Redskins vs. Cowboys: Week 7 offense and defense matchups, score prediction

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the first half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the first half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Cowboys defense

The Redskins offense has been up-and-down this season, but they are coming off an up game against the Panthers. Well, at least the first half was an “up” half. They faltered a bit late and couldn’t score as much, but they should still have a chance to do well against the Cowboys.

Dallas is coming off a big win over the Jaguars. While they are unlikely to overlook a rivalry game, they could come in too cocky and too aggressive to this contest. And if that happens, the Redskins will certainly be able to take advantage.

Alex Smith had a much better game against the Panthers than he did against the Saints, and hopefully, he can continue to carry that momentum forward. In the past, the Cowboys have had trouble dealing with tight ends and the healthy Jordan Reed in particular. Smith will probably look his way, and towards Vernon Davis, frequently in order to keep Dallas off balance.

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At receiver, there may still be some depth issue this week. Jamison Crowder won’t practice until Friday at the earliest, so it seems that he may be doubtful for the contest at best. Paul Richardson is dealing with some injuries as well and while he may play, he may be less than 100 percent. Coupling that with the Cowboys solid secondary performance may make it hard for the Redskins to get the ball outside.

Of course, running on the Cowboys isn’t easy either. They rank seventh in the league in rushing yards allowed at just 90.7 per game. Adrian Peterson may be able to find some running room, and that will be key for the team’s offense. Chris Thompson, who missed last week’s game, is likely to be questionable again, but if he suits up, he may generate a bit more yardage because of his explosive ability. But if he’s not fully healthy, his snaps may be very limited.

Overall, this looks like a wash at best for the Redskins. The Cowboys have some fearsome weapons in Demarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and others on the defensive line, and they could pressure the front for Washington, so that could cause issues. That and the solid matchups Dallas has will make this a hard battle for the ‘Skins to win. Still, it is entirely possible, so that’s at least a positive.