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Redskins Reality Checks: Team has a lot on the line with Texans coming to town

By Tim Payne

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball for a nine yard gain during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball for a nine yard gain during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Benjamin Watson #82 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Greg Stroman #37 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Benjamin Watson #82 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Greg Stroman #37 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Reality Is, the secondary has their work cut out for them yet again.

The last two weeks, the Redskins have faced two elite passing offenses with dynamic playmakers all over the field. This week is no different. Watson has DeAndre Hopkins, Demaryius Thomas, Keke Coutee and more. While the loss of Will Fuller certainly hurt this Texans team, Demaryius Thomas’ three catches for 61 yards only a couple days after being traded from the Broncos would lead you to believe he might be a great fit opposite Hopkins.

I’ll be watching if the Redskins are aggressive with their corners, playing press coverage against the physical, but less speedy, receiving corps of Houston. I’ll also be watching to see if Norman travels with Hopkins. Finally, I’ll be watching to see if Dunbar plays and if he doesn’t, whether Johnson or Stroman gets the opportunity this week.

Prediction: The Texans will move the ball and have some success through the air, ending up with 280-plus yards passing. Hopkins and Thomas will each catch touchdowns, as Watson will throw for a total of three TDs and one pick while also being sacked three times.

6. Reality Is, Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson both seem due for a breakout.

Alex Smith had, in my opinion, one of his best games of the season this last week. With a couple of key drops, his stat line looked a bit puny, but he made some of his best throws and showed good pocket presence and confidence with both his feet and his arm. As much as the passing offense has struggled this season, there has been steady improvement the last couple of weeks, and it feels like he’s due for a big game.

As for Peterson, he’s been nursing multiple injuries the past few weeks, but declared himself 100 percent earlier this week and also feels like he might be due for a big game. Last week, he had several big runs called back due to penalties, and also missed a few holes. Chris Cooley speculated on his podcast that Peterson might have been subconsciously avoiding taking hits on his shoulder. But if he’s fully healthy, maybe he’ll hit those holes a little harder this week.

Prediction: Peterson rushes for 120 yards on 24 carries. Smith throws for 3 TDs and 265 yards on 24/35 passing. The “home dog” Redskins pull off the upset 28-27 to improve to 7-3 in time for the Thanksgiving tilt in Dallas.

Next. Redskins vs. Texans top matchups, score prediction. dark

Can they do it? Join the conversation @TheRealityIs__ on Twitter or in the comments below.

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