Advanced model updates Redskins' projected win total
The SportsLine Projection Model has updated its projected win totals after the 2020 NFL Draft.
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The Washington Redskins are once again rebuilding their franchise after a disappointing 3-13 season. But with Ron Rivera now at the helm after nine solid seasons at the helm of the Carolina Panthers, Washington felt like it had a chance to turn things around quickly if it had a successful NFL free agency and 2020 NFL Draft.
Every free agent that the Redskins signed with the exception of linebacker Thomas Davis (who was with Rivera all nine seasons in Carolina) was under 30 years of age and the class was headlined by cornerback Kendall Fuller and guard Wes Schweitzer, who are 25 and 26, respectively. Then the Redskins made eight picks in last week's draft and came away with a few players they think will be able to make an impact quickly.
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With Joe Burrow a foregone conclusion to go No. 1 to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Redskins knew they'd get Ohio State defense end Chase Young with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Young had 27 sacks in his final two seasons at Ohio State and with elite size and athleticism at 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds off the edge, he should immediately combine with Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat to give Washington one of the most feared pass rushes in the NFL.
Without a second-round pick, the Redskins went with a best player available approach the rest of the way and landed a couple potential gems in wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden with the No. 142 overall pick and safety Kamren Curl in the seventh round. They also finally got a deal done to move offensive lineman Trent Williams, receiving an extra fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and what should be an important third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft for the seven-time Pro Bowler.
Ultimately, the Redskins still have a long way to go but Young's potential to become one of the best defenders in the league and a chance to see what Dwayne Haskins gives them as a starter should make for compelling action in the 2020 NFL season. If guys like Haskins, Sweat, Fuller, Young and Terry McLaurin are already step into starring roles, Rivera's first season in Washington could surprise some people.
The SportsLine Projection Model predicts that the Redskins win an average of 5.8 games in the computer's 10,000 simulations of the 2020 NFL season, up from 5.3 projected wins prior to the 2020 NFL Draft. Washington wins the division 4.1 percent of the time and makes the playoffs 9.4 percent of the time. The Redskins are currently 200-1 to Win Super Bowl 55 according to William Hill, which is tied for worst odds in the NFL.
Written by Ryan Wooden
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