Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Redskins by 1
Forecast: There's a 20 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the mid-50s.
Records: Redskins (7-6; NFC East 3-1); Browns (5-8; AFC North 2-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Oct. 19, 2008: Redskins 14, Browns 11; Sept. 3, 2004: Browns 17, Redskins 13. Series record: Browns lead 33-10-1.
What matters: Robert Griffin III’s health. Everything changes based on Griffin’s availability because of his Grade 1 LCL sprain. If Griffin can play, the Redskins can’t use caution; they must run an offense as if he were healthy. Griffin’s absence would hurt for obvious reasons. But it’s not just his playmaking ability, it’s the way he fools the defense’s eyes for so long, creating opportunities for others to get free. Kirk Cousins can run the offense, but he can’t impact other positions like Griffin.
Who matters: RB Alfred Morris. Because of Morris, the Redskins still have a chance at a good offensive showing if Griffin can’t play. While Morris gets yards because ends are fooled by the zone read, he also breaks numerous tackles and does well against physical defenses. Morris’ only issue is ball security; he’s lost a fumble in each of the past two games.
Key matchups: Redskins WR Pierre Garcon vs. CB Joe Haden. When Haden plays the Browns are a different defense as he’s a legitimate No. 1 corner. Garcon continues to regain a little more explosiveness each week and will test Haden. Redskins Gs Chris Chester and Kory Lichtensteiger vs. DTs Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. The Redskins have struggled vs. bigger fronts; both Taylor and Rubin weigh more than 330 pounds.
Inside stuff: The Redskins’ defensive backs continue to have issues and that could present a big problem Sunday. While Browns QB Brandon Weeden has thrown 15 picks (and nearly several others), he does have a strong arm and will go deep, especially to rookie WR Josh Gordon. The Redskins have been beaten three times the past two weeks, only to be spared by a missed connection. Another passer to watch: fellow rookie Kirk Cousins, if he has to play that is. Cousins is a more aggressive thrower than Griffin and more decisive. But it led to issues in training camp and in the preseason and it’s hard to imagine it not being a factor Sunday.
Connections: Redskins defensive line coach Jacob Burney served two years in the same role with Cleveland (1994-95). Redskins linebackers coach Bob Slowik was the Browns’ defensive coordinator in 1999. Browns senior assistant/defensive coach Ray Rhodes was Washington’s defensive coordinator in 2000. Redskins linebacker London Fletcher will be playing his first NFL game in his hometown. The Browns have five players with D.C. roots: DB Johnson Bademosi, WR Joshua Cribbs, DB Joe Haden, DL Ahtyba Rubin, DL Phil Taylor and DB Usama Young. Also, Browns MLB D’Qwell Jackson played at the University of Maryland.
Stat you should know: The Redskins’ offense continues to post impressive numbers. Washington has rushed for 150 yards or more 10 times this season; no other team has hit that number more than six times. If the Redskins do it again they’ll match a team record set in 1983.
Injury report: Griffin is questionable with his sprained knee and will be a game-time decision. LT Trent Williams (thigh) was limited in practice; LB London Fletcher (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but is expected to play.
Looking ahead: The Redskins, one game behind in the playoff race for both the NFC East title or the final wild card spot, could still get in with a loss Sunday and help. But they would then need to sweep their final two games, a road game at Philadelphia and a home game vs. Dallas. The Eagles continue to struggle and facing a hated rival at home in the finale for a playoff spot would make that one of the most intense atmospheres FedEx Field has seen.
Prediction: Redskins 21, Browns 17
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.
