2021 Washington Football Team: Can They Repeat?

Well, somebody had to win this division and Washington was the lucky winner with a 7-9 record. In the playoffs, they played eventual Super Bowl winner Tampa Bay tough before losing 31-23. They are well-coached with head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. So, why am I picking against them in 2021? By finishing first in their division, they get the first place schedule which means they play division leaders, Seattle, Green Bay, Buffalo, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay and that won’t be easy.

They signed veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick as the quarterback for 2021. He will add instant excitement to a boring offense and could be the spark they need, but if he was so special why was he available in free agency? Antonio Gibson had a good rookie season and is a good receiver out of the backfield as well. Terry McLaurin caught 87 passes for 1,118 yards and should benefit playing with Fitzpatrick as will free-agent signee Curtis Samuel. The offensive line is not solid but it is reliable.

On defense, Washington is loaded upfront with Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montes Sweat, and Chase Young. Every team in the league would like to have this bunch. They hope they solved some problems at linebacker with top draft pick Jamin Davis who has great potential despite only starting 10 games in college. The secondary includes free-agent William Jackson III and Landon Collins.

Schedule:

Must Wins: LA Chargers, NY Giants, Dallas, Philadelphia, New Orleans

Toss-Up Games: at Atlanta, at Denver, at Carolina, at Philadelphia, at Dallas, at NY Giants

Probable Losses: at Buffalo, Kansas City, at Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Seattle, at Las Vegas

Summary in Two Sentences: They have made some upgrades and are very well-coached and Fitzpatrick is a good addition along with Samuel. But, the schedule is a bear and will be hard to manage and will keep them from winning the division.