A new season is almost upon us. But for now, the Redskins have the same record as everyone else.
0-0.
We’ve spent the entire offseason projecting what might happen in the 2018 regular season. Projections, when within reason, are reliable, to an extent. One can use reason to predict what chain of events has the highest probability.
But when predicting the outcome of any given NFL season, reason does not always apply. The same can be said for the Washington Redskins. We can predict and project for months, but in reality, no one knows what might happen. Until the final whistle blows, everything is on the table.
That said, we still have time to get one last season prediction in before the Redskins Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals, so let’s get right to it. How will the Redskins perform on a week-to-week basis? Take a look.
Week 1 – Redskins at Cardinals
The Cardinals defense will give the Redskins some trouble, with standout players like Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson. But Sam Bradford plus an offensive line in shambles isn’t a good combination to trot out, especially against the Redskins front.
The Redskins might experienced adverse affects from the season’s grueling length, after an early bye week. But in Week 1, everyone is fresh and ready to go. The Redskins know they need to take advantage of those early games. And against the Cardinals, they’ll get their chance.
The Cardinals have more top-end talent than it would seem. The two aforementioned defensive players are some of the top competitors at their positions. David Johnson is a versatile threat in the backfield with monstrous production just two years in the rear view mirror. And yes, Larry Fitzgerald is still rocking the Revo helmet.
That said, the Redskins have the Cardinals beat in two key areas: The trenches, and at quarterback. The defensive line should be able to start out strong against a unit that’s starting third-round rookie Mason Cole at center (I understand Chase Roullier was a sixth-round rookie, but early success isn’t common from mid-round rookies). The Redskins’ offense will be a bit rusty, but they’ll be able to get the job done in Glendale. Jay Gruden will get his first opening day victory. Alex Smith will get his fifth in a row.
Final Score: WAS 23, ARI 14
Record: 1-0
Week 2 – Redskins vs. Colts
People are so quick to write off the Colts this season. Yes, they still have a bit more rebuilding to do. But the Ryan Grigson days are far behind them. And Andrew Luck is close to returning at quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett is an able backup for Luck, but few quarterbacks can truly replace the former No. 1 overall pick. Luck brings an immediate competence and a sense of excitement to the Colts’ offense, and behind a rebuilt offensive line, he’ll have more time to work his magic without signing a waiver.
The defense, although on its way, doesn’t have an Andrew Luck; a player who makes all those around him better. The defensive line is very much an unknown, with relatively low upside. Four of the team’s six linebackers are rookies, one of which is an undrafted free agent (two more were drafted in the seventh round).
The Colts’ defensive issues extend to the secondary as well. There are some quality starters, such as Nate Hairston and Malik Hooker, and other players with promising potential, such as Quincy Wilson. The Colts’ defense has potential. Long-term potential. They won’t have everything figured out by Week 2 of 2018.
With the Colts still gelling, the Redskins will be able to capitalize and win their home opener of 2018. The offense will shake off any rust revealed in Week 1, and although Luck will have some success against the Redskins’ secondary, Washington’s experience on defense, compared to the very raw nature of the Colts’ current cast, will be the deciding factor.
Final Score: WAS 30, IND 24
Record: 2-0
Week 3 – Redskins vs. Packers
The Redskins have a surprisingly successful history against the Packers in recent years. In the last regular season matchup between the two teams, Kirk Cousins threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns, and Robert Kelley ran for 137 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries.
Time flies, huh?
Now, the Redskins have Alex Smith in tow at quarterback, and Robert Kelley is no longer the next big thing in the backfield. On the contrary; he’s been relegated to a backup role with Samaje Perine.
In a head-to-head versus, Aaron Rodgers bests Kirk Cousins, Alex Smith, and just about twenty-nine other quarterbacks in the NFL. In years past, Rodgers has had a problem: His defense. But this year, the team’s defense looks to be strong, with playmakers on all three levels, and depth on the defensive line. They don’t have much of an edge rushing presence, but when you have Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback, your defense only needs to be decent. That’s what the Packers have.
