options to throw to so it’s gonna be all on the defensive front to disrupt the immobile QB. Ridley has the potential to torch this defense and even if they stop Ridley slot wideouts have been an issue all year. This is possibly the worst offense Washington will see all year so I expect them to step up in this game.
Washington is a slight favorite on the road at -1.5. I am also leaning towards taking the over which is at 47.5.
Game Picks
I am very hesitant about picking Washington. Not only has their defense struggled but Matt Ryan is undefeated against Washington in his career. While that doesn’t necessarily matter heading into this game it is something to remember. Washington always likes to underperform in games against teams they, on paper, should beat. But I am having a hard time not picking Washington. Offensively I think the addition of Samuel will put some life into a lifeless offense. The defense will make enough plays to win the game. It is a bad matchup on both sides of the ball for Atlanta. Washington wins in Atlanta 27-23.
