This is the best organizational outlook the Washington Commanders have had in several years. While this could all change if Jayden Daniels does not turn out to be the player they hoped for, there is still genuine buzz surrounding the franchise.
The Commanders have not finished a season with a winning record since 2016. This is their best chance to change this in an NFC East division that is more wide-open than people think.
Washington holds the 6th-worst odds to win it all at +12000 on DraftKings Sportsbook. They have the third-worst odds to win the NFC at +6000, hold +900 odds to win the NFC East, and +260 odds to make the playoffs outright. The Commanders’ season-long win total is 6.5 games, with the over favored at -130 odds.
Washington Commanders Team Specials – Jayden Daniels to have 400+ passing yards in any Reg Season Game (+400)
Jayden Daniels is coming off an incredibly impressive final season at LSU in which he earned SEC Player of the Year and Heisman honors. This earned him the chance to be the second overall pick in the draft.
The red carpet has been laid for Daniels to play through his mistakes as the surefire starting quarterback. While there will undoubtedly be some lows, there are relatively high expectations for the former Arizona State transfer. Daniels took some notable leaps forward in his decision-making last season and produced a career-best 72.2% completion percentage, 3,812 yards passing, and 40 touchdowns through the air. He also added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns with his legs.
While it is not a pure translation from college to NFL, Daniels eclipsed 400 yards passing in a game twice last season. To use an NFL comparison, C.J. Stroud was able to make this happen just last year as a rookie. Stroud had an incredibly successful season as Rookie of the Year, but Daniels is also in a position to succeed.
Terry McLaurin will be an excellent weapon for the rookie quarterback to rely on. Despite inconsistent quarterback play throughout his career, McLaurin still has tallied at least 919 yards receiving every season of his career and eclipsed 1,000 in each of the past four.
The Commanders will have their struggles as a team this season. But this could create more opportunities for Daniels to pass as well. Ultimately, with 17 chances to deliver a 400+ yard passing game, this is great value for Daniels. He possesses the talent, has the opportunity, and it takes just one game for this number to cash.
Washington Commanders Over 2.5 Divisional Wins (+100)
The Commanders’ +900 odds to win the NFC East puts them third in the division. The New York Giants bring up the rear with +2000 odds and have a season-long win total of just 6.5.
Washington will face off against New York in Week 2 at home and then on the road in Week 9. The Commanders have a great chance to win both of these games and they would only need one more from their divisional rivals to reach three divisional wins.
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are both in better places to win now. However, neither are unbeatable teams.
The Cowboys just navigated an offseason filled with contract drama. They also lack offensive weapons and will be relying on Zeke Elliott and Dalvin Cook in the backfield with each looking well past their primes.
Philadelphia is coming off one of the most embarrassing midseason collapses in professional sports history last season. Their biggest offseason headlines have been dominated by conversations regarding the strained relationship between QB Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni. The team also replaced both coordinators and will have a completely new system this season.
While both should be expected to be better than the Commanders, neither are unbeatable. If the Commanders can win both games against the Giants, they will just need to take one game against either the Eagles or Cowboys. Even if they are to split with New York, don’t rule out the Commanders doing the same against both Philadelphia and Dallas.
There is some extra juice that comes with divisional games. This is especially the case in the NFC East where there has not been a team to win the division in two consecutive years since the Eagles in 2001-2004.
Expect the Commanders to look like a much more competent team than people seem to expect this season. Washington will be in the mix for the division and should have no problem picking up three wins in their six opportunities.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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