Redskins: Predicting Washington’s final record for the 2019 season
The 2019 NFL Season is here and the Washington Redskins are looking at a tough sixteen-game schedule, but this team could offer some surprises and also produce a few disappointments.
Seasonal predictions for any NFL team is typically an exercise in futility, as so many factors must be considered. Unpredictable circumstances and misfortunes can change on just one play and suddenly, a season is in danger of multiple failures and shortcomings. The Redskins know this.
However, some teams can have a bit of luck at opportune times and ride a wave of surprising momentum to a very successful season. But any team can have periods of peaks and valleys along the way and produce nothing more than mediocrity. Which scenario will the Washington Redskins experience in 2019? Let’s take a look at each game and see how this season could unfold.
September 8 – Redskins at Eagles
The Eagles have dreams of returning to the Super Bowl and Washington would love to put some doubt into those plans. This rivalry usually yields hotly contested battles, and the season opener is no exception.
Loss, 20-24
Record: 0-1
September 15 – Cowboys at Redskins
With Ezekiel Elliott now re-signed to a long-term deal, the Cowboys are hoping to make a deep playoff run this season, and they come into FedEx Field and score a narrow victory.
Loss, 21-23
Record: 0-2
September 23 – Bears at Redskins
The Bears are a talented, disciplined football team and they are favorites to win the NFC North. The visitors methodically dominate the second half for a comeback victory.
Loss, 17-27
Record: 0-3
September 29 – Redskins at Giants
The ‘Skins are off to a dismal 0-3 start to the season and hope to begin the turnaround at MetLife Stadium. Washington sails to their first victory of the season.
Win, 26-14
Record: 1-3
October 6 – Patriots at Redskins
After a victory the previous week, Washington is looking to score an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champions. Case Keenum valiantly has his best game of the season thus far, but the Burgundy and Gold run out of time on the final drive of the game.
Loss, 30-34
Record: 1-4
October 13 – Redskins at Dolphins
A late-season tropical system turns the field in Miami to a monumental mess, but Washington is able to handle the elements and the hapless Dolphins on the way to a solid victory.
Win, 21-3
Record: 2-4
October 20 – 49ers at Redskins
Washington comes out of the gates quickly and Derrius Guice is able to generate more than 200 yards of total offense in his most impressive game thus far. Unfortunately, the ‘Skins collapse in the second half. Fans begin to chant for Dwayne Haskins.
Loss, 31-35
Record: 2-5
October 24 – Redskins at Vikings
Washington travels to Minnesota where Kirk Cousins and Josh Doctson await. The short week is not kind to the Burgundy and Gold, as Cousins exceeds 400 yards passing.
Loss, 10-38
Record: 2-6
November 3 – Redskins at Bills
Occasional snow squalls at New Era Field wreak havoc on both teams as the offenses sputter. The Bills use the home field to their advantage with a solid fourth quarter.
Loss, 14-16
Record: 2-7
November 10 – Bye
At 2-7, Washington is staring at another season with poor results and a failure to meet expectations. The plan is to finish the season with a solid effort from all players and coaches. The offense is struggling and putting undue burdens on the defense. As a result, the team typically starts strong, yet finishes poorly.
November 17 – Jets at Redskins
Washington returns from the bye week and coaches want the team to be competitive down the stretch. Trey Quinn produces his first 100-yard game as a Redskin and the team plays mistake free football.
Win, 34-6
Record: 3-7
November 24 – Lions at Redskins
The Lions come to FedEx Field with determination as they are in the wildcard playoff hunt. The Burgundy and Gold make life miserable for Matt Stafford as Jimmy Moreland records his first double interception game.
Win, 27-20
Record: 4-7
December 1 – Redskins at Panthers
Washington has won two games in a row for the first time in 2019, but the Panthers have a reality check waiting for them at Bank of America Stadium. The brief winning streak is halted.
Loss, 24-30
Record: 4-8
December 8 – Redskins at Packers
Washington has enjoyed some success against Aaron Rodgers and Co. in recent years, but that success does not carry over to this game. However, the Burgundy and Gold keep it somewhat close and give the Packers a competitive game. A late touchdown for the visitors makes it more respectable.
Loss, 24-28
Record: 4-9
December 15 – Eagles at Redskins
The Eagles are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and secure home field advantage on their march to a Super Bowl berth. It’s another close game for Washington, but they struggle on the final drive.
Loss, 16-17
Record: 4-10
December 22 – Giants at Redskins
The Giants have shown some improvement in 2019, but they are limping to the finish. The first quarter is close, but Washington begins to pull away and dominate the Giants in the second half. Dwayne Haskins plays for much of the second half.
Win, 33-13
Record: 5-10
December 29 – Cowboys at Redskins
In a game that gets flexed to late afternoon, the Cowboys are in a battle for a wildcard spot. Dwayne Haskins plays the entire game and Terry McLaurin has his best game as a Redskin thus far with 150 yards receving and two touchdowns. However, the Cowboys secure a place in the playoffs.
Loss, 27-29
Final Record: 5-11
Washington finishes with a record of 5-11, but they are competitive in many games and there are some positives for 2020. The front office now has the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and will have solid options in free agency and the draft.