The Washington Redskins travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins this week. With both teams winless, it is most likely a battle for the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
While the Dolphins are 9-5 all-time versus the Redskins, the two teams have not met since 2015, playing each other every four years since 2003. Even though it may be rare to see these two teams play, it is just as meaningful this time out. Whichever team loses is in a prime position to land the first pick in this year’s draft. There are only four winless teams: the Jets, Bengals, Redskins, and Dolphins. A win for any of these organizations would be detrimental.
The Redskins have had five players not practice, including offensive tackle Donald Penn and tight end Jordan Reed. Both highlight the Redskins’ lackluster offense, as they are both former Pro Bowlers. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Trent Williams’s holdout will carry into this week and it shows no sign of stopping.
Coming off of a bye, the Dolphins have had perfect attendance at practice this week. No player has not practiced or been reported as questionable early in the week, something that could lead to a win.
One of the only major storylines that will actually affect this week’s outcome is the firing of head coach Jay Gruden by the Redskins. Interim head coach Bill Callahan’s first order of business was to start quarterback Case Keenum, who is making his first start ever against the Miami Dolphins. While Keenum has not been great this year, his surrounding cast is no help. He plays in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in sports, and earlier in his career, he led the 2017 Minnesota Vikings to a 13-3 record. He lost in the conference championship game versus the Eagles following the “Minnesota Miracle” against the Saints in the divisional round. That year the Vikings were a serious Super Bowl contender with Keenum under center. Keenum knows how to win, and in my opinion, the kid is no slouch. Under the right management, the Redskins should have no issue stringing together a few wins this year … unlike the Dolphins, who are completely overmatched by the majority of the league and take no shame in tanking, sadly enough.
Both organizations would benefit greatly from a loss, so don’t take great meaning in the outcome of this game. I also urge any viewers to not make conclusions on a player’s value or even skill from a game like this. They are not being put in any situation to be successful, as multiple players on each of the teams have requested to be traded.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds
Point Spread: WAS -3 (-119)
Moneyline: NE (-170), WSH (+183)
Over/Under: 41 (-102)
Prediction
This game will be competitive through four quarters of play, with the Redskins topping the Dolphins by just one touchdown. Expect to see the unexpected, as with both teams in shambles, the unorthodox might become the norm. The defense will be a deciding factor along with quarterback play, as the Redskins have a more settled situation on offense, while the Dolphins have absolutely no hope on either side of the ball this week unless Josh Rosen steps up.
Final Score: Washington Redskins 21, Miami Dolphins 17
