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Five bold predictions for Washington Football Team vs. Eagles in Week 1

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. J.D. McKissic, Antonio Gibson, and Peyton Barber all get exactly 12 touches

When Ron Rivera confirmed that Washington’s backfield was going to be a committee, he wasn’t kidding. In the opener, Washington fans (and fantasy football owners) are going to get a taste of the committee. And it won’t always be fun, at least to start.

Off the bat, it seems highly likely that Rivera will mix up his backs and try to have them all settle into their respective roles. Peyton Barber will likely get a good chunk of carries considering that he is the true between-the-tackles back on the roster now.

Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic will get plenty of touches as well. However, theirs may be split closer to 50-50 or 60-40 between carries and catches, as both are converted receivers and Scott Turner’s system emphasizes backs catching the ball out of the backfield.

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And for Gibson, since he had only 33 carries during his time at Memphis, the team may want to avoid overworking him in a between-the-tackles role, especially without the added benefit of a preseason to test him out.

At the end of the day, this is what I think the split may end up looking like for the Washington RBs.

  • McKissic: 7 carries, 5 catches
  • Gibson: 8 carries, 4 catches
  • Barber: 12 carries, 0 catches (1 target)

So, that will be exactly 12 touches for those three backs. It’s a sensible workload combined for the backs, but it’s bold assuming that all three players will get equal opportunities.

And for those wondering about Bryce Love, I’m projecting that he may be kept further down the depth chart at least early in the season. He could get a few carries, but I don’t think he’ll be operating in a larger role until later in the season; If he can factor into the rotation by October, that would be excellent for Washington.

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