Back on the sidelines after a year off, Mike Shanahan has the task of restoring the Redskins to their former glory. (Photo: Associated Press)

At long last, the 2010 NFL season is upon us, and the Washington Redskins officially kick off the Mike Shanahan/Donovan McNabb era.

The schedule makers weren't the kindest to a rebuilding Washington team, as they will face Dallas, Philadelphia, Green Bay and Indianapolis all in the first six weeks of the season.

Here's a look at the Washington Redskins' 2010 season, how the Redskins could match up against their opponents, what they must do to succeed, and what problems they could encounter. And of course, also included are predictions on how all 16 games will play out:

WEEK ONE

Sunday, Sept. 12 -- 8:20 p.m., NBC
Opponent: vs. Dallas Cowboys
The skinny: Picked by many to win the division and contend for the Super Bowl, Dallas is coming off of an 11-5 season that ended with a blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional playoffs. The Cowboys, who swept the Redskins last season, have the potential for an explosive offense, but are battling injuries and age along the offensive line. On defense, Dallas will give Washington a look similar to the aggressive 3-4 defense the Redskins saw in the preseason against Baltimore and the New York Jets.

What needs to happen: Donovan McNabb needs to come out sharp, and Washington's offensive line must keep him upright. The Redskins must effectively mixing Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson in will help keep Dallas' offense off the field, and for the passing game to work, Santana Moss must get help from his fellow receivers. Chris Cooley and Fred Davis also need to get involved. Washington's defense again appears to be strong, and likely will attack Tony Romo often.

What could happen: McNabb comes out rusty, the line struggles to pick up Dallas' multiple defensive looks as they did against Baltimore, and as a result, neither the running or passing game gets going, and the defense is on the field way too long and wears down as Tony Romo connects often with Miles Austin and Jason Witten -- sounds familiar, right?

Prediction: Mike Shanahan's claim that the time off will have little to no negative impact on McNabb proves correct, and the offense is efficient despite having some kinks to still work out. The defense does its job as DeAngelo Hall holds Austin in check, and the defensive linemen and linebackers swarm to the ball, limiting Dallas’ three-headed running attack. Capitalizing on the emotion of kicking off a new era, the Redskins open the season 1-0.

 WEEK TWO

Sunday, Sept. 19 -- 4:15 p.m., CBS
Opponent: vs. Houston Texans
The skinny: The Houston Texans are coming off a 9-7 season -- the first winning mark in the history of the franchise -- and are looking to take the next step: make the playoffs. They still have Matt Schaub, who last season led the league in passing with 4,770 yards and 29 touchowns, and Andre Johnson, who dominated with 101 catches for a league-leading 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns. This year the Texans are hoping their running game catches up to their passing attack. Problem is last year’s offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, is now calling plays in Washington.

What needs to happen: With Kyle Shanahan having great familiarity with the Texans, he’ll likely help defensive coordinator Jim Haslett a good bit with game planning. The defense will be key in this game as they try to make Schaub uncomfortable and limit Johnson’s production. DeAngelo Hall will have a tall task, but can be helped by a mean pass rush.

What could happen: Hall struggles with the bigger, more physical Johnson and Schaub connects with him early and often. The Texans also use tight end Owen Daniel and go right at Andre Carter and Lorenzo Alexander, forcing them to drop back into coverage -- something they’re still learning how to do -- and Houston moves downfield with ease.

Prediction: The Redskins’ defense takes care of business, confusing the Texans’ offensive line with all types of different looks and gets to Schaub often, derailing Houston’s attack, and paving the way for a 2-0 start.

 WEEK THREE

Sunday, Sept. 26 -- 4:05 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at St. Louis Rams
The skinny: The Rams are rebuilding, and have rookie Sam Bradford under center. Steve Spagnuolo is in his second season as the coach and is still trying to put his imprint on this team. St. Louis needs Steven Jackson to return to his dominant form to help ease the pressure on Bradford. Defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis are both young and still developing on a defense that ranked next to last in the league in points allowed last season.

What needs to happen: The Redskins need to -- and should -- come out firing and quickly impose their will upon the Rams both offensively and defensively.

What could happen: The Redskins under-estimate their opponent, come out flat and allow St. Louis to hang around and make a game of a matchup that should be a blowout.

Prediction: Mike Shanahan makes sure his team remains focused rather than looking ahead to Philly the following week, and Washington thumps their hosts to improve to 3-0.

