Anyone up for a close game Sunday night? The first two of the season have been decided by a combined 27 points. Sports Interaction oddsmakers expect a close one in this week’s prime-time matchup as Oakland visits Washington for the first time since 2005.

Oakland Raiders at Washington Redskins

When: Sunday, 8:30 PM ET Location: FedEx Field, Landover, Md. Point spread: Raiders -3

Point Spread and Betting Analysis

If you prefer to bet the total rather than the side, be aware that the number of 53.5 on this game is by far the highest on the board. The early lean among Sports Interaction bettors is over that number as well as on the Raiders. It’s a break for Oakland that this game is in prime time instead of 1 p.m. ET as West Coast teams often don’t fare well in those 10 a.m. Pacific time starts.

Oakland has lost its past four games as at least a 3-point road favourite. That’s somewhat misleading, though, as it has happened over the span of the past 14 years. Remember, this franchise was terrible for a while. Washington has won its past three games as at least a 3-point home dog. it happened once in 2016, a 27-20 victory against Philadelphia.

Washington Redskins

This could be a transitional year for the Redskins (1-1) because they can’t realistically put the franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins a third straight offseason so he’s likely to hit free agency. He has just been OK thus far in 2017, completing 61.2 percent of his passes for 419 yards, two TDs, two lost fumbles and a pick.

The Redskins didn’t need too much from Cousins in their Week 2 27-20 win over the Rams as they rushed for 229 yards and two scores behind Rob Kelley, Chris Thompson and rookie Samaje Perine. Kelley left the game with what was feared to be a fractured rib, but it’s just a cartilage injury and he could play in this one.

Oakland Raiders

The AFC West is going to be a monster to win this year considering the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos are all unbeaten. Oakland, 2-0 for the first time since last reaching the Super Bowl in the 2002 season, is the current Sports Interaction division favourite at +162. It leads the NFL in scoring at 35.5 points per game. Take that moderately with a grain of salt as the Raiders put up 45 points last week (most since 2010) on a Jets team that could be historically bad.

Derek Carr threw three TD passes to Michael Crabtree, and the Raiders ran for 180 yards. Carr has yet to be picked off and has the league’s third-best QB rating. The Raiders are very balanced with the offseason addition of running back Marshawn Lynch out of retirement (via trade with Seattle) and with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The defense is a moderate concern even with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack.

Raiders at Washington Prediction

Never bet a spread sitting right on 3. You are looking at a push. Buy up to 3.5 (or wait and hope the lean moves it there) and go Washington.