Three Biggest Games: Washington Redskins

2015 could prove to be a season of serious flex for the ‘Skins. After consecutive years with dismal records, fans are expecting to see some sort of gradual change from one of the league’s proudest-to-most-despondent franchises. Last year, inconsistency at quarterback, rumours of infighting and some pretty worrying blowouts derailed the Redskins en route to a 4-12 record. Here are three teams they must show some life against in order for things to start looking up.

Week 3 at Philadelphia Eagles

Washington’s first encounter with a member of its hated divisional brethren comes in week 3; a Thursday night primetime encounter in the Big Apple. In the NFC East, rivalries and blood feuds are constantly being rewritten, and the Redskins will be out for revenge against the only division foe to sweep them in 2014. The Giants have struggled against duel-threat quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick in the past, so this could be the first true test of just how much Robert Griffin III has progressed this season – both mentally and athletically.

Week 9 at New England Patriots

This one looks like an absolute whitewash on paper, as the Redskins take the short trip over to Gillette Stadium for a week 9 clash with the defending champions. But favourable odds or not, this is exactly the kind of win fans want to see their team fighting for. The matchup is actually not so dire, with the ‘Skins coming off a well-timed bye week and the Patriots potentially overlooking Washington amongst a mid-season schedule packed with divisional foes and AFC contenders. If the versatile Ryan Kerrigan can disrupt Tom Brady’s rhythm, the Redskins may just ride Alfred Morris to an improbable victory.

Week 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Arguably the most historical and volatile rivalry in the NFL is bound to write another bloody chapter in 2015, but the ‘Skins and ‘Boys will have to wait until late in the year to pick up their pens. Don’t let their embarrassing record fool you – the Redskins always show up against the Cowboys; a fact none more evident than last season, when they scored a wild victory in Dallas with Colt McCoy under center. With only five weeks remaining in the regular season, history tells us that RG3 – whether it be due to injury or poor play – will again be riding the sidelines by week 13, and this game could be the first step towards some drastic changes to follow in the 2016 offseason.