NFL Picks Week 1: Will Redskins Have What It Takes to Challenge Giants?

The first week of the NFL season is generally full of surprises. As some teams are inevitably more ready for the season than others, underdogs will come away with a few surprise victories.

When picking possible upsets, the Washington Redskins over the New York Giants would probably not be among the most often predicted.

The Redskins are without a solid quarterback under center and collectively, their offensive talent is badly lacking. Then, of course, there is their defense. Last season, they were one of the worst in the league. They looked improved in the preseason, but they still have a lot of work to do.

The relative mismatch in talent is enough to make you wonder how the Redskins will even keep from getting blown out, much less pull out a win.

Why, then, does it feel like they might have what it takes to get it done?

Those looking for a reason that they might be able to win should look no further than their running game. The trio they will run out there will feature no households names, but they will be productive.

Tim Hightower has quietly been a very productive runner over the last few seasons, Ryan Torain showed flashes of brilliance last season and the team is high on Roy Helu.

The offensive line is also something for Washington to hang its hat on. They have a veteran group that knows what it takes to be successful. There will be a lot on the broad shoulders of that group this season.

The Giants also aren't a sure thing to be world-beaters.

Eli Manning has played well ever since he said he thought he was an elite quarterback, but he is still Eli Manning, a good, but not great, quarterback.

Defensively, the Giants are good, but they have been dealing with injuries and the ever-shifting moods of Osi Umenyiora.

It's a lot to ask of the Redskins to pull off this upset, but oddly, they seem capable. Games like this being interesting are what makes the the first week of the NFL season so much fun.