Washington Football Team: Predicting every game on the 2021 schedule

The 2021 NFL Regular Season is upon us and the Washington Football Team hopes to repeat as NFC East division champions.

After many months of waiting for the 2021 NFL regular season to arrive, it is finally here.  Meaningful games start this week and fans of the Washington Football Team are full of hope after the organization won an NFC East title last season.  Can the Burgundy and Gold repeat as champions or will there be disappointment ahead?

Welcome to our yearly 16 game – uh, 17 game prediction for this season.  Yes, the NFL has migrated to a 17 game format and that adds one additional week of intrigue and excitement.  Let’s not waste any more time and jump right in with this schedule and predictions!

The expectations are high for the Washington Football Team

Games 1-4

Game 1, Sept. 12 – Chargers at Washington

The Washington Football Team faces an early-season test with a visit from the Los Angeles Chargers.  Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert looks to build on a solid rookie season.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and receiver Mike Williams have solid outings, but the Washington defense does enough to give the offense opportunities.  Touchdowns from Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, J.D. McKissic, and two field goals from Dustin Hopkins prove to be enough in a close contest.

Final Score:  Washington 27  Chargers 21

Record:  1-0

Game 2, Sept. 16 – Giants at Washington

The revenge game!  An opportunity to right a wrong.  A Thursday night battle.  This rivalry has been intense for many decades, but the Giants have prevailed more often than not in recent years and Washington wants to turn the tables in 2021.

The game has a familiar feel to it as Daniel Jones connects with a wide-open Kadarius Toney for a 43-yard touchdown on the first series.  Ryan Fitzpatrick tosses an interception on the next series and the defense is able to limit the damage with a Graham Gano field goal.

The rest is all Washington as Fitzpatrick tosses three touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin and one more to Logan Thomas.  William Jackson adds a pick-six late in the game and the Football Team earns their revenge.  The defense is able to shut down a good receiver group after a shaky start.

Final Score:  Washington 35  Giants 10

Record:  2-0

Game 3, Sept. 26 – Washington at Bills

Washington is 2-0 and heading north for their first game on the road.  Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is arguably the best signal caller in the league and he has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

The game is a see-saw affair, but Buffalo takes charge in the fourth quarter on the strength of two Allen touchdown passes.  Ryan Fitzpatrick throws two errant interceptions in the second half and it hinders any comeback hopes.

Final Score:  Bills 26  Washington 17

Record:  2-1

Game 4, Oct. 3 – Washington at Falcons

Washington travels to Atlanta to face Matt Ryan and rookie sensation Kyle Pitts.  The Burgundy and Gold is hoping to bounce back after a loss in Buffalo.

Ryan connects early with Pitts, but Washington catches fire with touchdowns from Curtis Samuel (2), Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, and Antonio Gibson. Dustin Hopkins adds a 48 yard field goal.  Atlanta is struggling early in the season and Washington’s weapons prove to be overwhelming.

Final Score:  Washington 38  Falcons 14

Record:  3-1

Games 5-8

Game 5, Oct. 10 – Saints at Washington

The Football Team returns to FedEx Field with a 3-1 record and the organization is full of optimism.  The good news is that Drew Brees is retired.  The bad news is that Jameis Winston is looking better all the time.  The Saints have plenty of depth and they are hoping for success against Washington.

The game is something of a shootout as Alvin Kamara and Winston keep pace with Washington.  However, it is obvious that wide receiver Michael Thomas is missed and the home team begins to take advantage.  Washington wins a spirited battle with a solid fourth quarter.

Final Score:  Washington 34  Saints 24

Record: 4-1

Game 6, Oct. 17 – Chiefs at Washington

A powerful offense faces a powerful defense.  A rapidly improving offense faces a good defense. Something must give.  The Kansas City Chiefs have it all.  Patrick Mahomes.  Tyreek Hill.  Clyde Edwards-Helaire.  Travis Kelce.  Chris Jones.  Andy Reid.  It’s scary, but Washington is up to the task.

Kansas City can pile on the points quickly, but they are not able to pull away from the Football Team.  Washington is able to score often, but the Chiefs prevail in the end.

Final Score: Chiefs 31  Washington 27

Record: 4-2

Game 7, Oct. 24 – Washington at Packers

There was a lot of drama in northern Wisconsin during the offseason, but Aaron Rodgers ended his staring contest with Green Bay’s front office shortly before the beginning of training camp.  Washington is trying to avoid a second straight loss, but a visit to Lambeau Field is tough for any visitor.

