Here is what you need to know on Saturday, September 29, nine days before the Washington Redskins visit the New Orleans Saints.

Talking points

Back in February, a week after the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I said that 10 wins is a reasonable expectation for the 2018 Redskins. They have banked two wins in their first three games. Can they get to 10? I don’t know if they will but here is a path for them to get there.

Split with the Eagles—If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. The Eagles swept the Redskins on their way to their championship last year. Prior to that, the Redskins had beaten the Eagles five straight times. No need to get greedy here, a split with Philly will suffice.

Win three of four against the Giants and Cowboys—At least one win against the Cowboys is needed simply for the Redskins to show that they can do it. They haven’t beaten Dallas in a meaningful game since 2014 or in any game since Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott came to Big D. The Giants appear to be headed towards another high draft pick, but it’s early.

Win two of four against the NFC South—The games against the Panthers and Falcons are at home so winning at least one of those is important. The Redskins will be decided underdogs in New Orleans in their next game, but I’m not going to look at the Saints defense, which has not been good, and say that the Redskins have no chance. Will there still be any magic in Tampa Bay when the Redskins go there in mid-November?

Beat the Texans at home—Houston is one of three 0-3 teams in the NFL, but it will be surprising if they remain among the league’s worst teams when they come to Washington in November. Regardless, it will be a home game against an opponent that is on their level and the Redskins need to take the win.

Split December road games in Jacksonville and Tennessee—Unless they can claim an additional win in the division or against the NFC South, the Redskins will need to go on the road in December against the AFC South to get to double-digit wins. The Jaguars went from looking like one of the best teams in the league against the Patriots to putting up only nine points against the Titans. It’s hard to figure how either team will look in December, but it’s likely that one or both of those games will be critical for the Redskins.

Trending on social

Perhaps a reason why Ryan Kerrigan doesn’t have a sack this year @Hum_Chee pic.twitter.com/BG7Ho53hyA — Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) September 28, 2018

The agenda

Today: Bye week

Upcoming: Redskins @ Saints (October 8) 9 days; Panthers @ Redskins 15; Cowboys @ Redskins 22

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