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Denver (-3′) at WASHINGTON

Well, now that I’ve won seven of nine comp releases, I’m going to carry the momentum over to the Broncos, who are finally out of the spotlight for the first time in three weeks.

This is a team that clearly got swatted around by the AFC North the past two weeks, and in all actuality, this season.

But after a bye week that followed a 6-0 start to the season, the Broncos were thrust into a showdown Baltimore, where the Ravens were also rested and found a way to stymie the boys from Mile High.

Then it was the Monday night spotlight – the biggest stage in the sport – against the defending champs.

Rookie coach Josh McDaniel had no chance. It was easy to see.

But this week, with everyone focused on New England/Indianapolis and Cincinnati/Pittsburgh, I see the Broncos quietly getting back into their groove against a troubled Washington team that will remain in deep trouble with Jim Zorn at the helm.

I’ve heard horror stories about coaches before, but in speaking with a former Redskin this week, who was there in Zorn’s inaugural season, I can tell you with certainty he gets no respect from his players.

Not like McDaniel, who has come in with a plan, made no secrets who he is going to war with and has gotten the job done, quite frankly. Losses to the Ravens and Steelers mean nothing more than there’s work to be done against the league’s elite.

But when you’re playing the bowels of the league – which the Redskins most cerainly are – there’s no reason to take the foot off the pedal. This is a game that is in the shadows of some of the bigger matchups today.

And sometimes, it’s in the shadows, where no one expects it, we find value.

Play Denver – it’s the better team and we’re getting value by getting to lay such a low number thanks to two understandable losses the last two weeks.
5♦ DENVER BRONCOS