Rodgers is on fire and he connects early and often with Davonte Adams and Robert Tonyan.  Aaron Jones also enjoys a solid outing as Green Bay wins going away. Fitzpatrick tosses three interceptions and is sacked five times.  It is time to regroup and get ready for the next game.

Final Score:  Packers 45 Washington 20

Record:  4-3

Game 8, Oct. 31 – Washington at Broncos

The Washington Football Team is hoping to bounce back after two straight losses as they travel to Denver for a Halloween encounter with the Broncos.  Denver’s receiver corps is talented and deep, but who is going to deliver the football to them on Sundays?  Teddy Bridgewater is the starter for now, but Drew Lock lurks in the background.  Collectively, they are one of the least effective quarterback tandems in the league.

Washington quickly puts the horrible stench from the previous game behind them and cruises to a sizable halftime lead.  Denver mounts a comeback in the second half, but it is not enough and the team from Ashburn prevails.

Final Score:  Washington 30  Broncos 24

Record:  5-3

Games 9-12

The Washington Football Team enters the bye week with a record of 5-3 and there are reasons to feel encouraged, but a guarded optimism is present.

Game 9, Nov. 14 – Buccaneers at Washington

Washington returns home for the first time in three weeks and the opponent is a familiar foe.  Tom Brady and Tampa Bay roll into town in a game that has key playoff implications for both teams.  Washington seriously challenged the Bucs last January, but Brady and company prevailed.

Much like earlier last winter, the game is close and both teams battle with a determined effort.  Brady leads Tampa Bay on a final drive and a field goal as time expires to decide the outcome.

Final Score:  Tampa Bay 27  Washington 26

Record:  5-4

https://twitter.com/GetUpESPN/status/1423303068049870854

Game 10, Nov. 21 – Washington at Panthers

At this point, the Football Team is in need of a winning streak that will propel them to a secured playoff spot and another division title.  The Burgundy and Gold travels to Charlotte for a date with the organization that Ron Rivera coached for many years.  Sure, it is just another game on the calendar, but it honestly means more for the Washington coach.

The Panthers are struggling through a very tough season, but there are some positives with Sam Darnold and the reemergence of Christian McCaffrey.  However, Washington produces their best game of the season with touchdowns from Gibson (2), Terry McLaurin (2), Logan Thomas, Samuel, and Dyami Brown.

Final Score:  Washington 52  Panthers 17

Record:  6-4

Game 11, Nov. 29 – Seahawks at Washington

If there is one team from the NFC West that has been a thorn in the side of the Washington Football Team over the years, it is the Seattle Seahawks.  The visitors are in a very tight race for the NFC West crown with the Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals.  Washington expects the Seahawks to bring their best in this Monday night matchup.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1431602475283333129

A defining moment for the Washington Football Team

The game is intense and chippy at times.  Each team is assessed two personal foul penalties each and it is a chess match between the coaches.  The final play determines the outcome as Seattle drives to the Washington 14 yard line with 27 seconds remaining.  They need a touchdown and extra point to win.  Russell Wilson shines in these contests, but Chase Young brings the heat, and an errant toss into the end zone is secured by William Jackson.

Final Score:  Washington 29  Seahawks 23

Record:  7-4

Game 12, Dec. 5 – Washington at Raiders

Las Vegas.  Sin City.  The desert.  The fun and excitement.  The Washington Football Team must quickly put the Seahawks game behind them and continue their march toward an NFC East title.  The Raiders have no hope of catching the Chiefs in the AFC West, but the Silver and Black is in a tight playoff chase.

Derek Carr quickly puts his Raiders on the board with two early touchdown passes and Washington is forced to play catchup all afternoon.  The brief winning streak comes to an end and the remaining games will be a battle unlike any other in team history.

Final Score:  Raiders 24  Washington 20

Record:  7-5

Games 13-17

Game 13, Dec. 12 – Cowboys at Washington

The Washington Football Team is about to begin a brutal five game stretch against three opponents – all against teams in the same division.  It may seem unfair, but this is the reality that is facing the Burgundy and Gold.  Washington and Dallas are in a neck-in-neck race for the division title.  Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is having a very good season and they would love to head back to The Star with a victory.

