Dallas Cowboys (13-2) at Washington Redskins (8-7) -9
by Predictem.com Staff
The playoffs come early for the Redskins this year, as if they win this game against archrival Dallas they are in the playoffs and if they lose they are out. The Redskins have won 2 straight games to get back into the playoff race and will be playing a Dallas team that will rest many of their starters. Last week the Cowboys held off the Carolina Panthers 20-17. The Redskins scored a major upset of the Minnesota Vikings 32-21, who were the hottest team in the NFC and had their playoff destiny in their hands until the loss to the Skins. If the Redskins win there will be three teams from the NFC East in the playoffs this year.
Dallas and their 2nd rated offense this year are led by QB Tony Romo (4125 yds 36 TD 18 INT), who has been the MVP of the NFC but may not play much to rest up for the playoffs in a meaningless game for the Cowboys. Backup and longtime veteran Brad Johnson will probably take the majority of the snaps for the Cowboys in this game. The Cowboys rushing attack is led by Julius Jones (581 yds 2 TD). Romo’s main targets are Tight End Jason Whitten (94 ii21 yds 7 TD) and Patrick Crayton (48 rec 689 yds 7 TD). Dallas’ main receiver Terrell Owens is injured and will sit out this game and many of the starters of Dallas will not see much action, as they look to rest for the playoffs.
On defense Dallas is ranked 8th and especially strong against the run. On D the Cowboys are led by Linebackers DeMarcus Ware (13 sacks) and Greg Ellis (12.5 sacks) and Cornerback Anthony Henry C (6 INT). Dallas has many great players on both sides of the ball and even though this is one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL this game means nothing to the Cowboys and many back up players will see a lot of action.
The Redskins and their 16th ranked offense are led by backup QB Todd Collins (644 yds 4 TD), who has guided the Redskins to 2 straight victories. The Redskins rushing attack is led by Clinton Portis (1158 yds 9 TD), who has played great the 2nd half of the season for the Skins. Collins’ main targets are Tight End Chris Cooley (61 rec 744 yds 8 TD) Antwaan Randle El (32 351 yds 3 TD), and Santana Moss (53 rec 693 yds 8 TD). After being injured much of the year the Redskins receiving corps is healthy and it could not have come at a better time. The Redskins are ranked 12th on defense and have played great in the last few games after a mid season slide that saw them go from a top 5 defense to a middle of the pack one. The Redskins are led on D by Linebacker London Fletcher (126 tackles).
The Redskins are playing great football and look to grab the last Wild Card in the NFC with a victory. The team has been inspired and is playing for the memory of fallen teammate Sean Taylor, who was killed more than halfway through the season. The Skins have everything to gain and the Cowboys have nothing to gain, which is why their second unit will see a lot of action. The Redskins will go all out and take advantage of the backups for Dallas and win this game and cover the spread.