The Rodgers factor will prove to be impactful in the Redskins’ Week 3 bout with Green Bay, and so too will the Packers’ underrated defensive line, manned by the likes of Kenny Clark and Muhammad Wilkerson. Washington’s offense will be a little out of sync in this game, and against Rodgers, there’s no margin for error.
Final Score: WAS 17, GB 31
Record: 2-1
Week 5 – Redskins at Saints
This game could go either way.
The Saints are clearly a better team than the Redskins; they were last year. But the Redskins played them close in 2017. I’m sure everyone wants to forget, but more than halfway through the fourth quarter, Washington was up on New Orleans by a score of 31-16. The Saints are regarded as one of the playoff favorites in the NFC South. But the Redskins can still compete with them.
The Saints still have future Hall of Famer Drew Brees at the helm, but last year, much less was asked of him, as the offense went through the seemingly unstoppable running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Last year, both Ingram and Kamara had over 100 yards from scrimmage. This year, however, it won’t be as easy to move the Redskins defense. The line will have one of their better games of the season in this one; Daron Payne will be key to stifling the Saints’ rushing attack, and Ryan Kerrigan will cause plenty of trouble.
Still, this game will go right down to the wire, just like last year’s contest. And just like last year, the Redskins and Saints will go into overtime. There, the Redskins will find a way to score first; Alex Smith will keep the offense on the field will plenty of time to throw, and the Redskins will come out of their bye week with a crucial win.
Final Score: WAS 26-20 OT
Record: 3-1
Week 6 – Redskins vs. Panthers
Going into this matchup, there are a few things we know for sure.
We know that Cam Newton is a competent starting quarterback who, more often than not, lacks consistency with his accuracy. We know that when Newton struggles, the Panthers’ front seven is usually there to back him up, although the secondary is still a concern. And we know that Newton hasn’t had a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball. After picking D.J. Moore in Round 1, the Panthers plan to change that.
In addition to drafting Moore, the Panthers also matched Newton with a new offensive coordinator: Norv Turner. Turner will be tasked with taking all of these pieces, and implementing them in a scheme that plays to Newton’s strengths. Can he do it? Yes. He’s done it with quarterbacks of Newton’s caliber before. But how quickly will all the pieces mesh.
For my money, the Panthers’ young, ever-changing offense, with an average offensive line, will still be having growing pains by Week 6.
Granted, the Redskins’ offense will likely take time to find cohesion as well, but Alex Smith has a few years on Newton, and his coordinator, Jay Gruden, has been in the same spot for almost five years. The Redskins offense will have more polish in this matchup, and the defense will be able to keep Newton’s outrageous in check for one week.
Final Score: WAS 27, CAR 17
Record: 4-1
Week 7 – Redskins vs. Cowboys
Everyone who follows the Redskins knows that the Cowboys can be incredibly stingy. They’re a thorn in Washington’s side even when the burgundy and gold are at their best.
In 2018, however, the Redskins will be able to parlay a strong start into a close win at home against the Cowboys. Their momentum will carry them through, but it won’t be easy.
The Cowboys, at first glance, aren’t a team to be feared. Dak Prescott has shown that he needs a healthy offensive line and a healthy running game to operate at his best. The line has had some health questions arise recently. The defense is fast and exciting on the second two levels, but the defensive line is paper thin, and health is an issue for key players, such as Sean Lee.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys will be a nuisance in Week 7, and while they won’t win, the hotly-contested matchup will set the stage for a less forgiving reunion down the road.
Final Score: WAS 20, DAL 16
Record: 5-1
Week 8 – Redskins at Giants
Remember how I said that the Cowboys are stingy against NFC East opponents? Copy and paste that for the Giants as well.
While the Cowboys especially have a knack for beating the Redskins when it truly matters, the Giants like to follow their example. They did so in the final Week of 2016, when the Redskins faced a win-and-in game, and the Giants were playoff locks.
No NFC East game is easy, and Alex Smith will soon learn that. While the NFC East was Kirk Cousins’ kryptonite more often than not, Smith, with his safer style, may fare better. But that’s an assumption no one should be ready to commit to just yet.
The Redskins will lose their first game against the Giants. It’ll be close, and it’ll be painstakingly winnable. But the Redskins aren’t at the level where they can safely win these kinds of games. Opportunities will always slip through the cracks, and under the roar of a fierce rival crowd, the Redskins will let too many opportunities go by in Week 8.
