It’s been a season of streaks for the Washington Football Team. And, for the most part, those streaks haven’t been too good for the 2020 NFC East champions. Washington began the season 2-2 before losing its next four games. Washington would then win four in a row, moving to the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture before dropping its last four games.
Now, Washington sits at 6-10 and faces the New York Giants (4-12) in a game with zero playoff implications to end the regular season.
So, while those on the outside call this a meaningless game, head coach Ron Rivera sees things much differently.
Rivera will be entering his third season in 2022, which is critical for him and the organization. Washington will have a new name and, presumably, a new quarterback. Every game matters for Rivera, including Sunday’s season finale against the Giants.
So, who wins? Here are the Washington Wire staff predictions for the WFT’s game against the Giants.
Bryan Manning
Many on the outside believe Washington should tank in Week 18 and play for draft position in the 2022 NFL draft. While that sounds reasonable to fans and analysts, they don’t play the game. They aren’t in the locker room all season through the highs and lows of a season. Regardless of how many players Washington will be without Sunday, it’s playing to win the game.
Rivera knows he needs a quarterback, so whether he picks No. 6 or No. 13, Washington will be aggressive in its pursuit for a franchise passer. The only thing on Rivera’s mind is doing right by his players and sending them out winners Sunday.
Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke will have a solid game, as star wide receiver Terry McLaurin will find the end zone, and Washington will shut down a New York offense led by Jake Fromm and finish the season with a 7-10 record.
Washington 24, Giants 13
Ivan Lambert
Both teams are spiraling downward. The Giants have lost five consecutive games, and Washington has dropped its last four, as well.
Giants coach Joe Judge certainly contributed his motivational material this week referring to Washington as a clown organization and implied at least his team wasn’t fighting on the sidelines.
All of that may prove to be more exciting than the actual game itself.
Washington 16, NY Giants 10.