Redskins vs. Buccaneers preview: Will Washington bounce back?

The Washington Redskins remain atop the NFC East, even after a blowout, as they go on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

After a 5-2 start to the 2018 season, the Washington Redskins ran into a red-hot Atlanta Falcons last week and were embarrassed at home, 38-14. To make matters worse for Washington, several players were lost for the season due to injury, including Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. Left guard Shawn Lauvao was also injured and is also out for the season. Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams remains out with a hand injury.

Washington’s opponent this week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, started the season 2-0 with an impressive win over the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome in the season opener. Much of early success came with journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a.k.a. Fitzmagic, under center for the Bucs.

Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback, Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games and Fitzpatrick took advantage. However, when Fitzpatrick struggled in a loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 4, Tampa head coach Dirk Koetter quickly went back to Winston.

Well, Winston couldn’t stop giving the football away and Koetter turned back to Fitzpatrick. While Fitzpatrick certainly has his limitations, he has proven to be the better choice for this Tampa Bay team. With one of the league’s better wide-receiving duos in Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson, Fitzpatrick gives the Bucs a chance every week. Evans can do everything, while the veteran Jackson continues to be the NFL’s top big-play threat.

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The Redskins know Jackson all too well, as he played in Washington for three years before departing after the 2016 season. A banged-up secondary will have its hands full with Evans, Jackson, Adam Humphries and tight end O.J. Howard.

The Redskins struggled with Atlanta’s receivers last week and with starting cornerback Quinton Dunbar still banged up, Washington must generate pressure up front or it could be another long day for the defense. Evans figures to match up with Josh Norman, but who will line up opposite of Jackson if Dunbar can’t go? That’s a matchup to watch.

For the Redskins to win this game they’ll need a strong performance from an offense that’s struggled, particularly the passing game. Running back Adrian Peterson has been phenomenal in Washington’s five wins, but a non-factor in the team’s three losses. Part of that is due to the Redskins falling behind and abandoning the run. How much running room will there be for Peterson playing behind an offensive line where center Chase Roullier is the only healthy starter?

The good news for the Redskins is they’re facing a Tampa Bay defense that’s not very good. The Buccaneers are allowing a league-worst 34 points per game and surrendering over 400 yards per game in total offense. Could this be a breakout performance from Washington quarterback Alex Smith? The Bucs are No. 15 against the run.

TV and Live Stream Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
TV Info: FOX, NFL Sunday Ticket
Live Stream: FuboTV, NFL Sunday Ticket

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Prediction

This will be a tough game for the Redskins. Can they adjust to losing both starting guards and likely being forced to start at least one player who wasn’t even on the roster at this time a week ago? Fitzpatrick will pass for over 350 yards against the Redskins, however, the Bucs’ offense will be one-dimensional and Washington will force at least two turnovers which will prove to be the difference in the game. Smith also passes for two touchdowns to help the Redskins get an important NFC road win.

Final score: Washington 24, Tampa Bay 21

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