WEEK FOUR

 Sunday, Oct. 3 -- 4:15 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at Philadelphia Eagles
The skinny: Donovan McNabb will tell you that this date is not highlighted on his calendar, but it certainly is on the calendars of the thousands and thousands of fans in Philly. This year begins the Kevin Kolb Era in Philadelphia. There likely will be some growing pains for Kolb, who has played in only 12 games in his three-year career. But Andy Reid has faith in Kolb, whose transition can be eased by the presence of receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and tight end Brent Celek. Also helping ease the pressure on the QB is running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles defense always has been solid, and now Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole has help on the other end from new addition Darryl Tapp.

What needs to happen: McNabb needs to maintain his focus in his return to his home for the last 11 years and exploit the Eagles’ secondary. If the Redskins can move the ball through the air, the running lanes will open up and Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson can chew up clock.

What could happen: Cole and Tapp go at Redskins’ tackles Trent Williams and Jammal Brown, and an emotional McNabb finds himself under duress all day and can’t settle into a rhythm. Meanwhile, DeSean Jackson torches the Redskins yet again, and Kolb looks pretty darn good.

Prediction: Donovan McNabb’s return to Philadelphia is not one of triumph. Andy Reid takes advantage of his 11 years worth of knowledge on McNabb, and hands Mike Shanahan his first loss as the Redskins coach.

WEEK FIVE

Sunday, Oct. 10 -- 1 p.m. FOX
Opponent: vs. Green Bay Packers
The skinny: The Packers move into the category of elite NFL teams this season, and some are picking them to contend for a Super Bowl. Thanks to a high-powered offensive attack led by Aaron Rodgers, and a solid defense, the Packers present a lot of challenges. Rodgers is coming off back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, and Ryan Grant is coming off of a 1,200-yard season. On defense, the Packers last year forced a league-high 40 turnovers.

What needs to happen: Albert Haynesworth and his fellow linemen, as well as Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter need to get to Rodgers and ensure that he doesn’t have time to throw, which will help the secondary’s chances of interceptions -- which is rare from Rodgers, who threw only seven last season. The Redskins must protect the ball on offense and help the defense by maintaining the time of possession edge to keep the Packers off the field.

What could happen: Regardless of what the Redskins do, Rodgers still has a strong day. They blitz Rodgers and leave their cornerbacks in 1-on-1 situations, and the quarterback takes advantage. That forces them to back off to give their DBs some help, but that affords Rodgers more time, and Grant gets going on the ground. The defense forces a couple of turnovers, and Washington’s offense comes up short.

Prediction: The Redskins don’t do terribly against the Packers, but can’t get the best of their visitors, either. Rodgers has a solid day, and leads his team downfield for a game-winning drive. Redskins fall to 3-2.

WEEK SIX

Sunday, Oct. 17 -- 8:20 p.m., NBC
Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
The skinny: The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Redskins. Of course, Peyton Manning runs the show for the Colts, and the offense runs like a well-oiled machine. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark remain his favorite targets. On the defensive side of the ball, the tandem of DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis lead a unit that is steadily improving. Bob Sanders is great when healthy.

What needs to happen: The Redskins are faced with yet another high-powered passing attack, and need to be disruptive on defense to have a chance at winning this game. If the Redskins can somehow find a way to limit the passing game, they have a great shot. Opponents last season out-rushed the Colts 2,024-1294, so a steady dose of Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson will go a long way toward keeping Manning off the field, and paving the way for a win.

What could happen: Manning comes out in his typical dominant fashion and marches his team up and down the field, keeping the Redskins’ defense off-balance. Freeney, Mathis and their defensive teammates go after McNabb, and while Washington manages to move the ball, they break down in the red zone.

Prediction: McNabb and the Redskins move the ball, but not better than Peyton Manning and his gang, and Washington falls short, dropping to 3-3.

WEEK SEVEN

Sunday, Oct. 24 -- 1 p.m. FOX
Opponent: Chicago Bears
The skinny: The Bears are in Year 2 with Jay Cutler under center, but are running a new offense now that Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator. There likely will be some struggles, however, as Cutler is interception prone, and isn’t playing behind the greatest line. The Bears have a good, young back in Matt Forte, and Chester Taylor was added to the team in offseason. On defense, Brian Urlacher is back, and Julius Peppers was Chicago’s big offseason signing.

What needs to happen: Trent Williams draws yet another tall task in having to protect McNabb’s blind side from Peppers. If Williams and his fellow linemen can keep McNabb upright, Washington should be able to take advantage of plentiful opportunities thanks to the defense flustering Cutler and derailing Chicago’s offense.

