Redskins game-by-game previews

This is a must-win game if the Redskins are to contend. New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh can relate to the Redskins’ quarterback conundrum. He juggled former No. 1 pick Alex Smith, veteran Josh McCown and rookie Colin Kaepernick in the preseason.

Sun, Nov. 13 at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m., Fox)

You think QB John Beck might have this one circled? The Dolphins drafted him 40th overall in 2007, but he fell out of favor when the front office and coaching staff were overhauled after a 1-15 season. Beck would love to stick it to a team that still hasn’t solved its quarterback situation. Of course, his revenge motive may be moot as long as Rex Grossman is the starter.

Sun, Nov. 20 vs. Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m., Fox)

Coming off four straight games in which the Redskins could be favored, they have to protect home field against a division rival. DE Stephen Bowen gets a second crack at his former team, which never thought enough of him to make him a regular starter.

Sun, Nov. 27 at Seattle Seahawks (4:05 p.m., Fox)

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more difficult finishing schedule than the Redskins’. Four of their final six opponents made the playoffs last season, and the Giants went 10-6. The noise at Century-Link Field makes Seattle’s home-field advantage among the best in the NFL.

Sun, Dec. 4 vs. New York Jets (1 p.m., CBS)

This is the Redskins' first game against the quarterback they coveted in the 2009 draft. Mark Sanchez might have worn burgundy and gold. Instead, he’s played in the AFC championship game in both of his NFL seasons.

Sun, Dec. 11 vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m., CBS)

This one is for those who love a good chess match. Mike Shanahan and Bill Belichick have five Lombardi trophies between them. Shanahan and Belichick are friends, and Shanahan even visited Patriots practices during his hiatus in 2009.

Sun, Dec. 18 at New York Giants (1 p.m., Fox)

The Redskins have beaten the Giants only once in their past 10 meetings. New York typically runsthe ball well and pressures the quarterback against Washington. NT Barry Cofield’s defection to the Redskins could help change that.

Sat, Dec. 24 vs. Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m., Fox)

If you don’t want to relive Donovan McNabb’s disastrous season in Washington, you might want to leave town early for your holiday vacation. Imagine if either team is in playoff contention. This one will be personal for McNabb, and he stuck it to Philly in a similar situation last October.

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