Washington Football Team 2021 Season Betting Preview

Betting on the Washington Football Team has not been something experts could say a good bet. However, the experts are not always right. Washington winning the NFC East last season is a perfect example. But what does that mean, if anything, for the 2021 season?

As far as the NFL betting odds are concerned—nothing. Washington is still a long shot to win the Super Bowl and NFC. But its odds to win the division are the second best next to the Dallas Cowboys.

They cannot count on everyone else in the division tanking if they want to win the NFC East (or anything else) this season. Washington has to find some consistency in its offense without the defense losing a step. With the additions they made in the offseason, they can do just that.

But will they...

Washington Football Team Season Preview

The primary goal of the offseason for Washington was to improve the offense. Had they been just a little bit better last season (they lost five games by a touchdown or less), the team might have been respectable.

While it still is not a great offense, it is safe to say the offense is better than it was last year, starting with the acquisition of Ryan Fitzpatrick. In him, Washington has a guy that is good enough to get the job done. Most would consider Fitzpatrick a good quarterback, but he has never been considered a great one.

He is one of those guys that can be great when a good team surrounds him, but he is not one of those guys that makes everyone around him a lot better. So, it is good that he does have a good group surrounding him on offense.

Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic are a good one-two combination in the backfield. Two of their offensive line were among the top six at their position last year. The other two were not bad, either, and rookie Samuel Cosmi was a beast in college.

Terry McLaurin will likely be Fitzpatrick’s favorite target, followed by Curtis Samuel. Logan Thomas is a good possession receiver at tight end, and rookie wide receiver Dyami Brown could become a solid addition if he can live up to this pre-draft hype.

On the defensive side of the ball, the unit lost a few guys, but it also gained a few. The defensive line will undoubtedly be the strength of the unit once again. Their first-round pick, linebacker Jamin Davis, and third-round cornerback Benjamin St.-Juste will likely be called on early to produce.

All in all, the defense was in great shape last season and should be just as good this season. If it can help the team win a few games early on, once Fitzpatrick and the offense start clicking, Washington could be dangerous.

But it may all depend on how quickly things can come together.

Week One Preview— Washington Football Team vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Virginia sports betting odds for NFL week 1 at GamingToday.

The Chargers took a big step towards respectability last season thanks to how well Justin Herbert played. But the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year is going to have his hands full against Washington’s stellar defensive line.

But the Chargers might be in good shape if their rebuilt offensive line can live up to expectations. On paper, it looks like it could be one of the best in the league. According to PFF, it ranks 18th heading into the season—a big step up from where it ended 2020 (32nd).

If the Charges offensive line can give Herbert time and open some holes for the run game, they could gain some yards against the Washington defense. Washington’s front four is among the best in the NFL. But they are weak at linebacker, and the secondary could stand to be a little better, too.

Much like how the offensive line will be the key to the game for the Chargers, the same is true for Washington. If they cannot slow down Joey Bosa long enough for Ryan Fitzpatrick to work his magic, it will not be hard to figure out how this game will end.

But even if Fitzpatrick does have a little time, it will not be easy to gain yards against the Chargers defense. The secondary will get a considerable boost from the return of safety Derwin James and the addition of rookie Asante Samuel Jr. at cornerback.

This game will be won in the trenches, but it is also not hard to imagine it becoming a shootout with the talent both offenses have. Both teams have decent secondaries, but there is not a lockdown corner amongst them. Given time, both quarterbacks can be successful in the passing game.

If that happens, it may come down to whoever can make the big play happen when the game is on the line.

NFL Betting Recommendations

As far as Week One goes, it is not hard to see why the Chargers are the betting favorite. Their offense is more of a proven commodity than Washington’s is. Yes, the Washington defense is good, but there is no telling what the offense will look like until it takes the field.

While Ryan Fitzpatrick can be magical on any given Sunday, he is prone to having disastrous games as well.

Do not expect this one to be so close that the point spread will make a difference. Either the Chargers will win by a significant margin because Justin Herbert will have a field day against the Washington secondary, or Ryan Fitzpatrick will remind fans there is a reason he is still in demand going into his 17th season.

Take the Chargers to win this one (moneyline). However, Washington fans should not worry. Their team is not going to be an easy win for anyone this season. But will they be good enough to win the division, conference, or Super Bowl? Will they make the playoffs?

With the potential the Dallas Cowboys have, there is not much value in taking Washington to win the NFC East at +300. As for the conference and Super Bowl, it depends on how much faith you have in Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense.

The Washington defense is a championship-caliber defense. But they are not in the same league as the 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense; they will need some offense to win. Right now, it is hard to say whether they will get enough.

What does that mean from a betting perspective? It would probably be wise to pass on Washington winning either the NFC or Super Bowl. But if you had a spare $10 bill laying around, it may be worth it to put it down on Washington to win the NFC.

As for the playoffs, the defense could be good enough to get Washington back in the playoffs this year. But at those odds, the payoff is not worth the risk.