orioles

Let your All Pro corner become a free agent and try to build a secondary off the back of the draft. It may not have been Dave Gettleman's finest hour.

The Redskins have a nicely balanced offense and Kirk Cousins has surprised by developing into a more than capable quarterback. The line has drifted out as far as -7 on Washington and that's probably more than I'd like to give; the Redskins are the better team with more to play for, but Jordan Reed is a critical cog in the offensive wheel and he has a serious injury problem and the home team's defense frequently loses concentration, particularly early in the game.

Having already been eliminated, the Panthers may decide to sit Luke Kuechly who has only just cleared the concussion protocol. If they do, I'd like this bet a lot more. As it is, I'd stay away, because as horrible as Cam Newton has been, the Panthers aren't wholly toothless.

But, as I have to bet, I'll take a small interest and buy that half point.

Pick: Redskins -6.5 @ 1.91

43-41, +1.8