Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants: Complete Week 15 Preview for Washington

While much of the Washington Redskins' season has centered on the failure of their top 2012 draft pick, Robert Griffin III, with the 2014 campaign winding down, the focus will soon shift to the 2015 NFL draft.

A contest that will have zero playoff implications, the Redskins' Week 15 bout with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, which airs on Fox on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. ET, will impact the order atop that draft. With the teams sporting three wins and four wins respectively, the loser of this NFC East matchup will inch closer to cracking the draft's top five selections.

But who will that be?

Let's find out. Here is the Week 15 preview for Washington.

Week 14 Recap

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The Washington Redskins' Week 14 contest with the St. Louis Rams was set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET. Apparently, though, their offense never got the memo. With the team's 24-0 loss to the Rams, Washington was shutout for the first time since 2011.

Coming off a career day against the Indianapolis Colts, Colt McCoy had his worst outing in a Washington uniform. Completing 20 of 32 passes, he only threw for 199 yards and had two interceptions. 

Done in by a porous offensive line, running back Alfred Morris was held to six yards rushing. As a team, the 'Skins tallied just 27 yards. It was Washington's lowest rushing output since 2011:

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27 rushing yards for the #Redskins, fewest in Redskins game since the John Beck Bills game in 2011, also a shutout.

— Rich Tandler (@Rich_TandlerCSN) December 8, 2014"

Looking at Washington's defense and special teams, both were a train wreck. Tavon Austin averaged over 35 yards a return, and his highlight was a 78-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Additionally, running the fly sweep repeatedly, he had 46 of St. Louis' 131 rushing yards.

As for the maligned secondary, it again allowed opposing receivers to run free deep downfield. Both Jared Cook and Kenny Britt had gains north of 35 yards, with Cook's 35-yard reception going for one of his two touchdowns.

With a closing schedule that features all NFC East teams, the signs are pointing to the Redskins duplicating last season's 3-13 record.

News and Notes

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Quarterback Roulette

McCoy was injured and awful in Week 14. RG3 is again in his head coach's doghouse. Oh, and Kirk Cousins has been inactive since Week 9.

Not much to choose from, right? Well, be that as it may, someone out of this trio has to start on Sunday against the Giants. See head coach Jay Gruden's dilemma?

While McCoy is likely the top option, Gruden's preparing as if he won't be available:

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Gruden said he won't decide on the starting quarterback right now. Said Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins also took reps today.

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 10, 2014"

With the four interceptions Cousins threw against New York earlier this season, the money should be on Griffin being the next man up.

Secondary Makeover

A team that's been marred by injury all season, no position group has been hit harder in Washington than the secondary.

As it stands, the likes of DeAngelo Hall, Tracy Porter and Chase Minnifield are out for the season. With these injuries and the constant breakdowns in coverage during games a root cause, the Redskins made some roster moves to address the secondary.

One week removed from signing defensive back Kenny Okoro, Washington bid adieu to Greg Ducre and welcomed Justin Rogers into the fold:

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ROSTER MOVES: The #Redskins have signed free agent CB Justin Rogers to their active roster.

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 10, 2014"

This his fourth NFL season since coming out of Richmond, Rogers last played in Week 12 of last season for the Houston Texans. Even with that said, he is a player who has starting experience.

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft, Rogers started seven games and tallied three interceptions in 34 games with the team.

A contributor on special teams as well, the possibility could present itself for Rogers to carve out a spot on next year's team.

Practice Scuffle

The Redskins have been beating themselves up all season with turnovers and mental mistakes, so why not in practice?

During practice, a fight broke out between Andre Roberts and Bashaud Breeland, via Fox Sports (warning: video contains NSFW language):

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Redskins players come to blows in practice. (Photo crtsy: @CSNMA) WATCH: http://t.co/XztGNU2zjw pic.twitter.com/3F7deVwthb

— FOX Sports NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 10, 2014"

Something you see often in training camp but rarely the regular season, this scuffle is an indication that the constant losing, not to mention the drama surrounding the team, has the players' frustration level at an all-time high.

