Packers vs. Redskins: Three keys and a prediction

2. Jimmy and Jordan

After a quiet Week 1, Jimmy Graham was on the verge of breaking out last week against the Vikings. He caught six passes for 95 yards, and was robbed of a long gain by a missed pass interference call and a touchdown by an extremely questionable holding call.

Graham should get another opportunity to shine against Washington. The Redskins didn’t give up much in the first two weeks to tight ends, but Graham is in a different class than Ricky Seals-Jones, Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle.

Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar are a good pair of corners who will provide a test for the Packers’ receivers. That could lead to more opportunities for Graham, who might also be looked to as a YAC weapon on quick passes due to Rodgers’ injury.

Jordan Reed, meanwhile, is the Redskins’ best receiving option. Though plagued by injuries throughout his career, he’s still a fast, athletic tight end with great skills at the catch point and after the catch.

The Packers’ best option for covering Reed is likely Josh Jackson, who did a phenomenal job of locking down Trey Burton in the Week 1 victory. But with Kevin King out, Jackson may need to spend all of Sunday covering receivers.

That means that the Reed assignment could fall on several defensive players, including Jermaine Whitehead, Kentrell Brice, Oren Burks, and potentially even Josh Jones. It will be crucial for these players to limit Reed’s effectiveness. If they do so, the Packers’ corners should be able to hold up against the Redskins’ receivers.