1. The Redskins defense has improved mightily this offseason. Their defensive line made some key acquisitions this offseason as well as their secondary. For example, Chris Culliver, cornerback from the San Francisco 49ers, Terrence Knighton, defensive tackle from the Denver Broncos were players that the Redskins acquired. They also have other players on defense that make a difference such as Bashaud Breeland, cornerback; Ryan Kerrigan, linebacker; DeAngelo Hall, cornerback; and Keenan Robinson, linebacker. The Redskins' much improved defense will give Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins offense a lot of problems.
2. Kirk Cousins is starting for the Redskins at the quarterback position and the Redskins offense seems to run better when Cousins is the quarterback in the game. He will also have some weapons too. He will have wide receivers Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon that he will be able to look out for going deep. Cousins has a good arm but at times he can get very inaccurate.
3. To take a lot of the pressure off Kirk Cousins throwing the ball, the Redskins running game will have to be effective. Although they are still not sure how running backs Alfred Morris and Matt Jones will split the carries.
With those big advantages that the Washington Redskins have, they should be able to win the game today but it won't be easy.
