2020 Redskins schedule: Easiest stretch the team can take advantage of
There are no gimmes on the Washington Redskins schedule in a rebuilding year. But a post-bye week stretch could prove to be a good time to rack up some wins.
On Thursday night, the NFL released its 2020 schedule. And it’s not going to be an easy one for the Washington Redskins.
The ‘Skins are going to have to take on all the teams in the AFC North as well as the four uber-talented squads in the NFC West. Matchups against the Ravens, Seahawks, and 49ers won’t be easy and they have had some difficulty in NFC East play in recent seasons as well. Hopefully, they’ll be better overall than they were in 2019 when they racked up just three wins. But there are no guarantees.
That said, when looking at the schedule, there is one stretch that Redskins could take advantage of. And that comes after their ideally-placed Week 8 bye.
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
In Week 9, the Redskins have a home game against the New York Giants. They follow that with a Week 10 road game against the Detroit Lions and then return home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. And that’s one of the few spots on the schedule that the Redskins could rack up some wins.
The Giants figure to be a better team than they were last season. But their defense is still porous and if the Redskins can get ample pressure on Daniel Jones, they may be able to force some fumbles. Jones struggled in that area last year and while he will likely improve, Washington’s elite-looking pass rush could make life difficult for him.
And besides, the Redskins have to beat the Giants at home, right? It’s their easiest NFC East game of the year. And coming out of the bye, Ron Rivera and Co. should have the team well-rested, well-prepared, and properly motivated to earn a victory.
The Lions game is a tougher one to predict at this moment because the Lions are one of the true Wild Cards of the NFL season. They could bottom out if Matthew Stafford isn’t healthy and Matt Patricia’s seat really catches fire. Or they could challenge for a Wild Card spot if all goes well. Nonetheless, the Redskins did beat the Lions last season, though Jeff Driskel was at quarterback for the team, so that should give the team a shot to knock them off.
As for the Bengals, they have improved quite a bit after last season. They have a solid roster and adding Joe Burrow to the fold should give their offense more upside. So too should the free agent acquisitions the team made on defense (D.J. Reader, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander).
But the Bengals still have some holes on the offensive line and if the Redskins can pressure Burrow, they may be able to rattle the rookie a bit. So long as they’re not looking ahead to yet another Thanksgiving Day clash with the Dallas Cowboys, they’ll have a chance to knock off the Bengals at home.
Next. Redskins full 2020 schedule. dark
It’s far too early to tell exactly what will happen with the Redskins’ schedule. But if they are going to string together some wins, this three-week stretch looks to be the best opportunity for them to do that.