Once again the Redskins open with the power team in the NFC East. But once again they could also get off to a good start.
Washington opens the 2009 season at the New York Giants at 4:15 p.m. The Redskins, coming off an 8-8 season, lost at the Giants in the 2008 season opener.
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But this year’s game precedes a stretch in which they likely would be favored in four of the next five games. They open at home on Sept. 20 vs. St. Louis.
Like the Rams, four of their first six opponents have first-year coaches and are coming off non-playoff seasons: Detroit, Tampa Bay and Kansas City. The Lions could be hoping to snap a 19-game losing streak by the time they come to Washington on Sept. 27.
The toughest stretch appears to be in the middle of the season, starting with a Monday night game vs. Philadelphia. The bye week follows, then comes three road games in the next four weeks, with consecutive trips to Dallas and Philadelphia on Nov. 22 and 29, respectively.
Two prime time games highlight the last month of the season. A Monday night game at home vs. the Giants is followed by a Sunday night home game vs. Dallas two days after Christmas.
The home schedule, on paper, is much easier than what the Redskins will face on the road. Washington’s home opponents were a combined 22-37-1 on the road last year. Meanwhile, the Redskins’ road opponents were a combined 41-23 at home.
Also, the Redskins home preseason game vs. Pittsburgh will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and their exhibition finale vs. Jacksonville is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3.
