Here is what you need to know on this Saturday, December 19, one day before the Washington Redskins host the Buffalo Bills.

The week that was at Redskins Park

A look back on the headlines of the week:

Redskins playoff scenarios—Resting the starters in Dallas?—All of the teams in the NFC East won last Sunday so the playoff scenarios keep playing out based on a three-way tie for first place. The Redskins' simplest scenario is to win all three of their remaining games to get in but they could get away with a loss or maybe even two. The ideal scenario would have them clinch the NFC East with a win over the Eagles and being able to do what the want in the season finale in Dallas.

Carrier out for the season with knee injury—It didn’t look good the moment he went down after catching a pass early in the Bears game. Carrier was obtained via a trade with the 49ers on August 21 after the team lost Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen to injuries earlier in the month. It took him a while to pick up the offense and he caught 17 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. Carrier is still under contract for 2016 but his rehab could extend into next season.

Redskins sign veteran tight end Alex Smith—He was available and he knows the offense thanks to having spent time with Jay Gruden in Cincinnati. His role will be mostly as a blocker but he will occasionally sneak out on a pass pattern to keep the defense honest. At age 33 and coming off of a couple of injuries Smith isn’t a long-term solution. But the Redskins just need someone who can get them through three more regular season games and possibly a playoff game or two and Smith seems to be capable of doing that.

DeAngelo Hall is looking forward to facing "little brother" Tyrod Taylor—Hall and Taylor both grew up in the Tidewater region and both went to Virginia Tech. Those connections led to a friendship that will be set aside on Sunday as they will be on opposite sides of the ball at FedEx Field. Although there is a lot of mutual respect there, make no mistake that Taylor would love to burn Hall for a long gain and that Hall would be delighted to pick off one of his younger friend’s passes.

Redskins WR Andre Roberts could need surgery—A disappointing season could come to an early end if the medical staff decides he should have surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Even if he can play in these last few games his season has not been good. For a cap hit of $3.75 million the Redskins got nine games and 11 receptions for 135 yards. He did provide one highlight with a 99-yard kickoff return against the Panthers but that’s still not enough bang for the buck.

Cousins' 2016 price tag likely in $13-$17 million range—As the Redskins remain in playoff contention their quarterback’s value in a 2016 free agent contract continues to climb and it becomes a topic of discussion. He has a chance to push his earnings to the higher end of the range if he can help the Redskins get to the playoffs and maybe win a game or two. But first things first—they need to beat the Bills.

Timeline

—Today’s schedule: Walkthrough at Redskins Park; no media availability

—Days until: Bills @ Redskins 1; Redskins @ Eagles 7; Redskins @Cowboys 15

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