ESPN Monday Night NFL Picks: Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys Odds and Predictions Week 3 – Free NFL Picks 9/26

Monday Night NFL Picks: Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys Monday Night NFL Week 3 Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on ESPN 9/26/11: Two long-time rivals square off on Monday Night Football when the Washington Redskins go on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys with the top spot in the NFC East on the line. The Redskins are the surprise leaders of the division and enter Monday’s game with a 2-0 record. Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue to battle injuries but have managed a 1-1 mark coming into the Week 3 meeting. In fact, Dallas is dealing with so many injuries that oddsmakers have yet to provide a line because of all the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys possible starting lineup.

Headlining the list of questionable Cowboys is quarterback Tony Romo. He suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in a Week 2 win against San Francisco, but there is a silver lining to the injury. Doctors have told Romo that he can’t make the injury worse by playing, although he will have to tolerate a significant amount of pain. All signs point to Romo starting Monday’s game, but one hard hit could send him back to the sideline.

Even if Romo is in the lineup, his two top targets likely won’t be. Receiver Miles Austin has already been ruled out, while Dez Bryant is questionable with an injury that kept him out of last weekend’s game. As for the ground game, Felix Jones will likely be able to play, but a sore shoulder has limited his effectiveness all season. Tight end Jason Witten is really the only healthy weapons for the Cowboys entering Monday’s game, and while he is one of the best at his position, the potential problems with a banged up offense are obvious.

On paper, Washington isn’t the most impressive team, but Mike Shanahan’s bunch has done just enough to stay undefeated. Quarterback Rex Grossman has been his usual up and down self, but he could see some big play opportunities against a Dallas secondary that is as banged up as the Cowboys’ offense. With Tim Hightower and Roy Helu leading a rejuvenated running game, the Redskins offense has a chance to be as good as it has been in several years. If Grossman can limit the turnovers Monday night, Washington should be able to put points on the board.

While the Dallas offense is a major question mark, Rob Ryan has been able to make the Cowboys’ pass rush one of the best in the NFL. In fact, Dallas leads the league in sacks coming into Monday’s matchup. If DeMarcus Ware and company can put enough heat on Grossmann, the turnovers could start piling up. Romo and company may be short handed, but they still have enough firepower to take advantage of Washington’s defense is Grossman gets careless.

For bettors, Romo’s status is the deciding factor. If he is indeed in the starting lineup, Dallas should be able to compete. At full strength, the Cowboys would be definite favorites at home against the Redskins. Thanks to all the injuries, the two teams appear to be fairly equal. If the Cowboys happen to open as underdogs, bettors should jump on board. However, if Dallas is favored by more than three or four points, Washington is the smarter bet.

Free NFL Football Picks and Predictions: Washington Redskins +3.5

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