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

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins stands with his hand over his heart during the national anthem before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images )
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 2: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins stands with his hand over his heart during the national anthem before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images ) /
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Remember that ‘code red’ game back in 2015? We could use one of those right now.

Down to their last life in the NFC playoff race, the Redskins need to put together a winning streak in the final seven games of the season. There are no exceptions. If they don’t win at least five games, then they have no chance at the playoffs. And that don’t even have a great chance unless they win out from this point. The NFC is strong this year. And 10-6 might not even make the cut.

Things are starting to go the Redskins’ way, however. The Seahawks are being weakened by injuries, and so they may not be able to suit up for the long haul. The Cowboys, only a game ahead of the burgundy and gold, are also experiencing their own breed of trouble, and their playoff prospects are up in the air. Make no mistake. Washington can still make the playoffs. It won’t be easy. Not in the slightest. And a win today is almost a necessity.

If the Redskins win today, they’ll be 5-5, and they’ll carry newfound momentum into a late-season skid against the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Get past the Cowboys, and the competition takes a turn for the lesser. The Chargers are already out of the race, as are the offensively-challenged Broncos. The Cardinals have put the fate of their season in the hands of Blaine Gabbert, so we can pencil in a win right now (just pencil, please. We’re still the Redskins). And in Week 17, against the Giants, the burgundy and gold should get the win, as the better team. With a win against the Saints, 7-0 suddenly doesn’t seem out of reach.

With a loss however, their momentum is forfeited. Long-term success is predicated on a short-term burst, and if they can’t get that this week, then they’ll be limping into the final stretch of the season with no breathing room to spare. A loss against New Orleans is a referral to life support. A loss after that is a death sentence for the team’s playoff hopes.

Can Jay Gruden and Co. find a way to win in the heart of Louisiana? It’s not for me to say. I think they’ll lose, and so does everyone else, but these just tend to be the types of situations that this team wins in. I don’t know, man. It’s confusing. It’s not how I want to spend my weekend, not knowing a semblance of what to expect from this team. But it’s the nature of the game. And it’s staying that way. It’s strangely infuriating and wonderful at the same time.

You can watch this pivotal matchup at 1:00 PM EST. It’ll be broadcast live on FOX Sports, but only regionally. If you don’t live in the receiving area, however, don’t worry. NFL Game Pass and FuboTV are readily available with the click of a button. Redskins Radio will also be covering the game on the airwaves, so that is an option as well.

It doesn’t matter how you watch the game. It just matters that you do. Washington essentially has to win, and their performance today will go a long way toward proving whether or not they’re capable of a big playoff run. Until we see them play, however, you can read through the links below, and make the judgment for yourself. We’ve assembled a library’s worth of knowledge on today’s game below, ready for you to view!

Riggo’s Rag Pre-Game Coverage

Previewing the Redskins’ Week 11 matchup vs. the Saints

Redskins waive Banks, hinting at Matt Ioannidis’ return

Redskins sign two players, place Kelley and Compton on IR

5 players to watch in Washington’s Week 11 game in New Orleans

Redskins sign ILB Zach Vigil to active roster in wake of injuries

5 matchups to watch in Washington’s Week 11 game in New Orleans

Week 11’s quarterback matchup could be a glimpse of the future

Redskins rule Jordan Reed, two others out for Sunday’s game

Jordan Reed unavailable again; Should Washington move on from him?

Redskins, confident in Nsekhe’s recovery, place T.J. Clemmings on IR

Interviewing the Enemy: Q&A with Who Dat Dish

5 bold predictions for Washington’s Week 11 game in New Orleans

Madden simulation predicts Washington will struggle again

Samaje Perine, it’s time to ‘put up your Dukes’ on Sunday

Redskins vs. Saints: Riggo’s Rag Week 11 Prediction Duel

Next: 3 keys to victory for the Washington Redskins on Sunday

That’s it from me! Be sure to stay up to date on all the latest news, analysis, and commentary right here at Riggo’s Rag, and as always, enjoy your Sunday. Enjoy the game!