The Redskins will enter the 2006 campaign with the 11th most difficult schedule in the NFL, according to figures released by the league this week. Among NFC East opponents, the Redskins have the third hardest schedule.

In recent weeks, the NFC East has undergone a shakeup, with former Eagle Terrell Owens signing in Dallas and former Redskin LaVar Arrington signing in New York with the Giants. Philadelphia will have a host of players returning from injury, including Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb.

Certainly, the NFC East will be among the most competitive divisions in football in 2006. As head coach Joe Gibbs says, playoff-bound teams from the NFC East are always battle-tested. This year, he may be more right than ever.

The slate of NFC East games on Sunday, Oct. 8 promises to be intriguing, at the very least. The Redskins travel to the Meadowlands to play LaVar and the Giants for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Later that afternoon, T.O. makes his return to Philadelphia for a 4:15 p.m. ET tilt.

Earlier this week, Gibbs said that the Redskins wish the best for Arrington with the Giants--provided, of course, he's not facing the burgundy and gold.

Added Gibbs: "We hope he does well, gets healthy and plays extremely well. You don't like the fact that you're going to play him twice in your division but you realize that's a possibility."

Meanwhile, when his team added Arrington over the weekend, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi told reporters that the move makes New York--the defending NFC East champions--an improved football team.

Such may be the case eventually but the fact of the matter is that the Giants probably will need all the help they can get in 2006.

Based on the 2005 finish of opponents, the Giants and Cincinnati have the toughest schedules heading into 2006. New York and Cincinnati opponents went 139-117 last season.

Among other NFC East teams, Philadelphia's schedule (133-123) is slightly more challenging that the Redskins' and Dallas comes in tied for the 17th most difficult (129-127).

Chicago (114-142), Green Bay (115-141), Seattle (117-139) and Minnesota (117-139) will be facing the easiest schedules, based on 2005 finishes.

The Redskins (132-124) and Oakland are tied for the 11th toughest schedule next season.

Asked to comment on the move that sees Arrington latch on with an NFC East rival, Gibbs said: "In LaVar's case, he had several options. One was to stay here and continue to play as a Redskin. Another, which he chose to take, was the one where he would get an opportunity to go on the open market. It was his choice and we understand that. You wish the best for him.

"I wish the two years we had here had gone a lot smoother. Injuries played a huge role in both years. He came to camp late this year and I think the injury held us back. In general it was something where he felt like he wanted a clean start. We wish him the best."

Upon his departure from Washington, Arrington had expressed wishes to stay in the NFC East and the Giants accommodated him on Saturday.

Arrington will wear No. 55 with his new team. The Giants have retired both No. 56 (Lawrence Taylor) and No. 11 (Phil Simms).

The Redskins' top pick in the 2000 NFL draft out of Penn State and the second player selected overall that year, Arrington wore No. 11 as a Nittany Lion and occasionally in Redskins practices.