Redskins vs. 49ers: Game preview, how to watch, and more

Kyle Shanahan comes back to the team he was fired from later today. And the Redskins have been planning his welcoming party for two weeks.

It isn’t the first time the Redskins and Shanahan have met each other following his dismissal after the 2013 season. The two met up once in 2015, when Shanahan was in the midst of his first year as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, Kirk Cousins led the Redskins to overtime, but threw a game-clinching pick six in the extra minutes. The implications of that game on Cousins’ future were great. And today’s game is, too.

No one really knows where Cousins will suit up next year. The Redskins have said they want to retain him. But a franchise quarterback still in his prime doesn’t come cheap, especially after his value has been inflated by two straight franchise tags. The Redskins may end up using the third franchise tag just to keep him. And if they don’t, there’s no guarantee their long-term offer will stack up well compared to the rest of Cousins’ suitors. Of those suitors, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers appear to be the most logical match. They have the most cap space, and a reunion there makes the most sense.

Nevertheless, Cousins is a Redskin in 2017, and in Week 6, he comes into the game with two goals. One is to keep the Redskins in the NFC playoff hunt with a win. And the other is to cement himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Those are both aspirations that don’t come true in one week. But one thing helps every week. And that’s a win. The Redskins have a great opportunity to notch another win later today.

That’s not to say it’s guaranteed to happen, however. The 49ers are a stingy team, and if anyone can pull off the upset, it’s them. They may be 0-5, but their last four losses have been by no more than three points each time. Make no mistake. These 49ers can play teams close. And eventually, a win is inevitable for Shanahan’s squad. On Sunday, the Redskins must avoid being this team’s first win. They have the roster and the coaches to make that happen, and while injuries may be out of their favor, they can still show they’re the better team.

The game kicks off at 1:00 PM EST, broadcast regionally on FOX Sports with Chris Myers and Daryl Johnston. If you’re like me, however, and your region favors an equally disappointing, but nonetheless different team, then you can still watch the game with either NFL Game Pass or FuboTV. And of course, Redskins Radio has… well, radio coverage. So if you like that, it’s readily available. Need to brush up on pre-game coverage? Check out the links below!

Riggo’s Rag Pre-Game Coverage

Trent Williams questionable for Redskins vs. 49ers with patella injury

Josh Norman out for Week 6 vs. 49ers with rib injury

Redskins CB roles change in Week 6 with Norman hurt

Previewing the Redskins’ Week 6 matchup vs. 49ers

5 Redskins to watch in Week 6 vs. 49ers

Samaje Perine, Mack Brown slated to get opportunity in Week 6 with Kelley out

5 matchups to watch in Redskins Week 6 vs. 49ers

Interviewing the Enemy: Q&A with Niner Noise

5 bold predictions for Redskins Week 6 matchup vs. 49ers

Madden simulation predicts an easy win for Redskins vs. 49ers

Bashaud Breeland must step up in Norman’s absence vs. 49ers

Next: Riggo's Rag Week 6 Prediction Duel

This is an important game for the Redskins. It sounds cliche, but the Redskins need to put this team away quickly if they want to keep their momentum from earlier victories. This team is better than the 49ers, and on Sunday, it’s imperative that they provide an example. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM EST. Can the Redskins put away lesser teams, like contenders should? We’ll know soon enough.