NFL record predictions for the 2018 regular season

Washington Redskins

Due to their recent history, onlookers are always quick to forget about the Washington Redskins, no matter the circumstances. But trends aside, the Washington Redskins are building a very strong roster, one that can certainly contend in the NFL playoff race.

Let’s look at the defense, because that has been the thing holding the Washington Redskins back in the NFL for almost a decade. The most improved sect of the defense is, quite obviously, the defensive line. A year after injuries forced Ziggy Hood to play nose tackle, the Washington Redskins rotation looks completely different. The rotation wasn’t necessarily weak last year; had Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis stayed healthy consistently, the Washington Redskins’ defense very well could have stayed competitive.

But that’s not what happened. The team lost Allen, and the line rotation fell apart. In 2018, they won’t have that same problem. Allen and Ioannidis will be back in full force this season, and this time, they’ll be joined by players like first-round pick Da’Ron Payne, space-eating nose tackle Tim Settle, and ascending rotational lineman Anthony Lanier.

With Jim Tomsula coaching them up, this unit should be in line for a massive improvement in 2018, and with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith setting the edge, disturbing the backfield should be much easier for this squad. Other skilled players on defense, such as Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Josh Norman, Montae Nicholson, and D.J. Swearinger, will all benefit as a result. With new playmakers and improved depth, this defense could be surprisingly effective in 2018.

While the Washington Redskins defense has taken time to improve, the offense has always been close, and in 2018, the unit might realize its full potential. Derrius Guice is an instant No. 1 running back, with the ability to immediately become one of the more productive runners in the NFL. Third-down back Chris Thompson will be back from injury, as will be athletic tight end Jordan Reed (hopefully). The Washington Redskins’ offensive line is largely solid, with one hole at left guard that can be filled multiple ways, and the receiving core is flush with potential; Josh Doctson still has yet to break out, but is trending up, Paul Richardson give the team speed they desperately lacked last year, and Jamison Crowder and Trey Quinn can both provide quality play in the slot.

The Washington Redskins’ offensive improvement is capped off by both the acquisition of Alex Smith and the retainment of head coach Jay Gruden. In his fifth year with the Washington Redskins, Jay Gruden should have valuable continuity, and Alex Smith fits perfectly into his scheme. Until the regular season starts, it’s always too early to be this optimistic. But the pieces are coming together in the nation’s capital. Teams build up from the trenches, and the Washington Redskins are low-key solid on both sides of the ball. In a division with teams such as New York and Dallas facing uncertainty, the Redskins could be primed to make a run.

Washington Redskins record projection: 11-5