Injury Report

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Player	Position	Injury Status
Chris Baker	DL	Probable
Barry Cofield	DL	Questionable
Will Compton	LB	Probable
Kedric Golston	DL	Questionable
Jason Hatcher	DT	Questionable
Roy Helu	RB	Questionable
DeSean Jackson	WR	Questionable
Colt McCoy	QB	Questionable
Brandon Meriweather	S	Questionable
Keenan Robinson	LB	Questionable

It's not just games that Washington can't win. The team's battle with injuries has been a losing one all year. Already decimated in the secondary, this week's injury report paints a grim picture for the strength of the front seven.

While the Giants' rushing attack is hardly one of the league's best, without the likes of Barry Cofield, Jason Hatcher and Keenan Robinson, the Redskins could be vulnerable to the run in Week 15.

Ultimately, with how easily New York moved the ball in this season's first matchup, this injury report doesn't elicit much confidence that Washington can stop the Giants this go-round either.

All injury statuses from CBSSports.com.

X-Factor and Matchups to Watch

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Washington Secondary vs. New York Receivers

Do you remember Week 4?

If not, here's a refresher. Eli Manning threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns with tight end Larry Donnell being his biggest benefactor, with three touchdowns. Mind you, this was before Odell Beckham Jr. ever played a snap in the NFL.

While you could chalk up Beckham's presence with Victor Cruz's absence in this one as a wash, the fact remains that Washington's secondary will have its hands full in this matchup.

With that said, it'll be crucial for the 'Skins to limit big plays. Mostly a result of blown coverages, this has been a problem area for the secondary in recent weeks.

Although Manning, for the most part, lived off short passes in Week 4, with his reputation for throwing interceptions—he has eight picks the past five games—the Redskins can live with a methodical approach if it results in him making mistakes.

Redskins Front Seven vs. Giants Running Backs

Tied into the idea that Manning is the Giants' biggest weapon and weakness on offense, it's crucial for the Redskins to place the fate of New York's offense solely in his hands.

To do that, Washington will have to corral the likes of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams. A team that's 21st in the NFL in rushing with 103.8 yards per game, it's no coincidence that New York's average jumps to 153.2 yards per game in wins.

With his defensive front hampered with injuries, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett may have to utilize blitzes to accomplish this feat.

X-Factor of the Week: Washington Offensive Line

It's not one player, but a whole group this week. The starting quarterback or Morris may be more logical candidates, but as was the case in Week 14, both are ultimately at the mercy of the men blocking up front—or attempting to anyways.

A unit that's given up an insane 18 sacks the past three weeks, per ESPN.com—four teams haven't exceeded that number on the season!—pass protection has to be priority No. 1. While the Giants only had two sacks back in Week 4, it was the consistent pressure they put on Cousins that led to his four interceptions.

With an emphasis on ball control, the Redskins could pull the upset if, for once, their offensive line answers the bell.

Prediction

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The closer we get to the end of the 2014 NFL season, the more the Giants' 45-14 win over Washington looks like an outlier. Donnell was the star of that contest, but what has he done since? In the last nine weeks, he has just two touchdowns and two games of 50-plus yards receiving.

As for the defense that tallied six turnovers and allowed 14 points, minus the abysmal offenses in San Francisco and Tennessee, each of New York's opponents since Week 4 has eclipsed 24 points.

So, to be blunt, the Giants aren't a good team. Fortunately for them, it doesn't take one to beat the Redskins, especially at home.

Washington has lost five straight games overall and 13 of its last 14 road contests. With a lengthy list of injured starters, there's little incentive to pick this team to reverse this trend. Sans Manning serving this game up with a plethora of turnovers, the 'Skins will solidify their spot in the cellar of the NFC East.

Prediction: Giants 24, Redskins 13