The Washington Redskins have gotten off to a slow start in the 2013 season and with the team being 1-3 on the year through four games, a bye week should be a welcome break from the grind of the NFL season, but for fantasy owners it is a tough test, as players like Robert Griffin III, Alfred Morris and Pierre Garcon will be missing from starting lineups.
This season Griffin has not been as explosive as he was in 2012, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been a good fantasy player, as he has passed for over 1,200 yards this season with six touchdowns. The Redskins have been terrible on defense through four games this season, giving up at least 24 points in all three games while ranking in the bottom of the league in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game.
The Redskins have an early bye, but it could be just what the team needs to get back in shape, as Griffin still seems to be not quite fully healed from the knee surgery he had earlier in the year. Griffin has not been as explosive rushing the ball and while he has passed for over 300 yards in three of four games, he also has four interceptions already with just six touchdowns and coach Mike Shanahan will be looking for more efficiency from him.
Griffin had one touchdown and 227 passing yards against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4 for the Redskins and the week off should give him more time to get back to 100 percent. Alfred Morris could use the week off as well after being banged up and while he has nearly 300 yards with two touchdowns, he is off the pace he had last season when he rushed for over 1,600 yards as a rookie. Griffin hasn't been rushing the ball as well either, going for just 72 yards through four games and that could have to do with his knee as well.
Fantasy owners will be hurt by the absence of Pierre Garcon as well, as he is leading the Redskins in receiving with 29 catches, ranked sixth in the league. This season Garcon has over 330 yards and is averaging over 11 years per catch, while Leonard Hankerson is also having a solid year as the number two option. Garcon has gone over 100 yards just once this season, but he appears to be heating up after scoring two touchdowns over his past three games.
The Redskins are currently tied with the Philadelphia Eagles at 1-3 in the NFC East with the Cowboys leading at 2-2 and the New York Giants are in last place at 0-4 after a tough start. Coming out of the bye, the Redskins will be playing on the road against the Dallas Cowboys and then they will be facing the Bears at home. The Denver Broncos are waiting next and things don't really let up the rest of the season, as the 49ers, Falcons and Chargers are also on the schedule.
