The Washington Redskins (5-9) host the Minnesota Vikings (2-12) this Saturday, Dec. 24, in a matchup of two teams simply playing out the string. Kickoff is set for 1 Eastern on FOX.
Washington is coming off a 23-10 upset of the New York Giants last Sunday, which sent its NFC East rivals to 7-7 and hurt their playoff chances. The Redskins intercepted New York quarterback Eli Manning three times and sacked him three times. Their fast start--Washington scored the game's first 17 points--left New York scrambling to catch up for the rest of the game.
Minnesota, meanwhile, has lost each of its last six games, with its last victory coming on Oct. 30 against the Carolina Panthers. Most recently, the Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints, 42-20. New Orleans carved up Minnesota's defense to the tune of 573 yards of total offense, including 412 yards and five touchdowns from quarterback Drew Brees. Minnesota drew to within one point, 14-13, on a touchdown pass from Christian Ponder to Toby Gerhart in the second quarter, but the Saints responded with four straight touchdowns to put the game out of reach. The Vikings' defense allows a league-worst 29 points per game.
A win for Washington would make it three victories in its last five games, meaning it would have recovered nicely from a six-game losing streak which knocked its record to 3-7.
For more on the Redskins, please viit Hogs Haven, SB Nation's Redskins blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Minnesota and Daily Norseman, SB Nation's Vikings blog.