Patriots vs. Redskins: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

The New England Patriots are rolling right now, and they are prepared to ride right over the Washington Redskins. The Patriots' passing attack has another spectacular weapon with tight end Rob Gronkowski. He has taken tons of pressure off of Wes Welker and Tom Brady.

Meanwhile, the Redskins' pass defense is the lone bright spot for a team that has lost seven of their last eight games after starting 3-1. The Redskins simply can’t score with any consistency. They have topped 20 points only two times in this stretch of futility.

The Patriots have feasted on backup QBs over the past three games, and Rex Grossman equates to about the same level of play. This one could get ugly.

When: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD

Watch: CBS

Listen: 1280 AM in Massachusetts, 1410 in DC

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass (29.99 for year, 27.99 team specific, 9.99 a month)

Betting Line from bodog.com

Though the Patriots are favorites, -9 is not too much in this game. The Patriots are peeking and most of the defense is beginning to step up as well. It’s a huge number, but one I think the Pats will cover.

What’s At Stake:

The Redskins don’t have much to play for beyond momentum. The best possible finish they can have is 8-8. That won’t get them in the playoffs, unless they win the NFC East, which is far-fetched. A record of 6-10 would still leave them in play for either Matt Barkley or Robert Griffin III in the draft.

The Patriots need to win out to ensure they can wrap up home field throughout the playoffs. The race is tight with the Texans, Steelers and Ravens.

Patriots' Injury Report:

Brandon Spikes doubtful knee

Julian Edelman  questionable back

Patrick Chung   questionable foot

Devin McCourty questionable shoulder

Wes Welker       questionable knee

Danny Woodhead questionable  abdomen

Redskins' Injury Report:

LaRon Landry doubtful groin

Sav Rocca doubtful left ankle

Terrence Austin questionable hamstring

Stephen Bowen questionable knee

Jammal Brown questionable hip

London Fletcher questionable  ankle

DeAngelo Hall questionable back

Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit ‘Em, Sleeper

Start: Tom Brady, QB

There is tons of talk about Rob Gronkowski and his record-breaking TD-catching pace, but don’t forget about Brady. Even if the Redskins try to key on Gronk, Brady will find other weapons. Either way Brady still lights it up for a nice fantasy performance.

Sit: Wes Welker

Welker isn’t likely to be 100 percent, compound that with the fact that he may be shadowed by DeAngelo Hall. I think this will be a slightly below average fantasy day for Welker, if he plays.

Sleeper: Deion Branch

If Welker is out or hindered and the Redskins turn their pass coverage to limit Gronkowski, which is likely, Branch is in line to have some great opportunities. Branch is still the Patriots' best downfield threat with nine plays of 20-plus yards this season. Branch is in line for a big day.

What They’re Saying:

John Atchison, Washington Redskins Writer from Yahoo Sports believes the Skins have a chance to “topple the Patriots.” Here is an excerpt about one of his keys to a Washington Victory:

"

 “Don't abandon your Helu! - This has got to be the most important piece of the puzzle. As I described last week, Helu has become the Redskins' best weapon. New England might rank tenth in the league against the run, but yards can be had. Don't give Helu ten carries and then forget him for two quarters.”

"

While I do believe sticking with the run game is essential, I just don’t believe in Rex Grossman’s ability to perform in a big game. The Skins offense will need balance and it will have to score points. For as good as the defense has played, 16 points won’t win this game for them.

Tom Brady had this to say in an interview published on boston.com, when questioned about the Skins' pass rush, specifically Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan:

"

"They're good, very good," Brady said. "They can rush. They're good in coverage too. I think that's the thing that surprises a lot of people because they're 260, 265 pound guys.

"I feel like every week we're talking about their pass rushers and we've played quite a few good pass rushers this year," Brady continued. "I think these two guys are right up there in terms of their ability to set the edge in the running game, to collapse a pocket, to strip sack the quarterback. Even if they're not sacking the quarterback they're forcing the ball out quickly. They're good players. I think they're the key to the whole defense."

"

Brady is aware of the challenge this defense can cause his team. It offers some similar looks that the divisional rival NY Jets offer, but the Skins have better athletes at the LB spot.

I expect draws, screens and slants early to get the Skins' rushers on their heels. The Patriots have tons of weapons, especially when they’re clicking as they are right now.

Patriots Players To Watch

Rob Gronkowski is having a historic season for a tight end. Gronk needs just one TD catch to break Vernon Davis’ record for TD receptions by a tight end.

I’d say Gronk is a good bet to break that record on Sunday.

Redskins Player To Watch

How Rex Grossman performs dictates how close the Skins can keep this game. If he is smart with the ball and able to engineer decent drives, his defense and running game will keep him in the game.

If he turns the ball over, the Skins will lose by at least three TDs.

Key Matchup

Rex Grossman vs. the Patriots' secondary is the key to this game. The Pats' secondary will try to bait Grossman into throwing picks and making poor decisions. The winner of this matchup will win the game.

On the Hot Seat

Losing this game is expected for Mike Shanahan, but when you look at the big picture, losing eight out of nine is pretty bad. The Skins would have the Giants next. If they are to keep their ever so slim NFC East hopes alive, they have to win out. A four or five-win season will test Washington’s commitment to Shanahan.

Prediction

The Patriots have too much firepower for the Redskins. Washington has the better defense with two dynamic young pass rushers in Orakpo and Kerrigan, but they will only slow the Patriots for a while.

Ultimately, the Redskins will have to produce more points than they’re capable of.

Patriots 28 Redskins 10