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Now dubbed the Washington Commanders, Washington will look to improve on last year’s 7-10 debacle. The team started the season 2-6, then won four straight to crawl back into the playoff race. Then, head coach Ron Rivera’s club lost four of its last five to end the season on the outside looking in.
There will be a new quarterback, Rivera’s seventh new starter since taking over in 2020. The defense will get several players back from injury last season. Will it all matter though for a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2015?
Washington Commanders Regular Season Win Total Betting Lines
OVER 8 (-105)
UNDER 8 (-125)
Last Season
With Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, the offense just didn’t have it. WR Terry McLaurin is one of the league’s best, but he didn’t get enough quality targets. There was no solid No. 2 receiver either. The defense lost DE Chase Young to a knee injury in Week 10. Young, who had been the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, had accumulated just 1.5 sacks before missing the rest of the season.
The pass defense was terrible – 29th in the NFL – without a good pass rush. The Commanders gave up 25.5 points per game (25th). The offense only scored 19.7 points per game, which was tied for 23rd in the league.
Commanders Key Losses Heading Into 2022
The biggest loss for Washington this offseason is going to be Landon Collins. He was a SS/LB hybrid who did it all in the Commanders defense. He’s now a free agent. Washington also lost backup QB Kyle Allen and a pair of guards in Ereck Flowers and Brandon Scherff. Defensive tackles Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle are both on new teams now.
2022 Washington Commanders Team Preview
Washington’s biggest offseason move was the trade for QB Carson Wentz. The Commanders gave up a number of draft picks and will take on Wentz’s full contract. They are hopeful he pans out. The problems still remain the same though. McLaurin is a great No. 1 receiving option. After him, the picture is pretty fuzzy. Rookie WR Jahan Dotson might make a splash.
The running game is in good hands with Antonio Gibson (1,037 yards) and J.D. McKissic back. Andrew Norwell was acquired in the offseason from Jacksonville and will start at guard. With Young back at defensive end opposite Montez Sweat (5.0 sacks), the defense should be okay. The Commanders drafted Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis in the second round.
2022 Washington Commanders Schedule
The Commanders are lucky in that they play in the weakest division in the NFL. They will play six games against the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles. Last year, the Commanders went 2-4 in the division with both wins over the Giants.
The rest of the schedule includes the NFC North which means games with Detroit, Chicago, and Minnesota. Washington crosses over to face the AFC South which means games against Houston and Jacksonville.
2022 Commanders Regular Season Win Total Prediction
Winning three games in the division isn’t very likely for Washington. They are still just shy of a train wreck with a Band-Aid at quarterback. If they won three divisions, winning six outside the division will be even harder. Sure, they might start 2-0 with wins over Jacksonville and Detroit, but six more wins? And, that’s even if they are able to win three games in the division. Not likely.
PICK: WASHINGTON COMMANDERS UNDER 8 (-125)
Read our 2022 Eagles team preview and 2022 Cowboys team preview.
