Washington Redskins Vs St. Louis Rams: Betting Odds, Preview and NFL Pick

September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) reacts after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The old Redskins seldom covered the spread as favorites. Are these new Redskins any different? And are these Rams any different from the crew that has failed to cover in 11 of their past 13 September home games?

Robert Griffin III will look for an encore to his incredible debut Sunday when the Washington Redskins visit the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in Week 2. And he will do so with the Redskins in their unfamiliar role as road favorites. St. Louis was a 3.5-point home underdog at most shops tracked by OddsShark.com.

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The Rams have been a disaster at home in September games dating back many years. They are just 2-11 ATS in their past 13 at home during September.

But the Redskins, despite their Week 1 success, have not been a great bet as a favorite. In 12 recent games in that role, they have covered the spread just twice, according to the OddsShark.com Twitter feed.

Undeterred by the bright lights at the Superdome, RGIII was sensational in his NFL debut going 19-of-26 for 320 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions as he led the Redskins to a 40-32 upset win as an 8-point underdog against New Orleans.

Fellow Redskins newcomers Alfred Morris (28 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns) and Pierre Garcon (four catches for 109 yards and a touchdown) also had big days on offense.

Picked by many to get blown out by the Detroit Lions as 8-point underdogs, the St. Louis Rams covered the spread in a 27-23 loss. They actually took the lead 23-20 with under two minutes left in the game, but the defense that forced three interceptions on Matthew Stafford wasn't able to come up with one more stop down the stretch.

Sam Bradford had a mistake-free 17-of-25 day with 198 yards passing and one touchdown.

Has Jeff Fisher really turned St. Louis's defense around this quickly, or did Detroit just have an off day? Similarly, is there really no answer to Robert Griffin III out there, or did New Orleans have a really bad day on defense as well? This week's game should shed some light on these questions.

Neither of these teams have been much of a moneymaker recently with Washington going 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games and St. Louis going 4-13-1 ATS over its last 18. These two teams have met each of the last four years and have split the series 2-2 SU with St. Louis holding the 3-1 ATS edge.

The jury is still out on both of these teams, but there seems to be little doubt who the most explosive player on the field will be Sunday. And at only -3.5, RGIII seems like a solid bet.

PICK: Washington -3.5