Washington Redskins' 5 Toughest Games in 2011

With just a few days left until the start of the 2011 NFL season, most fans are probably wondering which games they can look forward to as the biggest challenges for their Washington Redskins.

With the six NFC East games and matchups with the AFC East, the Redskins will be tested several times this year. It's tough to narrow them down and figure out which games will be most difficult, but that's exactly what we did.

Here are the five toughest games for Mike Shanahan's squad this season.

5. Sept. 11th vs Eli Manning and the New York Giants

There is always extra pressure for the first game of the NFL season. But on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a matchup with the New York Giants is especially big.

Even without the outside significance, the Giants are a division rival, and a talented one at that. Eli Manning's squad hasn't had a losing season since 2004, and they are coming off a 10-6 season which was disappointing.

The first game often sets the tone for the whole season. The Washington Redskins desperately need to start with a win if they are going to be competitive this year. But the Giants will be just as eager to start off well, which makes this one of the toughest games of the season.

4. Sept. 26th at the Dallas Cowboys (and Tony Romo)

The Washington Redskins travel to the "House that Jerry Built" the third week of the season.

As if a Redskins-Dallas Cowboys game isn't big enough, this one will be broadcast on Monday Night Football.

The Cowboys are looking to improve off a disappointing 2010 campaign, and with Tony Crawford-I mean Romo back, many think Dallas is a playoff team, even in the cutthroat NFC East.

The trip to Dallas is always one of the Redskins toughest games, and this year will be no different.

3. Jan. 1st at the Philadelphia Eagles (and of Course Michael Vick)

I don't think I need to remind anyone what happened the last time the Washington Redskins played Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Redskins' players certainly will remember (and if not, I think there are still blood stains on the field). If Mike Shanahan's crew is going to improve, they need to win division games.

This game will certainly be a challenge. Lincoln Financial Field is a tough place to play (with all the batteries thrown at your head), and the Eagles are a trendy Super Bowl pick in 2011.

The Redskins will have to have their A game to steal win here for the second straight year.

2. Dec. 4th vs Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets

In playing the AFC East, the Washington Redskins have to play two of the best teams in the league.

Rex Ryan brings his New York Jets to FedEx Field on Dec. 4th. The Jets have played in two straight AFC Championships, and will be just as good (if not better) this season.

The Redskins will have to be at their best to surprise the Jets. Hopefully the corpulent Ryan gives the Redskins players some extra motivation with his signature mouth running.

1. Dec. 11th vs Tom Brady and the New England Patriots

The powers that be did the Washington Redskins no favors in scheduling their December games. A week after hosting the New York Jets, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots come to town.

Obviously, Bill Belichick's squad presents a huge challenge. The Patriots have had double-digit wins every season since 2003. New England was 14-2 a year ago, and they have added Chad Ochocinco to their roster.

This will be the hardest game the Redskins play all season. They will be fresh off a very tough game, and Bill Belichick's team will not overlook them. They have to come ready for this one.