2022 NFL Prediction: Can the Washington Commanders Win With Carson Wentz?
2022 NFL Prediction: Can the Washington Commanders Win With Carson Wentz?
Washington has been one of the more disappointing NFL franchises over the last decade. With a new name and new quarterback under center, this team is looking to finally change things up this season. The win total is currently sitting at eight, meaning there is definitely some push potential here. I personally would have set this number at 7.5, juiced -140 to the under, so I’ll definitely take my chances with the push, betting on Washington to perform below expectation hasn't led me adrift yet.
2022 NFL Prediction - Washington Commanders
Click Here for Washington Commanders' Total Wins Odds
The biggest addition to this roster was Carson Wentz and his 28-million-dollar price tag. After losing to the Jaguars in embarrassing fashion, Wentz and the Colts missed the playoffs last season and he was shipped over to the nation's capital. With a pedestrian pre-season, I really don't have much confidence this team is going to be able to help him return to his former glory of years passed. The pieces around him are solid, they have a respected RB trio of Antonio Gibson, JD McKissic, and rookie Brian Robinson. At the receiver, McLaurin was finally paid in the offseason and will continue to serve as this team's WR1. An aging Curtis Samuel is a solid safety valve, and rookie Jahan Dotson and second-year receiver Dyami Brown will look to live up to their draft capital. TE is also looking a bit weak, with Logan Thomas likely to miss a chunk of the season, John Bates is an average replacement.
Let's talk about this defense because it's going to be bad again. Last year, I was one of many suckered into believing this defense was the real deal, and it wasn't. Last season the Washington defense relied on the front line to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks without Blitzing, unfortunately, they struggled to get to the quarterback, and their secondary was absolutely picked apart.
Jack Del Rio is clearly on the chopping block this season, as is Ron Rivera, and if this defense gets off to another slow start then he may not even make it to the bye week. Washington didn't add to this defense, returning 10 of their 11 starters, ending the painful Landon Collins era. The biggest additions will be a healthy Montez Sweat ready to go for Week 1, and Chase Young returning at full strength in Week 4. They lost numerous talented depth pieces on the D-Line, adding Mathis out of Alabama in response to it.
Yes, this team does have a much easier schedule than last season, but I find it hard to believe they do much better than 2-4 in the division. The Eagles got much better this offseason, and a sweep is very possible there. Washington may have won their “Super Bowl” on Thanksgiving vs Dallas last season, but a sweep this year would not shock anyone. The Giants have a major coaching upgrade with Brian Daboll, and Danny Dimes has played by far his best football vs Washington. The schedule is better on paper, but up-and-coming teams like the Jaguars and Lions will not be easy wins, I don't believe this is a playoff team.
2022 NFL Prediction - Washington Commanders Pick
Washington Commanders u8 Wins -120 (Bet $120 to win $100)