What to Expect from Kirk Cousins, Redskins Offense in Week 16

Full of drama and stuffed with turmoil while sitting at a hopeless 3-11, the Washington Redskins' season is well past that of a lost cause. But the Redskins' newfound potency on offense should continue for the final two weeks of the season, including Washington's game against their bitter rival and playoff-pushing Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field this Sunday. 

Despite their seven turnovers in a losing effort against the Falcons last Sunday, the Redskins offense made waves with the most yards we've seen gained in more than a month and backup quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing for the most yards in a game by a Washington quarterback all season.

Thanks to a pair of games against miserable defenses to end the season, a division rivalry and Cousins' excitement to showcase his ability, Redskins fans should have something to cheer for (kind of) to close out the year. 

Know Your Opponent 

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the Cowboys defense is graded fourth-worst in the NFL, consisting of a rushing defense allowing nearly five yards per carry (31st) and a pass-coverage unit allowing the most passing yards and the second-most passing touchdowns in the league. 

So yes, the Cowboys are bad. And if the Redskins can even halve their turnovers from a week ago, we could be in store for some high output on offense and a few notable additions for your fantasy roster.

Let's take a look at few key matchups this Sunday that could help determine the outcome of the game.

Alfred Morris vs. Cowboys Rushing Defense

The Cowboys have allowed more than 100 rushing yards in 10 of their 14 games this season, making Redskins running back Alfred Morris a real threat to break his five-game streak of not going over the century mark. 

The success of the Redskins passing attack depends solely on the team's ability to run the football. Although Morris doesn't necessarily need to eclipse the 100-yard mark to be effective, sticking it to the Dallas defense and gouging them for five yards per carry is key. And certainly doable. 

Pierre Garcon vs. Brandon Carr/Orlando Scandrick

As the Redskins' primary receiving target, Pierre Garcon provides a key matchup regardless of who covers him. Whether it's Brandon Carr or Orlando Scandrick, Garcon—who is coming off one of his best performances of the season last week—is Cousins' most reliable target and one of just a few playmakers on this Redskins team. 

Trent Williams vs. DeMarcus Ware

Despite just two sacks in his last five games since returning from a quad injury, DeMarcus Ware will make his way into the opposing team's game plan every week. 

Although Redskins left tackle Trent Williams is above and beyond the best offensive lineman in Washington, he's experienced his fair share of struggles in recent weeks. 

Logan Paulsen vs. Cowboys LBs

Assuming Jordan Reed misses more time as he recovers from a concussion, Logan Paulsen remains the Redskins' starting tight end. 

The Cowboys are allowing more than 60 yards per game to opposing tight ends this season, making Paulsen a viable receiver in the passing game, not to mention a likely checkdown option for Cousins. 

The Redskins Offense vs. Sean Lee...or Not

The Cowboys middle linebacker is an absolute stud, so no Sean Lee as he continues to recover from a neck injury helps the Redskins offense in more ways than one. 

Team owner Jerry Jones is reportedly concerned that Lee won't return to the field this season at all, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

Finally, let's take a look at the Redskins' checklist of requirements if they want to win on Sunday and spoil the Cowboys' last hurrah at a division title. 

Stay Accurate

En route to his 381 yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta, Kirk Cousins had a rather efficient and accurate day throwing the football, completing better than 64 percent of his passes for the game.

Whether the result of off-man coverage or not, Cousins put the ball where it needed to be (sans the interceptions and a handful of breath-holders) and he'll need to keep that up against what should be tighter coverage from the Cowboys.  

Protect the Rock

Seven turnovers? Seriously? The Redskins were beyond fortunate enough to even be a part of the game last week in Atlanta, and they should all send thank you cards to the Falcons for being so terrible and allowing the contest to remain competitive.

While the Cowboys defense may not intimidate anyone, they've forced 26 turnovers this season, which is good for sixth in the NFL. Sure, they may not be consistent. But don't make it easy for them. 

Hope that Darrel Young Is Healthy

The fullback plays such a key role in the Redskins rushing attack, and it doesn't take long to notice when Darrel Young isn't in the game. 

Obviously, no one wants Young playing in a meaningless game at the risk of long-term injury, but his presence and play makes a difference and would do so this Sunday. 

Stretch the Defense

We saw Cousins heave the ball downfield successfully a few times last game, and everyone—both chicks and dudes alike—dig the long ball. 

In addition to attainable yards after the catch, the Redskins need to take advantage of the Cowboys defense allowing more than seven yards per pass attempt and take their shots down field with guys like Aldrick Robinson and Pierre Garcon. Stretch the defense, attack the safeties and keep them on their toes.