With training camp underway and the preseason fast approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each team’s 16-game slate will be split into its most difficult (1-8) and easiest games (9-16). For this article, the Washington Redskins most difficult games of 2019 are under the microscope.
The easiest games on the Redskins 2019 schedule.
Washington Redskins Most Difficult Games of 2019
1. Week Three: vs Chicago BearsAn elite defense, on a primetime slot, with potentially a rookie quarterback starting. This game will be by far the most difficult one for Washington to win in 2019. The Chicago Bears showed last year they are one of the NFL’s elites. Their season ended earlier than it should have in a Wild Card loss, but that can be blamed squarely on their ex-kicker Cody Parkey. Without Trent Williams holding down the blindside, the younger players on the offensive line will have a tough challenge against the Bears front seven. Namely Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd, Roquan Smith and of course, Khalil Mack. All know how to get to the quarterback and plug gaps. But! The Redskins front seven matches up well against the Bears offensive line. Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, and Ryan Kerrigan are no chumps. Kyle Long is a Pro Bowl guard, but the rest, Cody Whitehair, Bobby Massie, and James Daniels are just serviceable. This game could turn into a 17-13, you-should-have-bet-the-under, defensive slugfest real quick if both front sevens play to their fullest.
2. Week Five: vs New England Patriots
The Patriots might not be as formidable as years past, but they’re still the Patriots. Rookie linebacker Montez Sweat could face challenges trying to cover their versatile offensive chess pieces like James White, Julian Edelman, or Rex Burkhead. It’s always a problem when an offense can disguise their looks and use their players out of position. New England does that every single week. The Pats usually win when Tom Brady plays anything close to just okay. The key to victory against New England is always stopping the easy plays and applying pressure to Brady on later downs. Washington catches a break by hosting them on FedEx Field in early October. New England has been known to slip up on the road early in the season, so the ‘Skins may steal one from them.
3. Week One: at Philadelphia Eagles
The last time the Redskins opened the season against the Eagles, Carson Wentz threw for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns. He was fully healthy at that point and set the stage for his 2017 MVP worthy season. This time around the Eagles have less firepower on both sides of the ball, and the Redskins have beefed up at nearly every position. Despite the roster improvements for the boys in burgundy, it will be an incredibly tough season opener to win. Philidelphia will be looking to prove they’re still the kings of the NFC East, and they’ll take out their playoff loss on any team that gets in their way. It’s tough for any visiting team to play at Lincoln Financial Field with the rowdy crowds and cold weather as well. If the ‘Skins can make it out of Philly with a win, they’d be putting the rest of the NFL on notice.
4. Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
Luckily for the Redskins, Green Bay, WI is the farthest west the team will have to travel for an away game. Although, there’s nothing lucky about going on the road to face Aaron Rodgers in the middle of bone-chilling Wisconsin temperatures in December. The Packers had a relatively down year amidst the mid-year firing of 13-year head coach Mike McCarthy and Rodgers’ ongoing knee injury. Their new head coach Matt LaFleur is a Sean McVay disciple and figures to lead Rodgers and Davante Adams to high levels of offensive scoring.
5. Week 17: at Dallas Cowboys
This spot was a toss-up between the two Dallas Cowboys games as they both come at pivotal times in the season. Week 17 at Jerry World will be more a crucial game to win, especially if there are playoff implications on the line. Random tiebreakers and the outcome of divisional games late in the season often decide the winner of the NFC East division title race. This game could turn into the most pivotal game of the season if both the Cowboys and Redksins are fighting each other based on tiebreakers for a playoff spot. Winning and losing this game could be the difference between securing playoffs for the first time since 2015 or watching the Super Bowl from the couch.
6. Week Two: vs Dallas Cowboys
The first four games of an NFL season is where teams get momentum towards a winning or losing season. The Redskins have the unfortunate match-ups of facing their two toughest divisional opponents in the first two weeks, and then another divisional opponent in the New York Giants in Week Four. Should Washington steal two out of the three divisional games in the first four weeks, they will have the momentum to match last years strong start.
7. Week 15: vs Philadelphia Eagles
Similar to spot number five, the Redskins have to face a tough divisional foe in the middle of the playoff push. December is where the real playoff contenders start to heat up and play their best team ball. By this time, the Eagles could be in full-swing similar to how they’ve looked the last two Decembers-unstoppable. Washington will have home-field advantage against Philly, which may be the deciding factor in what could be a low scoring affair.
8. Week Eight: at Minnesota Vikings
Thursday night games suck. Players and coaches don’t like them. Fans might appreciate them, but most don’t feel it’s necessary. Washington gets another non-Sunday primetime away game, against an excellent NFC North squad. The Vikings are only a year removed from their elite defense leading the way for a 13-3 season. They regressed last season despite not much roster turnover and a debatable upgrade at quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Minnesota is still believed to be an NFC powerhouse and playoff team. The Redskins will have another test of power on the national level.
