2007 Record: 9-7 (5-3 H, 4-4 A)
2007 Against the Spread: 8-8-1 (3-4-1 H, 5-4 A); 7-9 vs. Total (2-5-1 H, 5-4 A)
2007 Rankings: 15th Offense (12th Rush, 14th Pass); 8th Defense (4th Rush, 16th Pass)
2008 Odds: 25-1 Super Bowl odds, 12-1 NFC Championship odds, 8-1 NFC East odds, 8 wins (O/U)
Every year folks have the Washington Redskins as the dark horse in the NFC East. These individuals continue to proclaim that each year is the supposed year the Redskins will break out and become a Super Bowl contender. Yet, the team always underachieves. Granted, the Redskins have gotten a bit closer each year and last year as this team was gelling very well towards the close of the season. Having said that, this team didn't make too many changes from last year as they feel like what they have is good enough to get it done. Frankly, I agree with the ownership as they will be better this year than last.
Yet, they will struggle on the road. Keep in mind the Redskins are still very young and they are prone to many mistakes that show up at inopportune times. The Redskins might not necessary do the greatest job of covering games at home this year, but they will squeeze out straight-up victories. This team will likely be the wildcard over the Eagles who I believe have done nothing to help Donovan McNabb. Washington was 9-7 last year and look for them to be the same this year as well. Remember, the Redskins only beat their respective opponents by a net total of 24 points and had a passing attack that was par with the league. The Redskins put up only 35 touchdowns last year and that was the fewest in the NFC East. In fact, the Redskins had only one more touchdown than the Bears of the NFC North (who finished last in their division) and one less than the Tampa Bay Bucs, who won their division.
This speaks to the toughness of the NFC East and how difficult it is to rise to the top. Of course, the Redskins have a defense that is extremely sound as this team was fourth in the league in its defense of the rush. However, its secondary has been questionable in the past. This team is average in its coverage in the secondary when compared to the rest of the league, but if it expects to go to the next level, being 16th in pass defense is not going to cut it. However, do note, losing Sean Taylor did have an impact in this team's ability to defend the pass.
I expect this team to repeat as the NFC Wild Card once again. However, the Skins lack the offensive firepower to compete against the other teams in its division. Although they might have an upset in them against the Cowboys at home during the regular season as well as an upset in the playoffs, the ship stops sailing when they run into the Giants. After all, the Giants are more potent both offensively and defensively when they stack up against the Redskins.
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2008 Washington Redskins Predictions: 9-7, NFC Wild Card. ATS Trends to Look for: Road ATS Losses to mediocre teams. In essence, if the Redskins are small road chalk, they likely lose these games outright.
Click the link for the 2008 Washington Redskins Schedule and results.
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