Redskins vs. Patriots: Five matchups to watch in preseason opener

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Kevin Hogan #8 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Kevin Hogan #8 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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You’re going to read the word “barometer” a lot in this article.

It’s easy to see why. Right now, the forecast for the Washington Redskins 2018 season is relatively unclear. Of all the teams in the NFL, the Redskins have a wider range than most.

Preseason is only one step toward figuring out how the Redskins might do, and it’s far from a reliable one, but the Redskins would do well to make the most of the opportunity they have. With two relatively easy games up front in the regular season, the Redskins could very well start 2-0, and carry that momentum into a Week 3 matchup against Green Bay.

Of course, it couldn’t hurt to start the streak a couple weeks early. In preseason.

The Redskins start their 2018 preseason schedule against the New England Patriots on Thursday. Plenty of first-year players will get their first NFL action in the books, and other roster hopefuls will start their quests to compete. Here are five matchups to focus on, amidst all the ensuing chaos. Ladies and gentlemen, football is back.