National Football League

5 Bold Predictions For Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers In NFL Week 1

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:25 p.m. ET

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Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden coaches against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be playing in the first Monday Night Football game of 2016. Here are some bold predictions for that contest.

The Washington Redskins are going to be taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in just three days from now. In a Monday night matchup, the two teams will square off and the battle will be fun to watch.

There is no knowing what could happen in the game. In fact, the end result of this one is considered to be a toss-up at best. Still, a lot of crazy things could happen in the game so it is time to speculate. Here are five bold predictions for events that may unfold in the Redskins vs. Steelers game in Week 1.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Mason Foster (54) celebrates during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mason Foster Leads Redskins In Tackles Made

If there was one player who was surprisingly very effective in the preseason, it was Mason Foster. Foster displayed excellent instincts during limited preseason action, and he looked to be in the best shape he has ever been in. He should become a tackle machine for the Redskins, and he will get a chance to make a lot of stops against the Steelers.

The Steelers will likely have to rely on their running game in the matchup with the Redskins, and DeAngelo Williams will see a good amount of carries. Foster is at his best in run support, and more often than not he may be one of the first players to the ball. It would be huge for the team if Foster could become a run stopping force and this will be his first chance to do that.

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) carries the ball between Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) and strong safety Micah Hyde (33) during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jordan Reed Catches 2 TD Passes

Jordan Reed may not end up being the leading receiver for the Redskins during this contest, but he will certainly be a red zone weapon. With a lack of proven talent in the running game, the Redskins could be forced to throw the ball inside the 10 more often this season. As a result, the highly athletic Reed will stand to benefit.

The Redskins do not have a lot of tall players in their receiving corps. Most of them are 6 feet or under. Only Josh Doctson (6-4) and Reed (6-3) are going to be able to use their height and athleticism to outjump players for balls. With Doctson likely out for the first week, Reed will see some serious targets from Cousins in the area.

As a result, Reed should be able to reel in a couple of touchdown passes. The Steelers linebackers will be able to battle him with their athleticism, but they simply will not be able to beat him in jump ball situations. If he gets matchup up one-on-one with a corner, he would also easily win that. Reed should have a big game and remind everyone that he is among the NFL’s top tight ends.

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kirk Cousins Throws For 350+ Yards

The Steelers notoriously have had issues in their secondary since the decline and retirement of Ike Taylor. Not much will change heading into the 2016 season for them. While they are now ripe with young talent like rookie first rounder Artie Burns and second round safety Sean Davis, they still do not have enough talent to stop solid quarterbacks from picking them apart. Because of this, Kirk Cousins should be able to have a great game.

Cousins has one of the best receiving corps in the league at his disposal. With DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder, and the aforementioned Reed, Cousins should be able to find an open man a lot during the game. He will help the Redskins to win this matchup, and as a result he could rack up large amount of passing yards.

Also helping Cousins’ cause is the lack of a proven run game. Matt Jones and Robert Kelley will likely get the between the tackles carries, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to do anything. Jones is coming off of an injury while Kelley will be playing in his first NFL game. It is more likely that Chris Thompson will see a good deal of action as a receiving back and the Skins may have to abandon the run game if the game stays close.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) and Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2. DeAngelo Hall Records 5+ Tackles, 1 Interception

Making a move to safety is going to really help DeAngelo Hall as he progresses into the later years of his career. He has always been known as a ball hawk, and this role will allow him to read the quarterbacks eyes and try to jump routes. Also, playing alongside Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland will give him free range, as those two guys should shut down their matchups.

With that said, it seems like Hall could be poised to have a big game for the Redskins. Ben Roethlisberger might have to force some passes because of the coverage from the cornerbacks, and Hall could stand to benefit. Big Ben may force one to Antonio Brown at one point. If Hall sees that coming, then he could jump the route. That would give him an opportunity to get a pick and he would likely convert.

Elsewhere, if Roethlisberger has to dump the ball off, Hall may be able to make a few tackles in run support. Hall has solid instincts so it would not be surprising to see him have a great all-around game. Grabbing a pick and recording at least five tackles would qualify as that for the veteran player.

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills defensive back Sterling Moore (41) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

1. DeSean Jackson Posts A Game High In Receiving Yards

I truly think that DeSean Jackson is poised to have a huge season. The 29-year-old receiver has had a couple of good seasons for the Redskins, but this one should be his best yet. Jackson looked like he was in terrific shape during the offseason and preseason. That should directly translate to the regular season.

If Jackson can use his explosiveness to beat the Steelers corners, then he should easily be able to catch a couple of long passes. Jackson is at his best when he is used as a vertical threat, and this matchup with the Steelers should allow him to do that. It would not be surprising to see him lead the Redskins in receiving yards, but I think that he will even outproduce Antonio Brown.

Brown is going to have a tough matchup against cornerback Josh Norman, so he may post some low numbers by his standards. Meanwhile, Jackson will be matched up with either William Gay or Ross Cockrell, so he should have a much easier time of getting open. I think that Jackson will break the 100 yard plateau while Brown likely will not get over 80. It will definitely be interesting to see which of the No. 1 receivers can win their respective matchups.