First Down

THURSDAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Red Wings start their quest for a repeat Stanley Cup title against Columbus. 7 p.m., Versus.

LOCAL POWER RANKINGS: WHO’S GENERATING BUZZ IN THE D.C. AREA

FLIP SAUNDERS

The coach will make the Wizards his third NBA spot. He’s good enough to get Gilbert and Co. to the playoffs, but will they defend?

DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY

With the NFL Draft nine days away, signs continue to point toward the former Maryland receiver going to Baltimore.

LASTINGS MILLEDGE

Some thought Manny Acta would wait a week before benching the center fielder. Seven games in, Milledge is in the minors.

JIM ZORN

The Redskins started 6-2 against a tough schedule last year; the early going this year is soft, and anything less than 4-2 is unacceptable.

CHRIS CLARK

The Capitals’ captain has been cleared for full practice. Depending on how the series goes, maybe he could give his team a lift.

TWT FIVE: Games Redskins should win

1. St. Louis (Sept. 20) — The Rams went 2-14 last year, and the Redskins handed them one of those wins.

2. At Detroit (Sept. 27) — Facing a team that went 0-16 last year this early in the season. The Lions will be better, but seriously, the Redskins have to win this one.

3. Kansas City (Oct. 18) — Another game against a new coach. The Chiefs’ offense could cause a problem, but the Redskins should be able put up points.

4. Denver (Nov. 15) — The Broncos have signed roughly 42 free agents, but they’ll still play subpar defense.

5. At Oakland (Dec. 13) — If JaMarcus Russell is the Raiders’ quarterback, there’s no excuse for the Redskins. This precedes prime-time home games against Dallas and the Giants.