On paper, the Redskins’ 2009 schedule looks a lot like their record last season: average. The ‘Skins get three primetime games in 2009, all at home: Week 7 and Week 15 against the Eagles and Giants on Monday Night Football, and Week 16 against Dallas on Sunday Night Football (after playing Philadelphia in Week 15).

Washington also gets last season’s 0-16 Lions in Week 3. The “random” matchup will be Week 17 against San Diego.

ESPN made note last night of the ‘Skins season opener against the Giants, and the two token matchups with Dallas and Philadelphia. Washington’s bye is Week 8.

As ESPN talking heads emphasized during last night’s broadcast, it’s nearly impossible to predict how tough a team’s schedule is before anyone takes the field (not that it stops any of us from trying). Still, Washington failed to make ESPN’s top five toughest 2009 NFL schedules based on 2008 opponents’ records (that honor goes to the Dolphins). Division rivals aside, most of the Redskins’ 2009 opponents are even harder to predict, thanks to key personnel changes since 2008—the ‘Skins will face a new head coach in St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as new head coaches and to-be-determined quarterbacks in Denver, Tampa Bay, and Detroit. In addition, three of these teams have the top 3 picks in the draft this year, so the extreme makeover has just begun.

The ‘Skins defense will also be tested by a slew of talented running backs, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Mike Turner, and Reggie Bush. They’ll also face 2008 breakout stars Matt Cassel and Matt Ryan. The highest rated 2008 defense on the schedule for Jason C. and company is the Eagles, ranked third.