Now that the NFL schedule has been released, we can begin looking ahead to the 2022 season. Before, we knew who the teams played, but did not know the when.
The Washington Commanders faced one of the NFL’s more difficult schedules last season. This season, Washington catches a break as its schedule is tied with Dallas as one of the easiest.
The Commanders won seven games in 2021. Can Washington take advantage of an easier schedule and reach the 10-win plateau for the first time in years?
Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network’s analytics guru. recently projected 2022 win totals for all 32 NFL teams. Where is Washington? Frelund projects the Commanders to win 7.8 games in 2021:
Why?
- Win Total: over 7.5 (+105)
- Make Playoffs: +210
- Win Division: +500
- Win Conference: +3500
- Win Super Bowl: +7000
The Commanders enjoy one of the most favorable schedules by every metric. Their uncertainty lies in if/when Carson Wentz is able to execute at a level where their offense complements their defense. Washington and Minnesota square off in Week 9, in what could very well be a game with eventual playoff consequences.
Rivera has won seven games in each of his first two seasons in Washington. Why should we be confident the Commanders graduate to double-digit wins in 2022?
Washington has a chance to get off to a fast start in 2022 with games against the Jaguars and Lions in the first two weeks. A fast start would go a long way in the Commanders returning to the playoffs next season — this time with a winning record.