Week 1 NFL Predictions: Mike Shanahan’s first year in the nation’s capital wasn’t up to his expectations, as the Washington Redskins missed the playoff after finishing tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East’s worst record at 6-10. With the Donovan McNabb and all the distractions of Albert Haynesworth long gone, the Skins are trying to get back to playing competitive, drama-free football.
Washington’s first order of business this offseason has been finding a signal-caller that meets Shanahan’s liking. 
Following a very competitive race for the top spot in the Redskins QB depth chart, the back-to-back Super Bowl champ has chosen Rex Grossman over John Beck as his starter for Week 1 NFL Predictions.
According to Shanahan, naming a started became a very difficult task, as both guys were neck-to-neck all the way to the last days of practice.
“I’ve got a lot of faith in both of them. It was very competitive all the way through,” said the 59-year-old head coach. “I thought Rex won by an edge.”
The 9-year veteran, Grossman, will be tested immediately, as the Redskins will begin the season taking on a formidable opponent with lots to prove this season. Washington will begin its season at home, as the G-Men will invade FedEx Field.
According to NFL Odds makers, the Washington Redskins [+3] will go into the season opener as sports betting odds underdogs by a field goal against the favorite New York Giants [-3]. The Giants by a field goal in this one seems like a great bet in my eyes! The OVER/UNDER for this NFC East battle is set at a combined total of 38 points scored and kickoff is set for Sunday afternoon at 1 PM ET.
But despite getting the nod as the season starter, one can bet that Shanahan will have Grossman on a very short leash. We all know how important the QB position is or a team to be successful. Thus, getting the right guy under center is certainly at the top of the Redskins’ priority list. After all, this team hasn’t had a stable, reliable QB in ages.
Over the last 20 years, the Skins have seen 18 quarterbacks parade in and out of Washington. The fact that Grossman hasn’t done much since being demoted in 2007 from his starting job in Chicago minimizes his margin for error at that position. Now 31-years-old, the former National Player of the Year (2001) understands that this could be his last opportunity of being a starter in this league.
“He’s familiar with the system,” Shanahan added. “I thought he was pretty automatic with a lot of his reads, and hopefully he plays accordingly.”
