The Washington Redskins will start slowly, gather steam in the middle to excite the fan base and then head to a familiar spot in the end, fueling all sorts of speculation about what will happen next. In other words, they’ll continue a Washington tradition. But if Kirk Cousins plays well and the defense improves, the Redskins could make the season interesting until the end. There are a lot of "ifs" to consider for one team.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, Miami, 1 p.m. ET

After a summer of seemingly tough news – the lack of development of quarterback Robert Griffin III, the injuries to Junior Galette and Niles Paul, among others – the Redskins could use an easier opener. Miami’s defensive line could be dominant, and rookie guard Brandon Scherff will be facing Ndamukong Suh. The Redskins just aren’t ready for this sort of front. Dolphins 21, Redskins 14. Record: 0-1

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, St. Louis, 1 p.m. ET

The Rams will give the Redskins’ fits with their pass rush, but the St. Louis offense will have issues. The Redskins can’t afford an 0-2 start – with both games at home. Cousins’ ability to get rid of the ball quickly should be a help in this game. In nine of his 14 career games, Cousins has been sacked only once or not at all. Redskins 17, Rams 14. Record: 1-1

Week 3: Thursday, Sept. 24, at New York Giants, 8:25 p.m. ET

The Giants could have an explosive offense, but their defense could be an issue, which means it could be a high-scoring game as both quarterbacks have strong days. The problem for the Redskins is that bad things happen to them in New Jersey, where they’ve lost six of their past seven. A fun game, but a losing one. Giants 31, Redskins 28. Record: 1-2

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, Philadelphia, 1 p.m. ET

The Redskins’ defensive line depth will help against a team that likes to run so much up-tempo on offense. Yes, nose tackle Terrance Knighton can still be used in the Redskins’ nickel packages vs. the Eagles. But the Eagles will have too much firepower. Eagles 28, Redskins 24. Record: 1-3

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Atlanta, 1 p.m. ET

Former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will face his former team – and he’ll do so with a quarterback in Matt Ryan who can do some damage against this defense. The Falcons also have ex-Redskins linemen Chris Chester and Tyler Polumbus on the roster. The question for the Falcons involves their defense. The Falcons were 32nd in the NFL in yards per game last season and 27th in points allowed. Those issues aren’t fixed overnight. The Redskins pull an upset. Redskins 30, Falcons 28. Record: 2-3

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET

After their upset win, the Redskins face a team with quarterback issues so it should be a good chance for a two-game winning streak. The Jets, though, should have a strong defense again. It’s hard to trust Cousins and the offense yet when it comes to stringing together consistent games. Jets 17, Redskins 16. Record: 2-4

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. ET

The Bucs embarrassed the Redskins in Maryland last season, but that was the game that prompted a harsh review of Griffin. With Cousins in the game, the Redskins will have better success. The Redskins seemingly have 1,000 people with Tampa connections, so this game will have a little extra meaning for some. Safety Dashon Goldson will have more than most, however, after the Bucs traded him to Washington in the spring. Redskins 23, Bucs 16. Record: 3-4

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, at New England, 1 p.m. ET

After a week off, the Redskins have their toughest test of the season playing at the Super Bowl champions' home against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This duo made the Redskins look bad at times in practice in 2014, and it’s hard to see a lot changing now. Patriots 33, Redskins 20. Record: 3-5.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, New Orleans, 1 p.m. ET

The last time Washington faced New Orleans? Griffin’s sterling debut. But he won’t be playing in this game. Still, it’s another game in which the Redskins’ offense has a chance to have a fun day. New Orleans had to rebuild a defense that ranked 28th in points allowed per game and 31st in yards per game. The Redskins do enough to start sniffing the postseason. Redskins 30, Saints 24. Record: 4-5

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Carolina, 1 p.m. ET

The Redskins have a chance for a 3-1 stretch, but they’re not yet good enough. The player to watch: Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly; he’s the best inside linebacker because of how fast he plays and how fast he forces linemen to leave double teams. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is 2-0 vs. Washington. Panthers 21, Redskins 13. Record: 4-6

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

The Redskins will snap a five-game losing streak to the Giants by winning at home to keep alive flickering playoff hopes. It should be a good matchup between Redskins corner Chris Culliver and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Last year, Beckham caught six passes for 93 yards vs. Culliver’s old team, San Francisco. But the Giants’ secondary still looks to be a mess and Cousins will take advantage. Hello, DeSean Jackson. Redskins 30, Giants 24. Record: 5-6

Week 13: Monday, Dec. 7, Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET

A somewhat meaningful December game becomes the start of a downfall. The Redskins face their rival for the first time all season. If they can get to .500 it would be only the second time in the past seven seasons they would do so. Alas, it won’t happen. Dallas is happy that Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is gone. Cowboys 23, Redskins 20. Record: 5-7

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Chicago, 1 p.m. ET

The defensive coordinator Washington had at the top of its list, Vic Fangio, opted for a similar position with Chicago and coach John Fox. Fangio coached Culliver and Goldson while Fox had Knighton for two years in Denver. Reunions abound. Bears 21, Redskins 20. Record: 5-8

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, Buffalo, 1 p.m. ET

The Bills have intriguing talent with running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Sammy Watkins. By this point, we’ll know if Tyrod Taylor can play quarterback in the NFL. But their defense should be excellent, and that’ll make the difference in a game that will frustrate the faithful. Bills 20, Redskins 17. Record: 5-9

Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 26, Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m. ET

For what it’s worth, Jackson caught nine passes for 243 yards and a touchdown in two games against his former team last season. Yes, he carries a little chip on his shoulder for Chip Kelly and the Eagles. Nothing wrong with that. The Redskins spring another December upset of the Eagles. Redskins 24, Eagles 20. Record: 6-9

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Dallas, 1 p.m. ET

The Redskins have lost double-digit games in five of the last six seasons, so avoiding another one would be a minor victory. But the Cowboys, as usual, will probably need this game to qualify for the postseason, and with another loss you start to wonder how much speculation there will be about coach Jay Gruden’s future in Washington. Cowboys 21, Redskins 17. Record: 6-10