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Washington Football Team: Way-too-early 2021 win-loss prediction

By Russell Shavatt

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Washington Football Team players run onto the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Washington Football Team players run onto the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Wk13: @Las Vegas Raiders. Dec. 5. – Win
Wk14:  Dallas Cowboys. Dec. 12. – Loss
Wk15: @ Philadelphia Eagles. Dec. 18/19. – Win
Wk16: @Dallas Cowboys. Dec. 26. – Win
Wk17: Philadelphia Eagles. Jan. 2. – Win
Wk18: @ New York Giants. Jan. 9. – Loss

When the Washington Football Team won the NFC East division last year, they did so with a 7-9 record. A big part of winning the division was finishing the season with four wins and two losses against the three other NFC East division foes.

If Washington were to falter at any point of the 2021 season, the way the schedule sets up will allow them to make up some ground, as five of the last six games are against the division rival Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants.

Before the run of division games, Washington will be heading out for their first ever trip to Allegiant Stadium for a date with the Las Vegas Raiders. This game on the schedule could set up to be a good watch, as both offenses have firepower. Current WFT QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had a crazy no-look pass last year for the Dolphins against the Raiders that ended up on highlight reels everywhere.

The match against the Raiders is one that should be as winnable as it gets. Washington cannot look past Vegas with the division matchups ahead, though. A series of losses at this point may be difficult to overcome.

After the Raiders, Washington will play both Dallas and Philadelphia twice in such a short time frame. The weather will likely be cold on the east coast, so offensive and defensive line play, along with a strong running game, will be keys to victory.

Speaking of a strong running game, running back Antonio Gibson looked dominant at times with the ball in his hands at various points of his rookie campaign. Against NFC East division opponents, Gibson finished with a modest 404 yards and 5 TDs. However, 243 yards and 4 TDs came against Dallas alone.

Needless to say, Washington should have a real chance to show well in the last third of the schedule. They are built to have success in late games via strong line play, stingy defense, and an efficient running game. At 4-2 in the final six games, the playoffs are in sight.

What Washington has become by the end of this prediction is a 10-7 football team. Rivera era, season two, will be seen as a success.

Stay tuned for final schedule thoughts and postseason possibilities.

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