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Green Bay Packers 2018 opponent preview: Washington Redskins

By Freddie Boston

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 19: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers hands the ball off against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 19, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 19: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers hands the ball off against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 19, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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A closer look at the Washington Redskins, who the Green Bay Packers meet this season.

A change at quarterback brings new hope to Washington Redskins fans.

NFC East champions three years ago, can the Redskins return to the playoffs in 2018? The last time they made the postseason, the Green Bay Packers ended their season in the wild-card round.

They meet again this season. Here’s a look at Washington’s offseason.

Last season

It was a disappointing 2017 season for the Redskins. They finished 7-9, good for just third place in the NFC East. It was the second year in a row they had finished third and missed out on the playoffs.

When is the game?

Green Bay visits Washington at FedExField in Week 3. The game kicks off at 12 noon CT on Sunday, Sept. 23.

Offseason additions

The offseason will be considered a success if the decision to replace Kirk Cousins with Alex Smith pays off. After trading for Smith, the Redskins let Cousins walk in free agency.

The team then looked to get Smith some help on offense. They signed wide receiver Paul Richardson in free agency, then used their second-round pick on running back Derrius Guice.

In need of help along the defensive line, Washington selected nose tackle Daron Payne with the 13th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Last meeting with Packers

Nov. 20, 2016: Redskins won 42-24 at FedExField

Player to watch

Alex Smith: This one is a no-brainer. How will the three-time Pro Bowler impact the Washington offense? Will his arrival make the Redskins a better football team?

We’ll begin to find out the answer early in the season. By the time the Packers play the Redskins, they will have two games of tape to study with Smith in at quarterback.

A week earlier, the Packers will host Washington’s former quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Guice might win the starting running back job this summer, and could be a big factor in the outcome of this game.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

But as this will be just Smith’s third regular season game since being traded, he’s the player to watch. Washington’s season depends on this trade.

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