The Washington Redskins are ranked No. 29 in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index. Here's everything you need to know about the Redskins heading into the 2019 NFL season:
The big question: Can the offense provide any help?
Washington lacks a proven playmaker on the outside. Its top receiving target (tight end Jordan Reed) is already in the concussion protocol. Its quarterback of the future (Dwayne Haskins) isn't ready so the job, for now, falls to journeyman Case Keenum. The Redskins are without perennial Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams. But they should have a good running game, particularly if Derrius Guice stays healthy. Still, a lot of questions need to be answered on offense. -- John Keim
Offseason in a nutshell
The Redskins' first big decision was to retain coach Jay Gruden, who is on the hot seat after three consecutive playoff misses. Because of that decision, the Redskins did not get rid of several higher-priced key veterans, knowing they could help win this season. Washington is planning for the future at quarterback after taking Haskins with the 15th overall pick; he's not ready to start -- and might not be for a while -- but he is the long-term option. The Redskins bolstered the defense by signing veteran safety Landon Collins, but Williams informed them he didn't want to play for Washington anymore. -- Keim
Inside the Redskins' schedule
Most important game: Week 4 at the New York Giants. Of the first five games, this is the easiest even if it is on the road. But if Washington can win one of the first three -- or better -- this game could help the Redskins emerge from the first quarter of the season with a strong start.
Toughest stretch: The first five games look brutal, with four of them against Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and New England -- which combined for four playoff appearances and a 42-22 record in 2018. If the Redskins emerge from this stretch, which also includes a game at the Giants, with a 2-3 record, they should consider it a job well done.
Over or under 6.1 wins? Take the over. Doing so requires a leap of faith because the Redskins just haven't had the smoothest summer and are in a tough spot at quarterback. But they should have a terrific defense and strong running attack if Guice stays healthy. However, fingers and toes must be crossed when it comes to Reed, who looked terrific but ended the preseason the concussion protocol. -- Keim
Schedule ranking: No. 22
Seven of the 11 easiest projected schedules belong to the AFC East and NFC East, primarily because they play each other. These two divisions combine for five teams near the bottom of the league, including our lowest-projected team, the Dolphins. Some of these teams are likely to look better than they really are, because they get to play each other and someone has to win! Washington plays three of its first four games inside the NFC East, then doesn't play another NFC East opponent for 11 weeks until the Redskins finish their season with three consecutive games inside the division. -- Football Outsiders | See the full 1-32 ranking
Breakout fantasy star: RB Derrius Guice
Guice had the look of a 2018 breakout, but the 59th overall pick in last year's draft suffered a torn ACL during the preseason. He's back and ready to roll, and although Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson are also in the fold, Guice is expected to operate as the lead back when healthy. He might start slowly, but the 22-year-old is a potential workhorse with big upside. -- Mike Clay | More fantasy coverage
The view from Vegas
Super Bowl odds: 200-1 (opened 200-1)
Over/under: 6 (O +125/U -145)
Playoff odds: Yes +550, No -800
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of Sept. 2.
Most interesting player prop
Which quarterback will make the most regular-season starts? Haskins (-200), Keenum (+200) or Colt McCoy (+1200):
Keim: Keenum. But this is hard to answer, because if the season goes south in a hurry, Haskins could get the call for the last part of it. But the Redskins would like him to sit a while because they believe he has a lot to learn before he's ready to help. And McCoy would be the answer, but his leg just isn't cooperating. That leaves Keenum; he'll start the opener, and if he does well he'll hold onto the job for a while. If Washington stumbles early, you can start flipping coins.
Bold prediction: Williams gets traded for pick or player
Gruden said he "seriously doubts" they will trade the Pro Bowl left tackle, but the signs still point to Williams not returning. At some point, the Redskins will decide to move on -- possibly after the season begins. There are players rumored to be available, and while Jadeveon Clowney and Laremy Tunsil have been dealt, Tyreek Hill could be an option. The dynamic Chiefs receiver would require more than just Williams in a trade, but would add plenty of juice. Still, Washington might have to be content with a high draft pick in return. -- Keim
Speed reads before the opener
Keim: Dwayne Haskins showing talent, how much he still must learn
ESPN.com: Rookie QB update
Triplett: Derrius Guice and Josh Gordon could still be bargains
Football Outsiders: Ranking all 32 NFL teams by their under-25 talent