What could happen: Peppers has his way with Williams, and McNabb has little time to find receivers, making for a sputtering passing game. That allows the Bears to stack the line of scrimmage and limit Washington’s running game.

Prediction: The Redskins end their three-game losing streak with a strong performance: dominant defense, balance on offense, and improve to 4-3 with a win in McNabb’s hometown.

WEEK EIGHT

Sunday, Oct. 31 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: Detroit Lions
The skinny: One of Detroit's highlights last season was snapping a 19-game losing streak (they went 0-16 in 2008) against the Redskins. Quarterback Matthew Stafford should benefit from a year of experience, and has a great target in Calvin Johnson. The running game should be improved thanks to rookie Jahvid Best.

What needs to happen: The Redskins need to come out focused in what could be a “trap game,” as they prepare to head into the bye week. Washington has the better roster, and experience edge at quarterback, so they should be able to win if they play sound football.

What could happen: A flat Redskins team doesn’t pressure Stafford, and Calvin Johnson feasts on Washington’s defensive backs, and for the second straight year, Detroit hands the Redskins a stunner.

Prediction: Mike Shanahan has his boys ready to play and they get the win, and head into the bye week with a 5-3 record, which is a three-game improvement over the 2-6 record Washington had at the half-way point last year.

WEEK NINE  -- BYE

WEEK 10

Monday, Nov. 15 -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Opponent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The skinny: The second meeting of the season between the NFC East opponents, this game will also be Washington’s first home game in nearly a month. For the winner of the first meeting, it will be a chance to capture a sweep, and get a nice edge in the division. Meanwhile, the game represents redemption for the loser of the first meeting.

What needs to happen: The Redskins need to take advantage of the preceding week off to heal from any bumps and bruises they may have suffered in the first half of the season, and then come out, playing at a high level and protect home field.

What could happen: Washington could start sluggish, and Philly could take advantage, and put the Redskins in an early hole and hold them off for another win.

Prediction: McNabb & Co. redeem themselves from their early-season loss to the Eagles. The quarterback has his best game of the of the season to that point, Chris Cooley has a big game, the defense gives strong backing, and the Redskins improve to 6-3 with a win on Monday Night Football.

WEEK 11

Sunday, Nov. 21 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at Tennessee Titans
The skinny: If he’s still on the team, Albert Haynesworth will be going against his former team, and the Redskins will need him to do his best demolition job on the Titans offensive line so Chris Johnson, who rushed for 2,000 yards last season, won’t have much running room. Vince Young is expected to take another stride in his development and is capable of causing headaches with both his arm and his legs.

What needs to happen: The defense needs to bottle up Johnson and force Young into having to pass, and pressure him into an interception or two. With Tennessee’s offense derailed, McNabb & Co. use an aggressive attack on the tiring Titans defense.

What could happen: Johnson runs wild and wears down Washington’s defense, Young has an efficient outing, and the Titans win at home.

Prediction: The latter happens. Washington falls to 6-4 after failing to shut down Johnson, Haynesworth is underwhelming in his return to Tennessee.

 WEEK 12

Sunday, Nov. 28 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: vs. Minnesota Vikings
The skinny: The Brett Favre Farewell Tour rolls into the District, and the Vikings are hoping that they remain a Super Bowl contender despite the fact that they will be without top receiver Sidney Rice for the first six weeks of the season. Adrian Peterson likely will be relied upon heavily, and could be an MVP candidate.

What needs to happen: Trent Williams again rises to the occasion and keeps Jared Allen (who had 14-½ sacks last season) at bay, and McNabb remains upright. Jammal Brown, on the other end of the line, fends off the Vikings other talented defensive end, Ray Edwards, as well. The defense must pressure Favre and force him into his trade-mark ill-advised throws.

What could happen: Peterson is allowed to settle into a rhythm and then with the defense keying on him so heavily, the passing game opens up. Allen could give Williams fits, and defensive tackle Kevin Williams could crash the middle of the offensive line, making matters worse for McNabb.

Prediction: The Vikings are simply too much for the Redskins on both sides of the ball. Minnesota pulls off the victory and drops Washington to 6-5 as they head into the final month of the season.

WEEK 13

Sunday, Dec. 5 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at New York Giants
The skinny: East Rutherford has never been kind to the Redskins, and the Giants are hoping that remains the case in their new stadium. The Redskins are losers of five of their last six games on the Giants’ home turf. New York has a strong defensive ends in Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka. Their secondary isn’t nearly as reliable. On offense, Eli Manning runs the show, and Amad Bradshaw is poised for a big season at running back.

