NFL Record: Best Bets 5-4, Regular Picks 15-8 (Updated Nov 26)

Most weeks we provide our NFL best bet of the week and an additional two to three picks that we believe offer some betting value. Last season our top play crushed the book with an incredible 15 point spread covers from 21 selections. Good for a 71.4 winning percent. While it will be difficult to improve on that record, we'll do our best to help our readers in their quest of a profitable football handicapping season.

Washington lost a nailbiter 7-6 to Dallas last week. Philadelphia reversed a trend of losing close games by eking out a 24-20 victory at Chicago. The Redskins have big injury issues at RB with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts both out with injuries. That leaves Rock Cartwright to tote the mail and that will be a challenge for the youngster. QB Jason Campbell is more effective when the ground game is moving the chains but don't sell Cartwright short. He has had success in limited action in the past. Philadelphia is dealing with injuries themselves at LB and this should help Washington in the running game. Campbell can't commit TOs in this contest as the Redskins aren't built to come from behind. The Eagles are dealing with injuries at running back themselves as Brian Westbrook will miss this game. Rookie RB LeSean McCoy has been decent but lacks Westbrook's breakaway ability and his threat as a receiver. Washington's pass defense ranks 1st in the NFL and they will give QB Donovan McNabb a lot of trouble if he has to pass to move the offense. We feel the Redskins can stop the run and force McNabb into the teeth of the defense: the secondary. Look for rookie DE-OLB Brian Orakpo to be a force in the backfield on passing downs. Philadelphia won the first meeting 27-17 thanks to four Washington TOs. The Redskins can't duplicate that performance this week or they will be in trouble early. However, their defense has played well all season and we think they can keep this game close. They have been on the field too much but still keep playing hard and they have kept the Redskins in most games this year. We feel this number is too high for a Philly team that has really struggled to win close games (2-8-1 SU in last 11 games decided by 4 points or less). If Campbell can make a few plays, the 'Skins can keep this game close.

Additional Pro Football Picks
Other games selections that we like this week are listed below.

• Houston +3
• Carolina +3
• Buffalo +3.5