Redskins vs. Broncos: Key Matchups to Monitor in Week 8

The Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins square off in Week 8 in a contest of very potent offenses. This game could end up closer than we think, and there are a few key matchups to keep an eye on throughout the entirety of the contest.

Denver and Washington rank first and fourth, respectively, in the NFL in total offense. Their defenses, on the other hand, have had problems stopping opponents from putting up points of their own. This game has all the makings of a shootout from the very beginning.

These two teams enter play in Week 8 with drastically different mindsets. The Redskins enter having won in Week 7 in a shootout against the Chicago Bears, and their confidence is likely through the roof. Denver comes into the game having just lost to Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. No longer undefeated, Peyton Manning and Co. will look to get back on track against Washington.

In a week that the schedule-makers bogged down with potential blowouts, this game figures to be exciting throughout because of a few important matchups.

Robert Griffin III vs. Denver Secondary

While both the Broncos and the Redskins feature strong running backs in Knowshon Moreno and Alfred Morris, it'll be the passing games of both teams that decide the outcome.

Robert Griffin III had arguably his best game of the season in Week 7, compiling 298 yards through the air with two passing touchdowns. He added on 84 rush yards on 11 carries.

Denver's secondary will have to keep him in check in both the air and on the ground in this one, but it'll also have to play extra close attention to the tight end position. Logan Paulsen will be targeted heavily by Griffin, especially when you consider the fact that Denver has allowed six-plus catches and 74-plus yards to opposing tight ends three times this season.

If Griffin can stay within himself and hit the open receivers, then there's a good chance that Washington will be able to put up points against a very weak Denver secondary that plays soft coverage. It'll be up to Griffin to exploit that.

Expect Griffin to stay in the air throughout most of the game. He'll pick his spots in regard to when he will run the ball, but Denver's pass defense is too weak not to look to throw.

Peyton Manning vs. Washington Secondary

Washington's attempt to stop Peyton Manning from hooking up with his plethora of weapons could be made even more difficult. Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports that safety Reed Doughty won't play against Denver, and that's one less quality player in the secondary to keep Manning in check.

Manning has built a solid rapport with each of his receiving targets. Wes Welker and Julius Thomas lead the NFL with eight touchdown receptions apiece. Eric Decker is second in the NFL with 627 receiving yards, and Demaryius Thomas check in with 610 receiving yards—tied for fourth in the league.

Denver's offense is the more prolific unit (even if only by a little), and that puts immense pressure on the Washington defense. If the Redskins can't contain at least two of the aforementioned receivers, they're going to have a difficult time winning the game.

The loss of Doughty will make it difficult to defend the deep ball, as Decker and Thomas have both seen success this season over the top of defenses. 

Look for Manning to have a big game, but a strong showing by Washington's secondary can mitigate his success.

Trindon Holliday vs. Washington Special Teams

This is an extremely underappreciated aspect of Denver's game. Trindon Holliday is one of the most explosive return men in the NFL, and his ability to give his team good field position throughout the game will influence the end result.

He averages 34.9 yards per kick return and 11.4 yards per punt return. He already has two touchdowns (one kick return and one punt return).

There are two strategies that the Redskins can put into play against Holliday. The first one is to simply not allow him to return kicks. By kicking it to the other side of the field or kicking high, short kickoffs could be the best option.

The other option is to simply squib the ball up the middle of the field, though this can easily backfire if it is caught near midfield and return for a few yards.

Field position is a huge part of Denver's game, and Washington's ability to keep Holliday in check will help them to compete with one of the NFL's best teams.