Ron Rivera is entering the fourth season of his tenure as head coach of the Washington Commanders. In his first three seasons, Rivera has a record of 22-27-1, never winning more than eight games. Even if Washington wasn’t in the middle of an ownership change, Rivera understands he needs to win in 2023.
Washington almost made the playoffs last season, controlling its destiny until a Week 17 collapse against the Cleveland Browns eliminated the Commanders from postseason contention. A big reason for Washington’s issues was the offense.
So, instead of making drastic changes to a talented unit of playmakers, the Commanders fired former offensive coordinator Scott Turner and hired Eric Bieniemy away from the Kansas City Chiefs to replace him. Unlike his five years as Kansas City’s O.C., this is Bieniemy’s show.
Washington’s quarterback in 2023 will either be youngster Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett. Will that be enough for the Commanders to make the playoffs?
DraftKings Sportsbook recently released odds for each NFL team’s chances to win the division, conference and Super Bowl. What are Washington’s chances of winning the division — and more — in 2023?
- NFC East: +900 [last among the four teams]
- NFC: +2500
- Super Bowl: +6000
- To make the playoffs: Yes [+270], No [-360]
No surprise, Washington’s odds aren’t great for 2023. But if Howell proves to be the guy, the Commanders have a chance to be good. That’s a lot of ifs, but certainly not impossible.