Divisional games all at home for Washington
The Redskins limped into their bye week, coming off a loss and nursing one nagging injury after another. But they also enter their final seven games in better shape than their NFC East rivals when it comes to the schedule.
Washington has the easiest schedule in the division the rest of the season. That, plus their early success, could turn them into a major contender.
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“They’re as complete a package as there is in the league,” said FOX analyst, and former Ravens coach, Brian Billick.
Handicapping the NFC East for the final half of the season:
Washington (6-3)
Schedule strength » 4th. The Redskins’ remaining opponents have a combined 27-31 record, with three games remaining against teams a combined 15 games under .500 — all on the road.
Remaining issue » Will too many key players be banged-up down the stretch? And will the offense be able to generate enough points to contend for more than the wild card?
Dallas (5-4)
Schedule strength » 3rd. Dallas’ final seven opponents are a combined 33-24, but the Cowboys play at Washington, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and host the Giants and Baltimore.
Remaining issue » Can it avoid imploding? Dallas’ downfall is about more than the quarterback. The defense has allowed three 100-yard rushers in the past six games.
Philadelphia (5-3)
Schedule strength » 2nd. The Eagles play two of their final eight games against sub .500 teams. The other six opponents are a combined 35-15.
Remaining issue » Can running back Brian Westbrook last all season? In the four games he’s been healthy (he’s been slowed in two games and absent for two more), the Eagles are 3-1 and have averaged 32 points.
New York (7-1)
Schedule strength » 1st. Their last eight games are against teams with a combined record of 41-25. Seven have a winning record; the eighth is 4-4.
Remaining issue » The schedule. As long as New York stays healthy, it’s the class of the division. The Giants rank second in scoring offense and fourth in scoring defense
