2014 Week 1 NFC Power Rankings

Washington Redskins quarterback

III. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

12. Washington Redskins (2013 record: 3-13) Last season finish: No postseason

Week 1 Matchup: at Houston Texans 9/7 1:00 PM EST

Washington is hoping that RGIII is fully healed and primed to return to his rookie season form. A tumultuous relationship with Mike Shanahan ended that era rather quickly.

Washington is trying to refresh the locker room by bringing in Jay Gruden to completely revamp a porous Washington team from a season ago. An added bonus was the unexpected signing of superstar Desean Jackson. His talent alone upgrades an aerial attack that already features a talented Pierre Garcon and emerging Jordan Reed.

Also adding Andre Roberts from Arizona could make this a legitimate passing attack. The defense however had all sorts of issues last season. Plagued by secondary breakdowns and injuries, the Redskins couldn’t stop a nosebleed. A healthy Brian Orakpo will help their woes.

The additions of former Chief Akeem Jordan and former Cowboy Jason Hatcher should also help ease the pain in DC.