What needs to happen: Again, McNabb needs to have time. With so many talented defensive ends in the division and conference as a whole, you see why the left tackle position is so important. The Redskins need to go to Chris Cooley, Santana Moss and their fellow pass-catchers as they attempt to exploit a weak secondary.

What could happen: That Giants’ defensive line could give their visitors all they can handle, and McNabb could be running for his life much of the night. Meanwhile, Manning hooks up often with tight end Kevin Boss to take advantage of Carter and Alexander’s coverage deficiencies, and the Giants march up and down the field all game.

Prediction: Giants win this important divisional game, and the Redskins drop to 6-6.

WEEK 14

Sunday, Dec. 12 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The skinny: The Buccaneers are a young team with a young coach, and second-year quarterback in Josh Freeman. Cadillac Williams is the feature back, and Kellen Winslow should bail Freeman out plenty of times this season. On defense, rookie defensive tackle Gerald McCoy -- Trent Williams’ teammate at Oklahoma -- will be asked to anchor the line. Ronde Barber remains the team's top cornerback at the age of 35.

What needs to happen: Center Casey Rabach and right guard Artis Hicks can’t let McCoy crash the heart of the line, and the their fellow linemen need to seal the ends if running doesn’t come easily up the middle. Andre Carter -- growing more comfortable in coverage -- fares well against Winslow, or if he struggles, Washington’s safeties are able to pitch in and help neutralize the tight end. A much more veteran team, the Redskins need to dictate the pace of the game on both sides of the ball, rather than give their opponents any hope.

What could happen: McCoy either repeatedly flummoxes Rabach or Hicks, and helps disrupt the running game, or he commands double-teams and creates opportunities for his linebackers to fly into the backfield untouched, and rather than handily beating what should-be an inferior opponent, Washington just squeaks by.

Prediction: The Redskins come away from Tampa Bay having executed on offense and attacking on defense, and they improve to 7-6 on the season.

WEEK 15

Sunday, Dec. 19 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at Dallas Cowboys
The skinny: The rematch in Big D could carry playoff implications, and the loser of the first matchup will be faced with a great sense of urgency.

What needs to happen: The Redskins get off to a quick start to take the Cowboys’ fans out of the game, and remain aggressive on both sides of the ball to protect their lead.

What could happen: Dallas capitalizes on home field advantage, Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice get going and Tony Romo provides some late-game heroics to clinch the victory.

Prediction: The teams split on the season with the Cowboys avenging their season-opening loss to the Redskins. Washington drops to 7-7.

 WEEK 16

Sunday, Dec. 26 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: at Jacksonville Jaguars
The skinny: The Jaguars are coming off of a 7-9 season that saw them collapse down the stretch last year. Maurice Jones-Drew looks to continue his dominance (1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns last season), while third-year player Mike Sims-Walker is quarterback David Garrard's go-to target. The defense was less than dominant last season, recording only 14 sacks and struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks. But the Jags are hoping the addition of linebacker Kirk Morrison helps.

What needs to happen: The Redskins head south and slow the powerful Jones-Drew while showing they have a pretty good rushing attack as well, and unlike the Jaguars, a good defense to complement the offense.

What could happen: Jones-Drew gets loose and runs all over a sluggish Redskins defense, dominating the clock, while also opening up opportunities for the passing game.

Prediction: The Redskins just quite have it the day after Christmas, but Portis and Johnson combine to out-do Jones-Drew, and Washington escapes with a narrow win in a low-scoring game to improve to 8-7.

WEEK 17

Sunday, Jan. 2 -- 1 p.m., FOX
Opponent: vs. New York Giants
The skinny: The Redskins’ playoff hopes could hinge on this game as they battle for a Wild Card berth. Meanwhile the Giants could be in the exact same situation, but will have to win on the road to punch their ticket.

What needs to happen: The Redskins come out with a sense of urgency and grind out a physical smash mouth football game, and gets strong backing from a stingy defense to close out the season with a victory.

What could happen: This late in the season, if protection hasn’t been up to snuff this season, the Redskins could be relying on a hobbled Donovan McNabb, while also nursing other injuries on the roster and just not quite have enough to fend off the Giants.

Prediction: The Redskins do indeed pull off the win. As often is the case with NFC East matchups, it’s a physical battle, but they get the job done to finish the season with a 9-7 record and squeak into the playoffs.