It’s been rough times in Washington over the last decade, but there have been a few bright spots. Washington has either made the playoffs or finished last in the NFC East in each of the last 12 years, but finishing dead last in the division has been a far more likely occurrence. Washington hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005, but after winning a weak NFC East last season, hopes are high in the nation’s capital coming into 2016.
Washington Redskins Playoff Odds at BookMaker.eu
Yes +160
No -180
2015 WASHINGTON REDSKINS SEASON REVIEW
No one would have expected Washington to have a breakout 2015 after the first season with Kirk Cousins and Jay Gruden. The team managed less than 19 PPG and looked pretty inept offensively for long stretches. However, Washington rebounded last season and won four straight down the stretch, including three road games, thanks to a rejuvenated offense that was lighting up the scoreboard.
Kirk Cousins had a solid season last year and silenced most people who thought that Gruden had made the wrong choice by playing Cousins over Robert Griffin III. The Michigan State product completed almost 70 percent of passes for 4166 yards though and finished with a quarterback rating over 100. He almost single-handedly carried Washington to the division crowd last season.
KEY LOSSES
Gone is RGIII after Cousins’ dominant season and the quarterback controversy is now dead and buried. Griffin was former coach Mike Shanahan’s preferred starter, but Gruden had always wanted to run his system with Cousins and after the results of last season had the proof he needed to pressure the franchise to release Griffin.
Alfred Morris left in the offseason as well, but had an awful year in Washington after three straight 1000-yard seasons. Morris averaged less than four yards per carry and only notched one touchdown all season. The running game was pretty moribund and can’t really get much worse without him so the loss isn’t that vital.
KEY ADDITIONS
The biggest move Washington made was to franchise Kirk Cousins, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement by the deadline and Cousins will now be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Cases like this are a rarity in the modern day NFL as quarterbacks are locked up quickly, but Cousins could bolt for big money next season if he lights it up again.
Dan Snyder signed one of the premier free agents this offseason when he came to terms with standout cornerback Josh Norman. Norman was one of the most visible members of a fantastic Carolina defense last season and was a big part of the team’s march to the Super Bowl. He signed for $15 million annually and is expected to make an immediate impact.
2016 WASHINGTON REDSKINS SEASON PREVIEW
The downside of winning the division is that Washington now has to play a first-place schedule this season and that means games against the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. Washington will likely be an underdog in both of these games and that will put them at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the division.
Cousins has a group of talented wide receivers to work with although neither Pierre Garcon or DeSean Jackson has lived up to their billing, they are both decent options. Both receivers are in a contract year and that should mean an uptick in production as they try to get one last big contract in free agency before they turn 30. Jordan Reed has also emerged as a solid option for Cousins and his big frame creates match-up problems. In addition, Josh Doctson was selected in the offseason to give Cousins another large target to throw at.
Defensively, Washington was fortunate in that Dallas and Philadelphia completely collapsed on offense last season. The team signed Norman to alleviate concerns in the secondary, but still has trouble stopping the run and didn’t help matters by not making any moves in free agency or the draft.
The NFC East is going to be better, but Washington will remain at around the same level and that will lead to the team missing the playoffs. There will be no large regression like in previous years, but Washington was very lucky last season and won’t be as fortunate this year.
NFL Odds: Washington Redskins to miss the playoffs -180
Bookmaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at Bookmaker sportsbook!
