The Washington Football Team surprised a lot of people in 2020, taking home the NFC East title. They did have a losing record, going 7-9, but it was still an impressive feat nonetheless as Washington overcame a lot of adversity to take home the division crown.
Heading into the 2021 season, Washington could see even better results. The roster was upgraded in the regular season and they have an excellent coaching staff led by head coach Ron Rivera.
What can we expect from the Football Team in 2021? Here are five bold predictions for the team this upcoming season.
5. Five Players Surpass 500 Yards Receiving
The Washington Football Team has some excellent weapons when it comes to their passing game. Terry McLaurin, who was a third-round pick out of Ohio State in 2019, has been a revelation, taking over as the No. 1 target in the passing game. The front office got him some help this offseason, signing Curtis Samuel away from the Carolina Panthers. Adam Humphries was signed as well to shore up the slot receiver spot.
Tight end Logan Thomas has also developed nicely after transitioning from quarterback at Virginia Tech, being in the NFL in 2014 and then working on his craft until returning in 2017. J.D. McKissic, another holdover from last season, is an excellent receiving back and is even listed as a wide receiver in some outlets. Antonio Gibson also showed some pass-catching chops as a rookie.
Cam Sims, Steven Sims Jr. and Dyami Brown round out the wide receiver depth chart, giving Washington an excellent group of skill position players.
At least five of those players mentioned will surpass the 500-yard receiving mark this upcoming season as Washington will air it out this season with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm.
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick Makes Pro Bowl
Speaking of Ryan Fitzpatrick, he is in for an excellent season of his own. The well-traveled quarterback had a strong season in 2020 with the Miami Dolphins, completing a career-high 68.5 percent of his passes.
Locked in as the starter and without a prized rookie sitting behind him, Fitzpatrick will thrive this season as the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback in Washington.
At 39-years old, Fitzpatrick will make his first bowl team of his career in 2021. With the weapons, he has at his disposal and the success Washington can have, the Harvard grad will receive some personal accolades of his own.
3. Chase Young Leads The NFL In Sacks
The Washington Football Team has one of the best defenses in the NFL. They ranked second last season in total defense, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams. Coming into 2021, they should find similar success.
The defense is loaded with talent, as the front seven is headlined by multiple first-round picks. Chase Young is the biggest name among them and will have a huge sophomore season.
With so much talent surrounding him, he will be tough to double team. He will take full advantage of that and lead the NFL in sacks. He had 7.5 in his rookie season and will double that as a sophomore with 15 to pace the rest of the league.
2. Landon Collins Doesn’t Return To Starting Lineup
The Washington Football Team suffered what they thought was a major loss last season when Landon Collins ruptured his Achilles. But, seventh-round rookie Kamren Curl filled in exceptionally well.
Curl is paid a fraction of the price that Collins is and in the NFL, any time a team can save money they will. With how well he played, it will be difficult to take him out of the starting lineup, meaning Collins will be out of a spot upon his return.
Washington will save a lot of money if Collins is off the roster whether it is via trade or release. Releasing him seems unlikely, but if a team shows interest in acquiring him via trade, Washington should jump at the opportunity.
1. Washington Wins A Playoff Game
The Washington Football Team won the NFC East in 2020 for the first time since 2015. They were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their losing streak in the postseason.
Washington has lost five straight playoff games with their last win coming in 2005 when they defeated the Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. This season, that streak will be the one that is broken.
Washington will win a playoff game for the first time in 15 years, snapping yet another franchise drought in the process. They will win a road game in the Wild Card round, as they will not win the NFC East but still qualify for the postseason.
If you want to place any bets on the Washington Football Team, check out Virginia sports betting.
