Sunday, September 7, 2014

NRG Stadium in Houston

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In what could be a battle between 2 of the teams vying for the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the week 1 matchup between the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans is one that could answer a lot of questions. Without Matt Schaub, the Texans are now moving on with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback and he will square off against Robert Griffin III. The game will be held at NRG Stadium, which was formerly known as Reliant Stadium and is the starting point to what both teams will hope to be a resurgent season.

Washington's roster is not filled with many big names aside from Griffin III, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Alfred Morris, and Brian Orapko. These players will all be looking to lead the Redskins to the top of the National Football Conference East division, but for them to be most successful; they must get a solid performance from Griffin III. A year ago, many fans and pundits thought the Redskins would have been better off with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and the former Michigan State product is still the backup that is waiting to take over as the No. 1 guy.

Even without a stud quarterback, the Texans roster still has some of the biggest names in the sport in Andre Johnson and Arian Foster. When healthy, the latter is a top 3 player at the position and after playing in just 8 games a year ago, will look to bounce back from injury with a massive performance to begin the season. On the defensive side of the ball, the team is anchored by one of the best defensive ends in the sport in J.J. Watt. The team also has Brian Cushing and 2014 NFL Draft No. 1 pick, Jadeveon Clowney, at the linebacker position.

Injuries to Watch

Washington Redskins

08/29/14 NT Chris Neild Knee doubtful Sunday vs. Houston
08/26/14 S Brandon Meriweather Suspension expected to miss weeks 1-2 of regular season
08/13/14 WR Leonard Hankerson Knee out indefinitely
08/13/14 S Phillip Thomas Hamstring out indefinitely
08/13/14 DE Stephen Bowen Knee PUP

Houston Texans

08/13/14 G Cody White Achilles out for season
07/27/14 T David Quessenberry Illness out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Houston

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