Dallas scores early, but Washington quickly answers with a surprise touchdown pass from Logan Thomas to Terry McLaurin.  Entering the fourth quarter, Dallas has a sizable ten point lead, but Ryan Fitzpatrick leads Washington to three touchdowns.

Final Score:  Washington 38  Cowboys 27

Record:  8-5

Game 14, December 19 – Washington at Eagles

A war between two I-95 teams is not the same as it has been in recent years.  Philadelphia is struggling this season and will look to build for the future with many draft picks and free agents in 2022.

Washington strikes early and often.  A sparse crowd is actually a bit vocal as many Football Team fans made the ride to Lincoln Financial Field.

Final Score:  Washington 44  Eagles 13

Record:  9-5

Game 15, December 26 – Washington at Cowboys

Two weeks earlier, the Washington Football Team seized control of the division with a solid fourth quarter against Dallas, but the Cowboys can pull back within one game in a Sunday night affair.

Washington is simply lackluster from the start and Dallas takes command of the game.  The Burgundy and Gold can manage just one touchdown and three Dustin Hopkins field goals.  However, if Washington wins the final two games, they win the NFC East.

Final Score:  Cowboys 31  Washington 16

Record:  9-6

Game 16, January 2 – Eagles at Washington

It sure is nice to return to FedEx Field against a much weaker opponent.  The Eagles have been playing quarterback carousel and nothing seems to work.  Jalen Hurts gets another start after sitting for three weeks, but it really doesn’t make a difference.

Washington cruises to another victory against their I-95 rivals and the New Year begins on a positive note for the Football Team.

Final Score:  Washington 41  Eagles 7

Record:  10-6

Game 17, January 9 – Washington at Giants

For the first time in NFL history, all teams will play a 17th game and playoff implications are plentiful around the league.  If Washington is victorious against the New York Giants, a second straight division title is earned.  However, the Giants have other ideas and would like the season to end on a high note.

Following the opening kickoff, the Giants are determined to make a statement and take an early lead.  Washington struggles to keep pace, but they stay within striking distance at halftime.  The game is tied going into the fourth quarter and Washington’s defense leads the way.  An NFC East title is achieved and it is time for the playoffs.

Final Score:  Washington 24  Giants 21

Record:  11-6

Playoffs and Final Thoughts

Mid-January arrives and the holiday decorations are stored away for another year.  A bitterly cold weather pattern is sweeping across most of the nation and the NFL enters wild card weekend with some intriguing games.

Game 18, January 16 – Vikings at Washington

Washington has a Sunday date with the fifth-seeded Minnesota Vikings and the hope of a long-awaited playoff victory.  Washington opens the game with a pair of Dustin Hopkins field goals, but Minnesota answers with a touchdown.  The Washington Football Team ends the first half with another field goal and a 9-7 lead.

The temperature keeps dropping and it is now 18 degrees at the start of the second half.  Washington scores on the opening drive with a Jaret Patterson 23 yard scamper.  Dustin Hopkins adds another field goal to extend the lead to 19-7, but Minnesota answers with a touchdown of their own.  Early in the final quarter, Ryan Fitzpatrick is able to hook up with Logan Thomas on a 38-yard touchdown.

The defense is stingy, but Minnesota scores a touchdown with 57 seconds remaining.  The onside kick is unsuccessful and the Washington Football Team advances to the next round of the playoffs.

Final Score:  Washington 26  Vikings 21

Record:  12-6

A playoff victory!  Washington is heading to the divisional round of the playoffs.  One game away from the NFC championship game!  Can it happen?  The DMV region is buzzing and the Burgundy and Gold is preparing to play in late January!

Game 19, January 23 – Washington at Rams

The good news is that it will be much warmer in Los Angeles.  The bad news is that Washington will be playing the Rams – one of the best teams in 2021.

Reality hits, but the Washington Football Team is a winner

Too much Aaron Donald.  Too much Matt Stafford.  The Rams jump to an early lead and never look back.  The Washington Football Team was hoping to be better and give themselves a chance, but the visitors end the season with a whimper.

Final Score:  Rams  37  Washington 17

Record:  12-7

These particular 2021 game predictions should be considered a success.  At 12-7 and ending up one game away from an NFC Championship appearance would be many steps in a positive direction.

The 2021 season is here and all of the predictions will be stored away for next year.  There are many building blocks for the Washington Football Team to build on for the future, but the present is looking mighty fine.  The Riggo’s Rag team is here to cover it all for you and it will be nice to share any good news of the Burgundy and Gold.