Redskins vs. Browns: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction for NFL Preseason Week 1

Brace yourselves. The first NFL preseason game between the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns is almost here.

Football is almost here. The long wait is nearly over. It may not be “real football”, it is just the preseason, but the beginning of the preseason marks a long-awaited oasis for NFL fans that have been starving for on-field action since Super Bowl 53 ended over six months ago.

For that reason alone, there is excitement. And for Washington Redskins fans, this preseason takes on new importance.

Many of the storylines heading into the 2019 campaign are similar to that of last year’s. Jay Gruden‘s seat is warm. The team needs to stay healthy. And, oh yeah, they’re going to have a new starting quarterback for a third-straight year. Of course, this wasn’t by design, as Alex Smith‘s injury couldn’t have been predicted, but that position battle will wage on throughout the preseason. And Thursday night will be our first chance to get a good look at that.

The Redskins first preseason opponent will be the Cleveland Browns. And this actually could prove to be a nice matchup. The Browns, like the Redskins, have previously toiled near the bottom of their division for quite some time. But after Baker Mayfield‘s performance last season and a slew of offseason moves, the team is finally looking up. While their starters may not play much, this will be the public’s first chance to get a look at Freddie Kitchens‘ coaching style and what he might look to do in his first season.

Again, it’s just preseason, so putting too much stock into anything in the first game would be foolish. But, for the time being, it’s what we have to break down.

Here’s a full, in-depth preview of the Redskins vs. Browns game including important matchups to keep an eye on and a score prediction at the end.