Redskins: An assessment of possible scenarios in 2018

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins ooks on as his team takes on the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Being totally realistic

@ ARI – W

vs IND – W

vs GB – L

@ NO – L

vs CAR – W

vs DAL – W

@ NYG – L

vs ATL – W

@ TB – W

vs HOU – L

@ DAL – L

@ PHI – L

vs NYG – W

@ JAC – L

@ TEN – L

vs PHI – W

Totally realistic record: 8-8

Keep in mind that even the “totally realistic” prediction isn’t totally realistic. At this point, we have no way of knowing how the 2018 season will shake out for the Redskins, or any of the thirteen teams that they play across their sixteen-game slate. The Redskins could be a dominant surprise. Or they could collapse in spectacular fashion. It’s the chaotic nature of the NFL that fans have come to cherish.

The totally realistic prediction might as well be called “wet blanket” realism, because in truth, as explained on the previous slide, there aren’t many games on the Redskins’ schedule that can be confidently presented as losses. The Redskins can compete in almost every matchup they have. But realistically, they won’t win every one. It just doesn’t work out that way, more often than not.

In the realistic prediction, the Redskins start off 2-2. They should be able to handle the Cardinals and Colts respectively, but Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, both of whom have retooled offenses and strong defenses at their disposal, will be tough to beat.

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Four games of a similar nature include Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. All four of those teams have their drawbacks, but all four are solid squads with areas of immense strength. Atlanta is a well-rounded team with a former MVP at quarterback. Houston is returning a number of stars from injuries, including Deshaun Watson, J.J. Watt, and Whitney Mercilus. Jacksonville’s dominant 2017 defense only got better in 2018, and Tennessee, even with a first-year head coach, has the talent to surprise.

Realistically, Washington is strong enough to steal at least one of those games, with the likeliest being against Atlanta. They’ll be playing at home, not as far removed from their bye week. Tennessee is a close-second, with a first-year coach and a quarterback looking to rebound from a tough 2017 season. But Mariota has Matt LaFleur to coach him up now, and the Redskins will be worn out by Week 16.

Week 17 is an intriguing case. In any other situation, the Redskins would be penciled in as losers against the Philadelphia Eagles. But realistically, the Eagles will have already clinched a playoff spot by then, and realistically, they’ll be resting their starters. With the Eagles playing for nothing, the Redskins can take that one, even if it’s for pride and nothing else.

Next. Previewing the Redskins first preseason matchup. dark

In a strong NFC, 8-8 won’t get a wild card berth. 9-7 won’t either. If the totally realistic prediction comes to pass, and the Redskins finish at .500, despite improvements made to the roster, then the pieces will only continue to move in 2019. Jay Gruden will be out of a job. But if the Redskins do just a little bit better, then they can be one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 NFL season. Taking all this into account, my prediction is 11-5. But truly anything can happen. What’s yours?

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