Final Score: WAS 17, NYG 19
Record: 5-2
Week 9 – Redskins vs. Falcons
Alex Smith usually doesn’t lose in lopsided games. Of the Chiefs’ six losses last season, only one featured a margin of more than a touchdown. In contrast, of the Chiefs’ ten wins, seven were by more than one possession.
That said, Smith’s transition to the Redskins’ offense was viewed as a slight downgrade before Derrius Guice went down for the season with an ACL tear. Now, it’s clear that the Smith will need to do more on his own in 2018, and somewhere along the line, that formula won’t work.
Against the Falcons, a solid team all-around, the risk is as high as it gets.
The Falcons’ offense figures to be effective once again in 2018; They won’t soon reach the historic heights of 2016 again, but Matt Ryan is a top ten quarterback with a top-tier offensive cast. The defense is just as solid. The interior defensive line needs a bit of work with Grady Jarrett as the lone disruptive player, but every other position group is formidable.
The Redskins, coming off a demoralizing loss against the Giants, will crumble against the Falcons. Matt Ryan’s diverse cast of playmakers will have its way with the team’s young secondary, and Smith will experience considerable friction when trying to move the football. The running game will have some success, but it won’t be enough.
Final Score: WAS 13, ATL 34
Record: 5-3
Week 10 – Redskins at Buccaneers
The Redskins should have a fairly easy time dismantling the Buccaneers, even on the home turf of the skull and crossbones. The Buccaneers have a lot of things to sort out, and more likely than not, their season will reflect that.
First things first: The Buccaneers have quite the issue at quarterback. Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games of the season. That range doesn’t fall anywhere near the matchup with Washington, but Winston displayed a clear regression under Dirk Koetter last year, and that was before the suspension arose, possibly stunting his confidence.
The Buccaneers haven’t yet said that Winston will retain the starting job later on, so there’s an off chance that the Redskins could be facing Ryan Fitzpatrick in this one. Couple that with an unpredictable running game and an average interior offensive line, and the Redskins defense should be able to keep Tampa’s scoring unit in check.
The Buccaneers’ defense shows more promise; their defensive line is absolutely stacked, and they have playmakers in the linebacking core. The secondary, aside from Brent Grimes, is very young, not unlike the Redskins, and in this game, the Redskins will be able to exploit that weakness. With an unreliable offense, the Buccaneers’ defense will see plenty of time on the field, and they won’t be able to keep up.
Final Score: WAS 33, TB 16
Record: 6-3
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.
More from Riggo's Rag
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
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
Week 12 – Redskins at Cowboys
This matchup just looks bad. Later in the season, at the Cowboys’ home stadium. Coming off a four-day week.
The Cowboys could be dealing with injuries at this point. Their fate up to this point depends heavily on their offensive line, and how quickly they rebound. Without Travis Frederick, the unit takes a hit, but is still solid as a whole.
Going off of a hunch, I think the Cowboys will still be in the hunt at this point, albeit clinging wildly to the last strand of hope, not much unlike the Redskins.
With Alex Smith at the helm, the Redskins will stay in the game, but the Cowboys will ultimately steal this one from them, like they have on so many other occasions. The Redskins’ losing streak continues.
Final Score: WAS 24, DAL 27
Record: 6-5
Week 13 – Redskins at Eagles
This one is fairly self-explanatory.
The Redskins are a decent team, but they aren’t yet deep enough to contend with the full force of the defending Super Bowl champions.
Even with Nick Foles as the starter, the Eagles are a tough test for Washington, and if Carson Wentz is healthy by this time (he should be), then the Redskins will have a tough time finding consistency on both sides of the ball.
Final Score: WAS 20, PHI 30
Record: 6-6
Week 14 – Redskins vs. Giants
Tumbling back to Earth on a three-game losing streak, the Redskins will need a win against the Giants in Week 14.
Teams don’t always get the wins they need to get. But the Redskins will do what they need to at home versus New York.
After losing to the Giants earlier in the season, the Redskins will find a way to reset and move the football against the Giants’ underwhelming second and third levels.
