Redskins Schedule Prediction: Weeks 1-5

After finishing the 2017 campaign with a 7-9 record, the Washington Redskins enter the 2018 season with a chip on their shoulders. They know they are better than 7-9 and looking at some of their games last season, there were about four games they should have won which would had them finishing 11-5 and in the playoffs.

As the 2018 season is set to kickoff, the Redskins open the season with a depleted Arizona Cardinals squad. However, looking at the schedule for the Skins, the month of December will be their toughest feats to date. In December, Washington will play Philly two times, Giants, Jaguars and Titans. It is vital for the Skins to have a winning record by December or to be at .500.

Sept. 9 – Week One @ Arizona:

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts after being called for a penalty in the fourth quarter against Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals offense is led by future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald and their defense is led by ball hawking Patrick Peterson but the problem is who’s behind center for Arizona. Will it be Sam Bradford or Mike Glennon? Also, the Cardinals lost Tyrann Mathieu this offseason to the Houston Texans. Don’t think Arizona starts off 1-0.

If this was a December game, the outcome could be different. But with it being opening night for both teams, a healthy Redskins team is much better than a healthy Arizona team. Truthfully, I do not see Arizona having a winning record in 2018.

Result: Redskins 21, Arizona 10

Record: (1-0)

Sept. 16- Week Two vs. Colts:

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (29) is tackled by Washington Redskins safety Kareem Moore (41) during the 2nd quarter at FedEx Field in Landover, MD, Sunday, October 17, 2010. (Harry E. Walker/MCT)

If Andrew Luck is healthy and is playing good football then this Colts team is a very dangerous team. However, if Luck isn’t having luck and is injured or non-healthy for some part of the season, this is a horrific looking squad.

The only true receiving threat the Colts have is T.Y. Hilton, they did go out and sign former Redskin’ Ryan Grant but he won’t be a game changer for Indy on the road against a much better defensive unit from the Redskins.

Colts defense is okay, not good, but just okay. They are an above average unit but they don’t have enough to slow down the running game from Derrius Guice and Chris Thompson. They also don’t have enough back-end speed to slow down Paul Richardson or Josh Doctson.

This could be one of those games that if you are a fantasy owner you want to have Alex Smith as your quarterback as he could have a field day against the Colts secondary.

Result: Redskins 31, Colts 14

Record: (2-0)

Sept. 23 – Week 3 vs. Packers:

Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Week three will be a tough game for the Redskins. No matter who is on defense and no matter who is on offense for Washington, Green Bay always has a good team. It will be no different for the Packers in 2018.

This will be a game to watch. It will be a game that the Redskins could win, but playing against a healthy Aaron Rodgers is always scary. Unlike the last two weeks, the Redskins will face a better offensive unit.

Remember last year, week one against Philly in which Washington could’ve and should’ve won? Yeah, this game on week three can have an outcome like that. Green Bay can move the ball and score easily as well. In order for Washington to win this game, they will need to play turnover free football which will be hard to do.

This game will be close but the Skins lose on a game winning field goal by Mason Crosby.

Result: Packers 24, Redskins 21

Record: (2-1)

Oct. 8 – Week 5 @ Saints:

NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Vonn Bell #48 of the New Orleans Saints during the second half on Nov. 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Revenge? Maybe?

Coming off a much needed bye week after falling in heartbreak fashion against the Packers, the Redskins return to New Orleans with revenge on their minds after falling 34-31 last year.

The Saints still have Drew Brees and a good running game and being at home, in front of their fans, it will put the pressure on the Redskins secondary and defensive line to keep containment and to shut down Brees and company.

Last season the Redskins had this game won until they didn’t. New Orleans took the Skins into overtime and walked away victorious. This game, regardless of what people say, took a lot out of Washington.

This is a primetime game on Monday night. This is where the big dogs come to play. Truthfully, Washington can win this game. At this point in the season, they should have their running game down, their receivers should be in a better groove than last year and their defense should be making big plays as well.

Washington goes into New Orleans and steals a victory.

Result: Redskins 20, Saints 14

Record: (3-1)

Some people will say that starting off 3-1 is a little homerish but if everything is going the right way for Washington, 3-1 is very doable but so is 2-2. A miscue here and there could easily see the Skins go from a winning football team to depleted team very quickly.

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