2023 Season Preview and Odds for the Washington Commanders
Scott Morris | August 17, 2023
The franchise’s longtime owner, Daniel Snyder, has sold the franchise. New owners taking over would jeopardize the head coach, Ron Rivera, ’s job as he has been unable to secure more than eight victories in the past three-plus seasons. However, he did take the team to the playoffs in his first season.
After the not-so-successful Wentz test in 2022, the team management will be looking at the quarterback position from a new angle. They have their eyes set on Sam Howell as the starting quarterback, but Jacoby Brissett will give him intense competition. Not to forget, Brissett had a commendable season with the Browns.
Anyway, whosoever makes it on the team, will have the same resources Wentz had. With Gates and Wylie in starting roles, Sam Cosmi will now be the right guard, whereas Andrew Norwell, the left guard, has an uncertain future with the Commanders.
All four members of the defensive line will be retained. Payne received franchise tagging, and then an extension. Moreover, on defense the Commanders have added Cody Braxton, who was a Seahawks’ starter for 11 games in 2022. Forbes, their first-round cornerback, will remove the only weak Commanders’ weakness on their defense.
After being overshadowed by Andy Reid and spending ten years with the Chiefs, Bieniemy will finally get to call his own plays in Washington – replacing Scott Turner. He might get more opportunities if he helps in developing Howell with the Commanders. So far, he has given 15 unsuccessful interview attempts in the last five off-seasons.
Looking Back at Last Season
The last season was a 50-50 affair as the Commanders underwent two streaks of three consecutive wins with a losing streak of four games and other instances of three losses. There was a tied game too. However, the climax of the season came when the Washington Commanders defeated the unbeaten Eagles in Week 10.
Despite being underestimated and considered an underdog, the Commanders won 31-21. They also won their last game against the Cowboys and finished with an 8-8-1 record. Regardless, they were unable to make it to the NFC playoffs, the only club from the East not to make it.
Outlook of the New Season
According to Dalton Miller’s post-draft power rankings, the Commanders are at 21st rank in tier 3 with other teams like the Patriots, Steelers, Browns, Vikings, Panthers, and Chargers. A consistent defense performance is not very common; however, one could expect that this defensive unit would continue to do well in the upcoming season. They got 5th rank in expected points per play last season. With Forbes on their side, they have decent cornerback depth. Now, it does not seem like the Commanders have something seriously lacking in the defense aspect.
The Commanders’ way to the playoff is solely reliant on their quarterback’s performance, as it is quite literally a driving force behind any club’s success. Whether it is Howell or Brisset, a top-notch performance could earn the franchise a spot in the playoffs, and Rivera will have to ensure this if he intends to keep his job.
2023 Washington Commander Betting Odds
Division +1200
Conference +4000
Super Bowl +10,000
