7 key storylines for Week 5 of the 2018 NFL season
By Ian Wharton
6. The Redskins can take early control of the NFC East
At 2-1 and in way-too-early possession of first place in the NFC East, the Washington Redskins have been a decent surprise. Predictably, their blend of offensive playmakers with Jay Gruden has been up-and-down, but most would be happy that they entered their early Week 4 bye with a winning record.
The Redskins need to stack wins while the rest of the division tries to find their footing. Both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have been inconsistent and struggling at 2-2, and with tough matchups this week. Washington travels to New Orleans this week, and it’s a great opportunity to prove themselves.
Specifically, we need to see what this defense is all about. They rank in the top-three in points, yards, and passing yards per-game. But they’ve also played Sam Bradford, a rusty Andrew Luck, and hobbled Aaron Rodgers. Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara bring a completely different caliber of offense.
There’s no question the front seven has been bolstered to be effective against the pass and run. They’re deeper than they’ve been in years and able to play a variety of looks. The secondary has played well, too, although it’s appeared shakier on film without Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller.
Football Outsiders has New Orleans nine spots higher in DVOA, and that feels right. I think Washington drops this one despite their need to create distance from divisional foes.
Prediction: New Orleans 31-20