Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston heads toward the end zone after recovering a fumble on the final play of the Redskins’ 29-20 loss to the Chiefs on Monday. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)
No team has won straight up more often as an underdog over the last two years than the Redskins, and with Washington coming off a dominating performance at home against the Raiders in that role, picking Kirk Cousins and Co. to cover what closed as a 6.5-point or 7-point spread at most sports books wasn’t a bad play.
In fact, it looked like a sure thing after Chiefs rookie kicker Harrison Butker made a 43-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to give Kansas City a 23-20 lead. Those who took the under for total points scored, which was 48 at most places, must’ve been feeling good, too. But Butker drilled the ensuing kickoff into the end zone for a touchback, leaving time for Washington to attempt one last desperation play, which involved multiple laterals and, ultimately, heartbreak for anyone who had the Redskins and the points or the under.
After Jamison Crowder caught a short pass from Cousins, he lateraled back to the Redskins’ quarterback. Jordan Reed picked the ball up and pitched it to Chris Thompson, whose attempted lateral ended up in the hands of Justin Houston, who plays for the Chiefs and rumbled 13 yards into the end zone, and OH MY GOODNESS I hope those of you who bet Kansas City and/or the over didn’t rip up your tickets.
[Redskins at their best when everyone’s picking against them]
WILD ending to #WASvsKC! pic.twitter.com/Vo7bD9M5R0
— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2017
“This might be meaningful to some,” ESPN play-by-play man Sean McDonough said, alluding to the point spread, after Houston’s touchdown provided the final margin in the game. The Chiefs took a knee on the ensuing extra-point try.
“That’s the worst thing that’s ever happened, what happened Monday night,” ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt said during his “Bad Beats” segment after the game. “Because it was side and total.”
Houston’s fumble return touchdown no doubt swayed a few fantasy football matchups, as well, with the Chiefs’ defense being credited for a touchdown.
LMFAOOO I JUST WON OFF THE HOUSTON TOUCHDOWN. LETS GOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/ZzwNYxpJLa
— Supah (@Supah21) October 3, 2017
I don’t tweet about fantasy football so won’t mention that I supposedly had a 0% chance to win until that meaningless Chiefs defensive TD. pic.twitter.com/zyrTRhSMb3
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 3, 2017
More Redskins:
Best and worst moments from the Redskins’ loss to the Chiefs
Redskins buckle late, fall to unbeaten Chiefs
Redskins’ CB Norman expected to be out a few weeks with rib injury
