The Washington Redskins have been boom or bust when it comes to divisional finishes the past several years, with two NFC East title but six last-place finishes since 2008. The only time they haven’t finished first or last was last year when they went 8-7-1 and finished in third place.
Washington lost some key pieces this offseason but also brought some new talent in. Despite a highly-publicized contract squabble, quarterback Kirk Cousins will once again be back under center. He has proven to be a polarizing but effective signal-caller and will aim to lead Washington back to the playoffs for the second time in three years.
The Redskins are in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL and it won’t be easy to claim the title, but there is enough talent that it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.
NFC East Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys +115
New York Giants +250
Philadelphia Eagles +400
Washington Redskins +400
Why the Washington Redskins Will Win the NFC East
The Redskins have gone 15-14-1 the past two seasons and have some good talent on the roster. Cousins threw for 4,917 yards with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions a season ago. He is entering his age-29 season, which is a good age for a quarterback as he has enough experience but is still in his physical prime.
The Redskins averaged 24.8 points per game a season ago, but they will be undergoing a significant change in the passing game. Star tight end Jordan Reed is back, and he will aim to improve on last season’s numbers of 66 catches for 686 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Reed is a dynamic talent and is a great safety valve for Cousins.
Washington lost DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in free agency, and those two combined for 2,046 receiving a season ago. The Redskins do have some talent outside still, with Terrelle Pryor, Jr. joining the fold and Josh Doctson ready to take on a bigger role. Additionally, Jamison Crowder is back to resume his role in the slot.
Running back Rob Kelley took over starting duties after a few games last season and ran the ball well. He will aim to have a big season. The defense has Josh Norman in the secondary and Ryan Kerrigan leading the way as a pass-rusher. They are a pair of Pro Bowl-level talents who can have a big impact on the play of the defense.
The Redskins have to do well in head-to-head matchups against the NFC East foes, and their non-divisional slate is tough, but there is enough talent on hand to make a push for the divisional crown.
Why the Washington Redskins Won't Win the NFC East
The Redskins were an average team last year and must somehow find a way to surpass the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. It helps Washington that Dallas star running back Ezekiel Elliott may be suspended for up to six games this season, but the Cowboys still have a talented roster and a star quarterback in Dak Prescott.
The Giants have a top-tier defense and a pair of star receivers in Odell Beckham, Jr. and Brandon Marshall. The Philadelphia Eagles are also an up-and-coming team which could be tough if Carson Wentz improves.
A lot will have to go right for the Redskins to win the NFC East this season. The losses of Garcon and Jackson are big, while the team also suffered a blow when linebacker Trent Murphy was lost for the year due to injury.
Washington is a decent team in a division with a pair of clubs that are clearly superior. Unless Cousins takes a huge step forward and becomes a dominant quarterback, the Redskins do not seem to have enough talent on the roster to surpass the Cowboys or Giants for the NFC East title.
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