4-3

This is about where the Skins figured to be.

The 2-0 start was nice - a good start by getting past the struggling Dolphins and Eagles teams. The Eagles game, in paticular, was a surprise.
The Giants game was definitely a lost opportunity - up 17-3 at halftime and crumbling at the end.
It was surprising that the Skins were able to bounce back and crush the high-flying Lions but they definitely had the secondary to do it.
The Packers game seemed close but never quite close enough after halftime. Given their great season thus far (and Brett Favre's in particular), the Packers figure to challenge for NFC supremacy.
The Cardinals game had all the makings of the Giants game especially with the late touchdown and then recovered onsides kick by the Cards. The Skins were extremely lucky that the FG attempted sailed wide.
The Patriots game was an automatic loss for sure. For the team, it was actually a no-lose situation since they were 16-point underdogs.
The Skins desperately need a win against Kellen Clemens and the 1-7 Jets to reach 5-3 at the halfpoint mark.

After the Jets, 7 of the remaining 8 games are against NFC foes, including 4 division games.

The Skins have proven themselves to be a middle of the pack team. They should go 8-8 or 9-7. The Saints will likely make a latter-season push for the playoff picture and the Giants, Lions, and Bucs all figure to be there as well.

With the season loss of Carlos Rogers and most of the offensive line, the Skins will probably finish 2-3 games behind in the wild card race.

Reasons for optimism:
* Laron Landry and Sean Taylor
* If the O-line can jell to create a dominating rushing attack (it hasn't worked thus far)
* If Santana Moss gets it together
* Continued development of Jason Campbell