Evan Vucci/AP
Robert Griffin III is expected to be at full strength coming off his concussion against the Falcons, and hopefully he will learn from running flush out of the pocket.
The more you run in the NFL, the more you are prone to major injuries and certainly the Redskins need their franchise quarterback to stay in the pocket and in one piece.
The Redskins are not loaded with playmakers to allow Griffin to go bonkers every game, but they do have Alfred Morris. Running in between tackles fairly well this season.
In fact, Washington is currently fourth in the NFL averaging 162.6 yards per game and it will be a stiff challenge going up against Chad Greenway and sixth rated run defense of Minnesota.
The Vikings defense has been sensational this year, allowing just 304 yards per game (seventh). Jasper Brinkley and Erin Henderson has made this linebacker corps one of the best in the NFL and their secondary has avoided getting burnt as well.
Antoine Winfield and Harrison Smith are the big names, but collectively everybody has put together solid performances thus far. Their strength of schedule ranks among the easiest so far, but they have played just one divisional game (victory over Lions on road).
The home victory over San Francisco caught the attention from everybody around the league and their quick defense has enabled the offense to play mistake free football.
When quarterback Christian Ponder is not throwing the ball all over the place, this team is capable of playing in the postseason.
Adrian Peterson looks like he is fully recovered from his torn ACL and a sprained ankle should not do too much. Percy Harvin (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week and that could be a concern since he is such a vocal part of the offense.
Without Percy, Minnesota’s offense is a bit more one-dimensional and don’t forget that the former Gator is electric in the backfield and on special teams.
RGIII may not have Jerry Rice or John Taylor or even J.J. Stokes, but this a desperate ‘Skins squad that will find a way to upset what has been a Cinderella story through five games.
Network: FOX (714)
Time: 4:25 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Redskins by 1.5
Danny V’s Pick: Redskins 21, Minnesota 17
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