Divisional games always have a habit of getting the best of the Redskins, but at home, they have a better chance, and against a Giants team that will ultimately be on its third quarterback at this point, they should have an easy time climbing out of the mid-season lull.
Final Score: WAS 37, NYG 22
Record: 7-6
Week 15 – Redskins at Jaguars
This game is a tough one. The Redskins, at this point, will have played ten straight games without a rest. They’re coming off a momentum-building win against Pat Shurmur’s reeling Giants, but the Jaguars are no walk in the park. Their defense could very well be the most dominant unit in the league.
The Redskins need to win this game; they’re sitting at 7-6, having gone 2-5 in the last seven games. The Jaguars defense won’t make it easy, by any means. But there’s just one problem for Jacksonville.
Blake Bortles is bad. Like, really bad.
The Jaguars know this, too. Their offense ran through Leonard Fournette last season, and with Bortles losing Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Marquise Lee over the course of the offseason, nothing is going to change in that regard. Bortles will be a liability. And at some point, it becomes too much for even the greatest defense to overcome.
The Jaguars’ defense will be able to eliminate bad teams easily, but Washington isn’t a bad team. The Redskins will be worn down at this point, but they’ll be hungry, and they’ll be going up against a quarterback who is very vulnerable. It’ll be a defensive struggle, but the Redskins’ deep defensive line rotation will keep Fournette bottled up, and eventually, Alex Smith will emerge victorious.
Final Score: WAS 14, JAX 10
Record: 8-6
Week 16 – Redskins at Titans
Copy and paste the current Redskins squad into 2017, and they’d win this matchup. But the 2018 Titans are not the Titans of old.
Mike Mularkey is gone, unable to stagnate one of the league’s most talented offenses any further. In his place is not only Mike Vrabel, an established defensive mind, but also Matt Lafleur, an offensive guru who swung over to the Titans after spending a year with Sean McVay.
Lafleur will bring some of the same excitement to the Titans’ offense that we saw from Jared Goff and Todd Gurley in 2017. Derrick Henry isn’t on Gurley’s level, but conjoined with Dion Lewis, he becomes a part of a deadly rushing tandem. Marcus Mariota, on the other hand, is more athletic than Goff, and in the right hands, he can become a breakout player. Lafleur’s hands fit the bill.
The defense was decent last year, and now, they return almost all of their starters from last year, and they added an elastic edge presence in Harold Landry, as well as established starters in the secondary in Malcolm Butler and Kenny Vaccaro. Under the oversight of Vrabel, with All-Pro players such as Jurrell Casey and Kevin Byard returning, the Titans’ defense has a chance to be just as dangerous as the offense.
The Redskins, sitting at 8-6 in a competitive NFC, can’t afford to win this game. But after a hard-fought battle against the Jaguars and ten prior weeks of non-stop football, they’ll be outmatched in the clinching game of the season. The Titans will come out victorious at home, and although Alex Smith will get the Redskins close, he won’t get them the win.
Final Score: WAS 27, TEN 30
Record: 8-7
Week 17 – Redskins vs. Eagles
The Eagles won’t be as dominant as people think they’re going to be this season. But in an NFC East where all three of their opponents are still struggling to find their identities, the Eagles won’t have much trouble clinching the division before Week 17.
Carson Wentz should be healthy at this point, but with his catastrophic injury in the back of Doug Pederson’s mind, the Eagles will rest him, along with countless other starters, in a meaningless Week 17 game, giving the Redskins a window to win.
The Redskins, however, won’t have much motivation. Any team with seven losses in Week 17 isn’t making the playoffs in the NFC. Maybe in the AFC, but not the NFC. Although there are several close games on this schedule that, with a simple flip of the coin, could turn into wins and send the Redskins to the playoffs, in this scenario, the team is out, and both teams are playing for nothing in the season finale.
The Redskins will come out on top in this one, finishing their season with a 4-4 away record, a 5-3 home record, a 3-3 division record, and a points per game number of 22.4, which would rank No. 13 in 2017. But the result of the last game itself will be inconsequential to either party. For the Eagles, they’ll have the playoffs, and a shot at a consecutive title to look forward to. And the Redskins will have to wait until 2019. Luckily for them, things are looking up.