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Redskins vs. Cowboys: Week 13 Riggo’s Rag Prediction Duel

By Matthew Valdovinos

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Manti Te’o #51 of the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Manti Te’o #51 of the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Matt’s Prediction

After a solid win on Thanksgiving, the Redskins are still alive in the playoff race. If they want to stay breathing, however, they will need to beat the Dallas Cowboys, who are also fighting for their playoff hopes.

The Redskins played well on Turkey Day against the Giants, but that’s not going be enough if they want to run the table and make it to the playoffs. Injuries have ravaged this team, but they continue to fight. Luckily, their game against the arch-rival Cowboys isn’t as scary as it seemed to be earlier in the season. Without running back Ezekiel Elliot, the big D offense hasn’t looked the same. Dak Prescott has played his worst stretch of football to date. The Redskins must capitalize on this. They must put consistent pressure on Dak, while also shutting down the run game. If the Redskins force Dak to beat them in the air, he will make mistakes.

Dallas has a porous defense, especially if Sean Lee isn’t playing. The Redskins weren’t able to fully take advantage of the weak defense last time because they were playing in extremely heavy rain, and passing the ball seemed impossible. This game it will be different. Jerry World is the perfect place for the Redskins to show off an offensive explosion, just like they did last year. I expect Kirk to put up over 300 yards and at least 2 touchdowns, and I also expect Samaje Perine to continue his streak of 100 yard games. With Cousins throwing him the football, Josh Doctson will have his best game to date, putting up over 100 yards for the first time in his career, while also adding a touchdown.

Dallas is a good team, and they should not be overlooked, but without Ezekiel Elliot, they’re just not the same team they were last year, or even earlier this year. I think the Redskins have all the tools to win this game and get some momentum going into the last quarter of the season. This is the true first step to running the table and making the playoffs. And if this team can make the playoffs with all the injuries they had, imagine what they could do in the future when they’re healthy.

I think the Redskins win this game 31-16. Dak will continue to struggle, Alfred Morris and Perine will each have 100 yards, and Josh Doctson will transform into a true No. 1 receiver on national television in his home state of Texas.

Next: 3 keys to victory for the Redskins in Week 13

Do you agree with our writers and think that the Redskins will come out on top in this contest? Or are you less certain? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and be sure to stop by our game thread, which will be up and running just before the game. The Redskins enter this game needing a win. We think they’ll get it. Do you?

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