Redskins vs. Cowboys: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction for NFL Week 2

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins gets tackled for a loss of yards by DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins gets tackled for a loss of yards by DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Jason Garrett, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jay Gruden, head coach of the Washington Redskins, shake hands after their game at AT
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Jason Garrett, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jay Gruden, head coach of the Washington Redskins, shake hands after their game at AT

Score Prediction

Both of these teams have strengths. And both have flaws. Both also have coaches that frequently leave a lot to be desired. So from that standpoint, the game could be even.

The Redskins have the homefield advantage in this contest and it is a divisional clash. They hate the Cowboys and could view this as a critical game; if they don’t get a win early in the season, they could fall apart under a lame-duck head coach. From a motivational standpoint, the Redskins should hypothetically have the advantage. But as we’ve seen in the past under Jay Gruden, that doesn’t always translate to the field.

I think this game will be closer than many anticipate, but I still think the Redskins are underdogs in this one. The Cowboys passing offense simply looked very good against the Giants and even if they play worse against a better defense, they have enough weapons to beat the ‘Skins.

I think the Cowboys offense will pull away late in another closely contested game. The Redskins would then look for a Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears to be their first victory of the season.

Final Score: Cowboys 29, Redskins 23