The 2020 Washington Football Team enters this season with a lot of franchise turmoil and not much national respect. However, this team has made coaching and players changes that have changed the direction of the team on the field and is certainly building for the future. But what does that mean for this season? Many prognosticators are picking another dismal season for Washington, however I do not think that is the case. This team has taken on Coach Ron Rivera’s fight and will compete in a lot of games. Matching up with the AFC North and NFC West brings a lot of tough matchups for the burgundy and gold. Here is my season prediction.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington (H)- For the third time in four seasons the team opens against the Eagles. The Eagles have won the last six meetings of the two teams. However last season both games were competitive with Washington up 17-0 on opening day and the Eagles had to come back to win in both games. The Eagles enter this game already with offensive line issues. Washington 24, Eagles 21
Washington vs. Arizona Cardinals (H)- The one time Washington did not open against the Eagles recently the faced the Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals are a favorite pick to ascend to a playoff team behind Kyler Murray and newly arrived DeAndre Hopkins. The teams first road trip is cross country but playing inside should help. Cardinals 31, Washington 28
Washington vs. Cleveland Browns (H)- Washington travels to face Baker Mayfield and the Browns in week 3. The Browns were much hyped last season and fell way short of expectations. Both teams feature strong defensive lines while Dewayne Haskins will be playing his first regular season game in Ohio. Should be another close game. Washington 27, Browns 20
Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington (H)- The battle of the Beltway will bring Lamar Jackson, (RG3,) and the Ravens to FedEx Field. Washington has won the last three game in this series, however the Ravens have had way more success. Jackson comes in as the reigning MVP with a ton of hype coming off the one seed in the AFC last season. Ravens 31, Washington 17
Los Angeles Rams vs. Washington (H)- Washington will face former offensive coordinator Sean McVay and the Rams. One year removed from a touchdown loss in the Super Bowl, the Rams had a let down last season. However most of the team remains including Jared Goff from that Super Bowl team. Washington does have an advantage playing a west coast team in an early game. Rams 24, Washington 21
Washington vs. New York Giants (H)- Washington will go on the road to face division rival New York Giants. The Giants have won the last three games in this series, and two of those were blowouts. Dewayne Haskins first NFL game experience came in relief in MetLife Stadium last season and it was bad. Haskins will have something to prove. Washington 34, Giants 21
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington (H)- The arch rival Cowboys come to FedEx Field, winners of three straight and seven of the last 8 games in this series. Usually a Cowboys dominating crowd won’t be an issue this time but the Cowboys on paper are loaded. However games are are not played on paper and this is a game where the defensive line must dominate. Washington 28, Cowboys 24
Bye Week- 4-3 and are overachieving.
New York Giants vs. Washington (H)- After the bye the Giants come to town to finish the season series. Washington has the better defense and that should prevail in another NFC East matchup. Washington 28, Giants 24
Washington vs. Detroit Lions (H)- Washington goes on the road to face a team the defeated last season in the Lions. The Lions should have Matthew Stafford and newly signed Adrian Peterson. The Lions should be better with Stafford and Peterson but have too many holes elsewhere in the roster. This may also be one of the few games where Washington will be favored. Washington 31, Lions 27
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington (H)- Number one draft pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and the Bengals come to FedEx Field. This will the show with number 2 overall pick Chase Young. Burrow should have Joe Mixon and AJ Green to help him. However the Bengals are in rebuild mode and lack a strong defense. Washington 35, Bengals 20
Washington vs. Dallas Cowboys (H)- On a short week Washington will face the Cowboys for the third time in four years on Thanksgiving. The schedule also gets a long stronger here and with the exception of 2012 and the RG3 showcase game, Washington has had little success on Thanksgiving. Also I expect the Cowboys to be better inside. Cowboys 31, Washington 23
Washington vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (H)- After a ten day layoff, Washington heads to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers team that should have Ben Rothlisberger back in the fold. The Steelers feature a strong defense and will be fighting for a playoff spot. However Washington has not defeated the Steelers since 1991 losing 6 in a row. Steelers 28, Washington 17
Washington vs. San Francisco 49ers (H)- Washington tough run continues with a visit to the NFC Champion 49ers. Former Offensive Tackle Trent Williams finally was traded after being unhappy with the Washington franchise. Also head coach Kyle Shannahan was offensive coordinator with Washington under his father and lost his first game against the team in 2018. However the 49ers won a sloppy game last season in the rain 9-0. 49ers 31, Washington 21
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington (H)- After a tough three game road trip, Washington returns to FedEx Field to face another playoff team from last season in the Seahawks. The teams have not faced each other since 2017 when Washington won 17-14 in Seattle. However Seattle has won the last two games at FedEx Field and Russell Wilson is a top 5 quarterback in the NFL. The Seattle will be fighting for the playoffs. Seahawks 21, Washington 17
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington (H)- In the final home game of the season Washington hosts Coach Rivera’s former team in the Panthers. This is one of the three games that Washington won last year and we saw flashes of Haskins being the real deal. Christian McCaffery is the real deal but the Panthers still are lacking weapons outside of them. Washington 35, Carolina 20
Washington vs. Philadelphia Eagles (H)- In the season finale Washington goes on the road and face the Eagles. The Eagles will most likely be fighting for a spot in the playoffs and will be all in to win this game. Washington will be competitive and fighting hard all season. Eagles 27, Washington 17
I am more bullish than most outside the Beltway on Washington. The defense will be the strength of the team so this team will be in a lot of games. This team is probably a year or two away from being a playoff team and championship threat. Final Record 8-8
