Recap: The Redskins have had little margin for error this season and it has served them well for the most part. But the team has run into a couple of hot teams in their last two games (Texans and Cowboys) and the loss of quarterback Alex Smith for the remainder of the season understandably looms large. Veteran running back Adrian Peterson has been a pleasant surprise this year, rushing for 758 yards and six scores and leads the club with seven total touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense has looked better at times as well. But Greg Manusky’s unit has also been embarrassed on occasions, most notably in losses to the Saints (43-19) and Falcons (38-14).
Next Week: Washington host the New York Giants in position to sweet this NFC East rivalry for the first time since 2011. Back in Week 8 at MetLife Stadium, Gruden’s team came away with a 20-13 victory over Big Blue. The Redskins are 4-2 in the last six meetings between the clubs dating back to the teams’ second meeting in 2015.
Playoff hopes: The ‘Skins have dropped two straight games and three of their last four outings after a 5-2 start. The team still owns a 2-1 record vs. their NFC East brethren and still has a pair remaining with the Eagles. Which means if the club wants to win a division title, these next two contests shape up as crucial.
Next: No. 13