Redskins vs Vikings: Preview
The Washington Redskins are coming off an improbable win and maybe even a season saving game against the Seahawks. They sit now at 4-4, and are back in the thick of things in the wild card hunt. They now are tasked with facing another division leader in the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings. A home noon kick off tilt will be another "swing game" for Washington. The Redskins are teetering on capturing the momentum from the biggest win they have had in 20 years, and the possibility of coming out flat at home and laying an egg falling below .500 again.
What to watch for:
1) Josh Doctson: Josh Doctson caught a huge pass to set the Redskins up inside the one yard line for the go ahead Robert Kelley score. He stretched the field for Washington while laying out for a full extension grab. For a 2nd year player that has spent all of his short career struggling and dealing with injuries was that the confidence boost he needed? Did that put him in the good graces of Kirk Cousins for the gun slinger to trust Doctson to go make plays.
2) Offensive line play: The Vikings have a monstrous front-7 with the ability to leave your quarterback on the ground all afternoon long. The banged up make shift Redskins line has to protect Kirk Cousins if they want to have a chance to win this game, and that is a tough test.
3) Make Case Kenuum uncomfortable: Case Kenuum has been pretty serviceable for Minnesota considering he is their third most talented quarterback and was forced into action due to injuries to Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater. The Redskins have done a great job of pressuring quarterbacks this season, and if they get that same type of pressure on Case Kenuum, they will find success.
4) Will the Redskins come out flat?: A classic Redskins game would be to have a great win, then flush it down the toilet the next week with an uninspiring effort that ends in an embarrassing loss. After a huge road win, they have to come out strong at home.
Odds: Redskins +1.5
Prediction: Neither team moves the ball on offense, it is an ugly grind it out toss up game. Redskins win due to the home field aspect.
For more Redskins news, notes, and opinions, follow: @Rylan_Stiles on twitter.
