NFL Betting Advice: Redskins-Seahawks Sports Handicapping Preview

The sizzling hot Washington Redskins take on the Seattle Seahawks in the first game of the NFL postseason. Oddsmakers have Seattle as a 3.5 point favorite with a total of 39.5.

The Redskins enter 9-7 straight up but that includes a perfect 4-0 since the funeral of fallen teammate Sean Taylor.

While emotion was probably a contributing factor, the shocking play of 36-year-old journeyman quarterback Todd Collins is the main reason for the late season surge. Since replacing erratic starter Jason Campbell, Collins has completed 64 percent of his passes, throwing five touchdowns and no picks.

Seattle is 10-6 straight up and 9-6-1 to the number, but they are a stunning 7-1 straight up and 6-1-1 to the number at home. The Seahawks outscore teams by a phenomenal 27.1-13.9 at home. Seattle is, in fact, an impressive 23-4 straight up at home since 2005, tied for the Colts for best in the NFL during that span. They have won three straight postseason games at home.

The aforesaid numbers compare favorably to a Redskin team outscored 22.4-19.2 outside the Nation's Capital.

The coaching records suggest an upset. Joe Gibbs is 5-1 all-time to Seattle, while Mike Holmgrem has lost four of his five to Washington.

Some sports betting records (against the spread): Washington is 19-7 against teams with a winning record but Seattle has covered five straight as home favorites.

Seattle has gone under 8-1 after getting more than 250 yards passing last game.

The author, Joe Duffy is CEO of OffshoreInsiders.com the place to go for all the spread betting winners throughout the NFL playoffs.