Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 04: Pierre Garcon
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 04: Pierre Garcon /

13. Washington Redskins

Washington fans are going to be screaming about this low ranking, but sometimes you have to factor in more than a record from the prior year. Yes, the Redskins went 9-7, but they did so facing a last-place schedule and by getting ample help in the injury department, with Tony Romo going down with a pair of broken clavicles.

The Redskins must improve substantially on defense if they are going to get back to the playoffs. Washington only had two players who recorded more than six sacks last year, leading to questions of whether it can generate enough pressure to beat elite quarterbacks.

In 2015, the Redskins beat Nick Foles, Sam Bradford, Jameis Winston, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Tyrod Taylor, Bradford again and Kellen Moore. Outside of Brees, that list ranges from decent to awful. Almost every time Washington saw a top-flight quarterback, it got pounded.

The addition of Josh Norman will make a difference and the offense should be humming provided Kirk Cousins can compile another good season. Still, facing a first-place schedule this time around and being a hunted team instead of the hunters can make all the difference.

Record prediction: 9-7

Next: No. 12 Oakland Raiders