4 eye-catching Commanders futures bets to strongly consider in 2023
By Sean Labar
Commanders season win total
- Over 6.5 wins at +100
I understand there are analysts, stat nerds, and likely a bunch of computers involved in coming up with weekly lines and season-win totals in Vegas. With one of the top defenses in the NFL, I have to believe the unknown of Sam Howell at quarterback is the reason the Washington Commanders are getting slighted.
While the schedule is no cakewalk, it isn’t brutal either. According to Sharp Football Focus, the Commanders enter 2023 with the 24th hardest schedule. I think folks are giving way too much love to the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. While the Philadelphia Eagles will be tough, the Washington handed them their first loss of the season last year.
While there are some tough games on the slate and the Commanders have to come out with two or three division wins minimum, I believe that number can be higher. There are several winnable games on the slate.
Nearly everyone in America has the Commanders pummeling the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. After cutting Colt McCoy and trading away Isaiah Simmons, it’s almost obvious they are tanking and I view that as a double-digit drubbing in front of a re-energized fan base at Fed Ex Field.
Again, I believe this team is better than many think. It won’t be easy and the Commanders need to win a few games they aren’t expected to, but I have Washington winning 9-10 games and sneaking into the wildcard round.
With a defense capable of being among the league’s best, an offense loaded with talent at the skill positions and one of the best offensive minds scheming to the strengths of Howell, the success of 2023 will fall on the shoulders of the protection. So far, it seems a bit scary to think about this unit facing top-level defenses, but let’s trust Eric Bieniemy has a plan.
I understand if the playoffs seem like a long shot for some as there are no certain wins versus teams not expected to contend beyond Arizona, but this team will still win seven games at minimum. Cash it in now.