Redskins v. 49ers Staff Picks: Back With A Vengeance

The Redskins took a week off, we took a week off (maybe not at the same time) but everyone is back at it this week. Heading into the bye week, injuries maligned the team who now face a beatable team at home, entering the matchup against the winless 49ers at 9.5 point favorites.

The storylines are bountiful, and for two teams that play on opposite coasts, and do not matchup on an annual basis, there is a sense of animosity and a weight this game holds that is uncharacteristic of other non-division games. Spurred by the past offseason’s talk of San Fran’s attempts to woo Kirk Cousins to the Bay to reunite with former offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, the Redskins have more on the line this afternoon than a win or loss.

Now Washington has hung tough with some of the best teams in the league, having soundly put away the Raiders and narrowly falling to the Chiefs, this afternoon marks a contest that has the wind blowing in their favor. The question of course becomes can they match up with those pre-game predictions?

And now our staff predictions for the week:

Bryan H. Stabbe (3-1): 30-10, Redskins
I wanted to say that this game felt like a trap, but after some serious pondering I came through to the other side of the “so bad it’s good” circular logic. It’s been a tough sports week here in D.C., and it might feel easy to let unrelated events snowball into a jumble of negativity, but there is very little that says the Redskins can’t bounce back from a pre-bye week loss. Washington is favored for the first time this year at home, and The Redskins average 233 yards per game passing, which is below the 250 YPG allowed by the 49ers this year. I expect a big game from Kirk Cousins, causing frustration and salivation from the San Fransisco fans and front office alike.

Tom Garrett (2-2): 31-17, Redskins
This is about as important as a game against a non-divisional, winless opponent can be.

The Redskins have looked very strong the past three outings, beating the Rams, dominating the Raiders, and playing the undefeated Chiefs very tough on the road. That said, Washington has to be able to beat teams like the 49ers, especially at home, especially coming off of a bye.

Yes, the 49ers are better than their record. Yes, there's a Shanaclan revenge factor. Yes, the injuries scare me. Ultimately, though, Washington should---no, Washington NEEDS to be able to win games like this one, preferably in convincing fashion.

That's what a Super Bowl contender does. Whether the Redskins are at that level remains to be seen, but I think they win by double-digits on Sunday and set the stage for two huge divisional battles.

Cadillactica (1-2): 36-14, Redskins
It’s going to be an a** whopping.

HTTR4LIFE (1-2): 31-17, Redskins

Bill-in-Bangkok (3-1): 27-16, Redskins
49ers will kick one field goal per quarter, then add an almost meaningless late 4th quarter touchdown. A day at the office for the Redskins defense, and a good opportunity for Cousins and his receivers to find some rhythm. If Josh Norman was playing, I would have said 31-6.

HogHunter (0-4): 31-24, Redskins

Let this be the only first win of the season that happens today.

Now it’s your turn, how do you feel about the Redskins’ chances against the 49ers? Vote in our poll and share your predictions in the comments below.