5 Bold Predictions for Washington Redskins' Week 12 Matchup

Entering their Week 12 matchup, the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers are trending, predictably, in opposite directions.

Under the stewardship of Jim Harbaugh, the Niners are once again making a push for a playoff berth. As for Washington, it's coming off the low point of its season, a 27-7 loss to the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Say what you want about the Redskins being a downtrodden franchise—they've had at least six losses at this point in the season the past four years, after all—but who saw that loss, by that margin, coming?

That's the NFL, though. You have to expect the unexpected.

With that said, here are five bold predictions for this contest.

Pierre Garcon Will Lead Washington in Receiving

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As their offensive numbers dictate, the Redskins simply can't engineer or finish drives. Despite being eighth in total yards, they are just 22nd in the NFL in points per game. Washington converts third downs at an NFC-low 34.4 percent of the time.

Knowing this, you'd have to think that San Francisco would be keen on taking away the big-play element from the Skins offense, namely DeSean Jackson.

Enter Pierre Garcon.

Relegated to being the team's No. 2 receiver with Jackson's arrival, the franchise's record-holder for receptions in a season has been a forgotten man on most Sundays this year. In the past three games alone, Garcon has a combined 68 yards on eight receptions. 

With Jackson likely to be the focal point of San Francisco's defensive game plan, in addition to Jordan Reed being banged up, Garcon's role will have to increase in Week 12.

Look for Washington's passing attack to utilize short passes and the screen game more frequently in order to get the ball out quickly because of the Niners pass rush.

A player who has tallied 32 of his 42 receptions on passes traveling less than 10 yards, Garcon should benefit from this strategy and in turn finish the game as his team's leading receiver.

Robert Griffin III Will Lead the Team in Rushing

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Through 10 games in 2014, the 49ers have allowed a running back to surpass 100 yards just twice. With Alfred Morris in the midst of a 17-game drought in this department, he's not a true threat to increase this number.

In fact, with the state of his offensive line, he'd be lucky to eclipse 50 yards against San Fran's defensive front. After all, Morris was held to just 52 yards rushing in last season's matchup. And mind you, that was with a healthy Trent Williams in the lineup. 

While his status remains up in the air for this bout, it's hard to imagine Williams being 100 percent after spraining his knee and ankle against Tampa Bay. Averaging 5.4 yards per rush on runs to the left side, Morris' production could drop further with a limp Williams in the lineup.

Which brings us to Robert Griffin III. Since returning from a dislocated ankle, he's shown more of a willingness to scramble. In the past two games, the mercurial quarterback has 13 rushes for 65 yards.

Whether it's as a scrambler or with the read-option, look for Griffin to lean heavily on his legs and ultimately lead his team in rushing.

Redskins Defense Will Have at Least 5 Sacks

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Washington's offensive line isn't the only one that struggles in pass protection.

Renowned for having one of the league's best offensive lines in past seasons, the 49ers are currently 28th in the NFL in sacks allowed. In six of 10 games this season, starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been sacked at least three times. 

While the Redskins pass rush has been inconsistent this season, it has had stretches of dominance. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, this unit tallied 10 sacks. Looking toward this matchup with the Niners, though, Washington's showing against the Dallas Cowboys bears the most importance. Behind an array of blitzes, the team finished with five sacks against Dallas.

With Kaepernick known to struggle against pressure—15 of his sacks have come against the blitz—the Skins could have the opportunity to rack up a high sack total. Albeit in a losing effort, look for Ryan Kerrigan and company to garner at least five sacks.

Colt McCoy Will Get Playing Time

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Frustrated by the dismal play of their supposed franchise quarterback, Redskins fans called for Colt McCoy to enter the game in the latter stages of Washington's Week 11 loss to the Bucs:

"

Washington fans chanted “WE WANT COLT!” as RG3 struggled: http://t.co/7hdo1pQn3g pic.twitter.com/QIFp29Gsmx

— SB Nation (@SBNation) November 16, 2014"

With the Redskins' struggling offense headed to San Francisco in Week 12, the Washington faithful could get their wish. The difference, though, is that McCoy will enter the game in mop-up duty.

As much as Griffin needs the game reps, behind a porous offensive line that could potentially be without two starters, it wouldn't be the wisest idea to expose the injury-prone quarterback to additional hits once the game gets out of hand, especially going against a stout 49ers front seven.

True, San Fran will be without defensive stalwarts NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis in this matchup. Still, it's not as if this duo was the biggest problem for Washington in last year's 27-6 loss. 

Except for Donte Whitner, the players responsible for the six sacks and nine quarterback hits the Niners recorded in that contest are all healthy and on the active roster. And leading that group is one Aldon Smith.

Let's just face it: Regardless of how poorly Griffin plays, with what the team spent to acquire him, he's the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Washington Won't Cover the Spread

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Tied to the idea that McCoy will see playing time, Washington won't cover the point spread in this contest. OddsShark.com lists the Skins as 10.5-point underdogs.

Sporting a 3-7 overall record on the season, the team's mark against the spread (ATS) is identical. With the lone cover being its Week 8 upset of the Cowboys—one led by McCoy, by the way—Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games.

Still leaning toward the underdog? Then take a look at the Skins' history in this role against the 49ers. They are 0-3-2 ATS in their past five games as an underdog against San Francisco. 

Prediction: 49ers 24, Redskins 10