Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of this afternoon's road game against the Los Angeles Rams?
It seems like forever since the Washington Commanders embarked on an NFL regular season game. Most fans were happy for a prolonged bye-week break, but that comes to an end this afternoon when Ron Rivera's men get back down to business at the Los Angeles Rams.
Playing the role of party pooper versus a team harboring hopes of playoff football is the primary objective. While we wait to see what adjustments were made during their reflection period, the stories causing debate include Rivera's future all but sealed, the prospect of Bill Belichick becoming head coach, everything to know for Week 15, and two Commanders free agents landing in the most coveted list for 2024.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders at LA Rams odds, how to watch
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 6.5-point underdogs at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. This is available at -110 depending on which side of the points spread you want (bet $110 to win $100).
Anyone brave enough to spend their hard-earned money on Washington's money line can get odds of +235 currently (bet $100 to win $235). The Rams are heavily favored to get another vital win on home soil at -290 (bet $290 to win $100).
FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a high-scoring affair. The over/under is set at 50.5 points, which is available at -110 in both directions.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
How to watch:
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The game is also being broadcast on CBS.
Commanders have two coveted free agents
Plenty of changes are coming across the Washington Commanders once the 2023 season concludes. This means almost nobody is safe and leaves the future of pending free agents hanging in the balance for good measure.
There's just no telling how a new coaching regime or front office will go about their business. But according to Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus, the Commanders have two of the league's most coveted free agents in cornerback Kendall Fuller (No. 15) and safety Kamren Curl (No. 21).
"[Kendall] Fuller has been the lone bright spot in the Commanders' cornerback room in 2023, and while he’s been plenty capable as a wide cornerback, perhaps his prior experience in the slot and at safety could be attractive to teams that desire the ability to move the savvy Fuller around as he and his game ages.Brad Spielberger, PFF
[Kamren] Curl has quietly been one of the more underrated players in the NFL over the past several seasons, with his status as a seventh-rounder and his name getting lost in the shuffle on a defense that, up until this year’s trade deadline, was riddled with first-round talent. Curl can line up anywhere and is as consistent as safeties come on a down-to-down basis, possessing good instincts and a clear understanding of how to manipulate leverage and angles in the open field."
It makes a ton of sense for the new regime to get these two players tied down to extensions when the time comes. Although nothing can be said with any real guarantee with landmark alterations to the team's infrastructure imminent.
Commanders will fire Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera is being handed the dignity of seeing out the season as Washington Commanders head coach. After that, it seems as if his time with the franchise will end.
Rivera's done a decent job in difficult circumstances. However, four straight losing seasons and the introduction of new ownership don't exactly point to another year at the helm.
This was a sentiment echoed by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The senior insider stated that those around the league firmly believe the Commanders firing Rivera after the 2023 campaign is a done deal. Something that would signal the start of an exciting new era with Josh Harris' group leading the charge.
"There are no surprises arriving in Washington at the end of the regular season. At this point it’s understood around the building based on multiple people I have spoken with that Ron Rivera and some front office members will be fired. Since acquiring the team, new owner Josh Harris has had the vision to keep Rivera in place through the end of the season, then move on. It’s really not a secret anymore."Dianna Russini, The Athletic
If this expected scenario does come to fruition, Rivera can have no complaints. This will also be the second time he's been fired by an incoming owner after he was dismissed by the Carolina Panthers once David Tepper bought the organization from Jerry Richardson for a then-record $2.275 billion.
Could Commanders lure Bill Belichick?
With Ron Rivera seemingly on his way out, attention turns to who the Washington Commanders will appoint as their next head coach. Many names are being touted as potential candidates. Some are on the up, others have been around the game for an extended period.
No stone will be left unturned by Josh Harris in his quest to get the Commanders back into contention. He could also decide to make a big splash by luring Bill Belichick once his anticipated departure from the New England Patriots is confirmed.
Belichick is one of the greatest coaches ever. Things have tailed off considerably since Tom Brady left, but his influence on roster decisions should be a deal-breaker for the Commanders according to Tim Kelly from Sports Illustrated.
"[Josh] Harris may very well be intrigued by the idea of trying to land Belichick as he tries to re-legitimize the organization post-Daniel Snyder. Still, Harris and any ownership group interested in Belichick will have to ask themselves how things have gone south so badly in New England post-Tom Brady, and why things will be different at a new stop. Will Belichick want control over personnel? In theory, that should be a dealbreaker given the status of New England's roster under his guidance. And if Belichick gets the band back together in Washington or anywhere else in building his coaching staff -- think Josh McDaniels, Bill O'Brien, Matt Patricia and his son, Steve -- is that a good enough group to preside over a championship contender in today's game?"Tom Kelly, Sports Illustrated
Not many new owners get their first hire right. Harris is looking to buck this trend, but giving Belichick complete power seems foolish when one considers his recent suspect decisions and the fact this hasn't been profitable under current head coach Ron Rivera.