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Top 5 players who will decide the NFL playoff race

By Patrick Morgan

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy (93) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) and Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy (93) in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Kirk Cousins

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Who could have possibly predicted that Kirk Cousins, embattled successor to RG3 and leader of the perpetually underachieving Washington Redskins, would finish the season as one of the most important figures in the NFL playoff race?

You like that? 

Yes, Kirk, we do… especially if Cousins keeps playing like he has the last two weeks. After a lackluster showing against the Cowboys at home, the Redskins went on the road and eliminated Chicago behind a 300 yard passing game from Cousins. He then one-upped himself by throwing for 319 yards and 4 scores against the Bills.

Cousins has been at his best while playing at home in FedEx Field, where he is 6-2 on the season. On the road, his record drops to 1-5, which is significant considering Washington’s final two games of the season are away against Philadelphia and Dallas. If the Redskins can find a way to pick up that second road win against the Eagles, they’ll clinch the NFC East with a week to spare.

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