Redskins at Cowboys
Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas,
Sunday, Oct. 24

AT A GLANCE: In a classic example of why this is one of the NFL’s classic rivalries, the Cowboys prevailed in a Week One overtime shootout against the Redskins. Both teams are legitimate contenders for the division title.

With the Redskins having won four games in a row since that Week One loss, this classic rivalry game should live up to the hype.

Until last week, the Redskins looked like two different teams. The offense was spectacular, and the defense was horrific. However, vs. the Cardinals, the defense made strides. In the first four games of the year, the Redskins allowed 29.5 points per game. Last week, they limited Arizona to just 10 points.

It should be noted, though, that the Cardinals’ offense has been struggling this season. Washington will be in for a bigger test this week vs. a Cowboys offense that has been potent at times.

In the 1990s, Dallas is 11-8 straight up and 13-6 against the spread vs. Washington. The Cowboys have won the last four meetings (3-1 vs. the spread).

WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL:

Early in last week’s game at Arizona, Redskins QB Brad Johnson actually looked mortal. He threw his first two interceptions of the season as the offense didn’t get off to its usual fast start.

The slow start last week was only temporary, though, as the Redskins finished the game with 410 yards. The team is averaging 412 yards and 34.8 points per game. Much of the credit must go to Johnson, as his accurate passing has given Washington an aerial assault it hadn’t had in years. In the first meeting of the season, Johnson passed for 382 yards.

However, the Cowboys were missing their top two cornerbacks — Deion Sanders and Kevin Smith — so it could be a different story this time around. Since Sanders entered the lineup this season, the Cowboys haven’t allowed more than 139 passing yards (not including Week Six’s Monday-night game). Look for the Redskins to avoid Sanders, instead choosing to test Smith, who still isn’t 100 percent.

RB Stephen Davis is off to a remarkable start. He looked good against Dallas in Week One, but the Cowboys’ defense has tightened up since then.