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Washington Redskins week-by-week season prediction

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Rob Kelly #20 of the Washington Redskins moves against Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarer at FedExField on September 10, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Rob Kelly #20 of the Washington Redskins moves against Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarer at FedExField on September 10, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson #4 celebrate the winning touchdown by Vyncint Smith #17 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during a preaseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson #4 celebrate the winning touchdown by Vyncint Smith #17 in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during a preaseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Week 11 – Redskins vs. Texans

We first saw signs of wear and tear against the Falcons, two weeks ago. Against the Texans, the Redskins’ lack of rest will rear its ugly head again, this time in a different way.

The Texans have far more talent than they’ve been given credit for. On offense, that talent is easier to spot. Deshaun Watson is a tremendous rising star who gives his weapons chances.

What weapons, you ask? Oh, only 2017 All-Pro receiver Deandre Hopkins, returning speed demon Will Fuller, and versatile running back Lamar Miller. He has no offensive line. But with his pocket awareness and his athleticism, Watson has the ability to negate that weakness on the offense, to a degree.

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On defense, J.J. Watt is an obvious commodity; if he can come back to even seventy percent after his season-ending injury, he’ll still give opposing offenses fits. On the line itself, the Texans have a fair amount of depth, and another underrated player in D.J. Reader at nose tackle. On the edges, the team has a devastating pass rushing combo of Jadaveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. With rookie Duke Ejiofor backing them up, this group has special potential, if Mercilus can return to full strength.

The Texans’ secondary isn’t as strong all-around, but it’s a solid unit in its own right. Jonathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson are an aging duo, primed to regress, but they’ll be bailed out somewhat by slot cornerback Aaron Colvin, and safeties Tyrann Mathieu and rookie Justin Reid.

The Redskins can beat the Texans, but they won’t. While the Redskins will be worn down by constant game action, the Texans will be coming off their bye week. A normally under-matched Houston offensive line will have unusual success against the Redskins’ defensive front. Deshaun Watson will have time to throw, and when he won’t have time, he’ll make time. Tally this as a loss, courtesy of the Redskins’ early bye week and their young, inexperienced secondary.

Final Score: WAS 23, HOU 35

Record: 6-4

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