The time has come to analyze rosters and predict outcomes for the upcoming NFL season. With the 2022 NFL Draft behind us, and the new schedule being released, it is now the time where most begin to make bold predictions on how their favorite team will fare with newly added stars and young additions.
The Washington Commanders chose to upgrade the wideout position, selecting Jahan Dotson, wideout from Penn State in the first round of the draft. Adding him to an already lightning-quick receiving core of Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, Washington should be much more of a vertical threat on offense this year.
What this pick also tells us is that Washington management and Ron Rivera are going all in on Carson Wentz, making a concerted effort to give him the necessary tools for success. For the past few years, Washington's offense has limited them from getting to the postseason. To say that quarterback play for them has been below average would be an understatement. For the past four seasons, Washington has not cracked the top 20 in average passing yards per game. Part of this has to do with a flat-out lack of talent Washington has had at the position, but a large factor has been the revolving door of numerous QB's that Washington has started in years past.
Electing to draft an offensive player disrupts the pattern of past years, as Washington has drafted a defensive player in the first round in four out of the last five years. Each of those four defensive players have made their respective impacts on the field, but none of it has amounted to much success on that side, outside of the 2021 season.
In the second round, though, Washington opted to go with another defensive lineman. This choice arose in large part because of the loss of interior lineman Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle. Both were essential to the run stopping and pass rushing ability of the front four. Jack Del Rio (Washington defensive coordinator) will look for second round pick Phidarian Mathis to fill the shoes of Settle and Ioannidis in their absence.
With the release of the 2022 NFL season schedule, the Washington Commanders are tied for the easiest schedule in the entire league, according to the NFL. Let's do a quick run through of their schedule, and key games + final regular season record prediction.
Week 1 - vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 2 - @ Detroit Lions
Week 3 - vs Philadelphia Eagles
Week 4 - @ Dallas Cowboys
Week 5 - vs Tennessee Titans
Week 6 - @ Chicago Bears
Week 7 - vs Green Bay Packers
Week 8 - @ Indianapolis Colts
Week 9 - vs Minnesota Vikings
Week 10 - @ Philadelphia Eagles
Week 11 - @ Houston Texans
Week 12 - vs Atlanta Falcons
Week 13 - @ New York Giants
Week 14 - Bye
Week 15 - vs New York Giants
Week 16 - @ San Francisco 49ers
Week 17 - vs Cleveland Browns
Week 18 - vs Dallas Cowboys
Over their 17 games, I am predicting that Washington will go 10-7 in the regular season. This should get them to the playoffs, however, with a 10-win record, they would likely need to claim one of the wild card sports, as opposed to being a division winner. The Dallas Cowboys are tied with Washington for the easiest schedule, and with their loaded roster, I expect them to finish with at least 12 wins. With that being said, let's take a look at some of Washington's big games, and how they will fare in those matchups.
Week 4 - divisional matchup @ Cowboys:
Up until week 4, I am predicting that Washington will go 3-0, beating the Jaguars, Lions, and Eagles. Week 4 will be Washington's first game of the season facing an elite offense and defense in the Dallas Cowboys. They will lose this game in a high scoring bout, 34-27.
Week 8 - revenge game @ Colts:
I expect Carson Wentz to struggle in this game, going against a defense that is pretty familiar with his playing style and tendencies. Washington's defense will do a good job containing the Colts offense for the first half of the game, but Jonathan Taylor will wear the front seven down and take over in the latter half of the game. Washington will lose this game with a score of 24-16.
Week 10 - Monday Night Football @ Eagles
In Washington's second matchup against the Eagles will be a tough one, largely because it will take place at Lincoln Financial, where winning divisional games is never a simple task. Washington will win this game from a stout performance from their defense, and a 4-touchdown game from Carson Wentz. Final score prediction: 34-28 (Washington wins).
With added pieces and upgrades at certain positions, the Washington Commanders have set themselves up for success in their 2022 season. Much of their success will lay in the hands of Carson Wentz - his production or lack thereof will determine whether or not Washington makes the playoffs.
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