2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 10

Washington Redskins (5-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

Sunday, November 11, 1PM ET

Following their Week 9 loss to the Falcons, it’s easy to question the Washington Redskins’ standing as a legitimate contender. However, I’m not going to let one tough loss change my mind that D.C. is a team worth taking seriously down the stretch.

Right now, the Redskins have two things leaning heavily in their favor against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The first is that they have one of the NFL’s best defenses, which should help them slow down Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buccaneers’ high-octane offense. You can rest easy knowing Tampa Bay isn’t going to turn this into a shootout.

The second is that the Washington offense will be going up against a miserable defense. Even with an injury-ravaged offensive line, Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson shouldn’t have nearly as much trouble moving the ball as they did against Atlanta. It’s not like the Buccaneers are capable of creating immense pressure or clogging the rushing lanes regularly.

It won’t be a cakewalk for the Redskins, due in large part to those front five deficiencies. However, at this point, there’s just so much more reason to trust in Washington’s ability to deliver in the clutch. Fitzpatrick will make this game worth watching, but it won’t be enough.

Prediction: Redskins win 25-20