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Redskins look to clinch playoff spot

Dec 30, 2007 - 11:24 AM Dallas (13-2) at Washington (8-7) 4:15 pm EST

LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- Three weeks ago, few could have imagined that the Washington Redskins would be in this position.

The Redskins look to complete an unlikely path to the playoffs on Sunday when they host the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys, who have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and have nothing to play for.

With a victory, Washington will lock up the NFC's final playoff spot. Even with a loss, the Redskins can get in with defeats by Minnesota and New Orleans.

Washington took control of its own destiny with last week's 32-21 victory over the Vikings.

The Redskins' season appeared to be over after a last-second 17-16 defeat to the Buffalo Bills dropped them to 5-7.

That was Washington's first game following the death of safety Sean Taylor, who died after being shot in his Florida home during a burglary attempt.

Since the Buffalo loss, however, Washington has reeled off three straight victories, including road wins against the playoff-bound New York Giants and Vikings.

Washington's road to the postseason seemed even more unlikely when starter Jason Campbell dislocated his left knee the following week against the Chicago Bears.

But 36-year-old journeyman quarterback Todd Collins has spearheaded the Redskins' playoff charge, going 2-0 since taking over for Campbell.

In a 22-10 win over the Giants on December 16, Collins made his first start since 1997. The 10-year span between starts was the longest in the NFL since the 1970 merger.

Washington running back Clinton Portis thinks the Redskins are getting a little help from above.

"I think once we got our angel up situated in heaven, he gave us all the strength in the world," referring to Taylor.

Several hours before beating the Vikings, the Redskins may have received some more help when the Bears beat the Green Bay Packers, 35-7, giving the NFC's top seed to the Cowboys.

With nothing at stake, Dallas coach Wade Phillips will almost certainly sit wide receiver Terrell Owens, who is nursing a high ankle sprain. Phillips also could rest quarterback Tony Romo, who is battling a sore thumb.

The Redskins will not be disappointed if Owens doesn't play. He caught four touchdown passes in the Cowboys' 28-23 victory over Washington in Week 11.

Owens was injured in the second quarter of last week's 20-13 win over the Carolina Panthers.