The schedule says one thing; the injury list says another. Washington doesn’t play a powerhouse team over its final six games, thanks to a two-game skid by the New York Giants. It’s a decent finish for a team trying to reach the postseason. But the injury list offers a dissenting opinion. In reality, the Redskins probably would struggle to reach the postseason if healthy. And now there’s a chance seven starters won’t play Sunday — linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (hamstring), linebacker Rocky McIntosh (groin), running back Clinton Portis (groin), center Casey Rabach (knee), guard Artis Hicks (thigh/groin), safety LaRon Landry (Achilles) and corner Carlos Rogers (hamstring). Some have a shot at playing. Others, notably Landry, do not. Some potentially could be lost for a few weeks, too.
Meanwhile, here are the NFC playoff contenders:
Teams in control
Atlanta and Philadelphia » The Falcons (8-2) are in first place in the NFC South, with two of their three toughest games — Green Bay and New Orleans — at home, where the Falcons are 5-0. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has the easiest schedule of the playoff contenders — the Eagles’ final six opponents have a combined 26-34 record. But their last four games will be interesting. Three come against Dallas and Minnesota. Will those teams, guided by interim coaches, still care?
In good shape
New Orleans and Green Bay, both of whom are 7-3 » The Saints have won three straight and four out of six. Their offense has scored 30 or more points three times in five games. But their problem spot is a three-game finish vs. Baltimore, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Packers have a difficult ending as their last six opponents are a combined 34-26, with games against Atlanta, New England, the New York Giants and Chicago. A 10-6 mark likely could win their division.
Right there, but …
Chicago and Tampa Bay, also both 7-3 » The Bears beat Green Bay, which is good news. But then you look at their schedule (and the 35-25 mark of their opponents). They play three road games, including at Green Bay to end the season. Their home games? Philadelphia, New England and the New York Jets. But the Bucs don’t have it easy, either. Their last six opponents have a combined 34-26 record and they have road games at Baltimore, Washington and New Orleans. Throw in a home game vs. Atlanta and earning a playoff spot could be tricky.
Need help
The New York Giants » Two weeks ago, they looked to be in good shape. Then came consecutive losses to NFC East rivals. The Giants also play only one more team with a losing record (Minnesota) as their remaining opponents have a combined 33-27 mark.
Longshot
And here come the Redskins » They do play the Giants twice and Tampa Bay, with a road game at Jacksonville. But maybe it’s good that they face four teams with a winning record — Washington is 3-2 against teams currently above .500. Regardless, the Redskins have little margin for error. They do own tiebreakers over Green Bay and Chicago. But short of others collapsing, a few prayers might be in order.
