The Redskins made a surprise trip to the playoffs last season, but a return isn’t likely unless they can shore up a pass defense that ranked 25th in the league. Fortunately for them, shutdown cornerback Josh Norman couldn’t agree on a contract with the Panthers, and the Redskins were ready with a five-year, $75 million deal when he became available late in free agency. In addition to Norman, the Redskins signed safety David Bruton from the Broncos and will move longtime cornerback DeAngelo Hall to safety. Quarterback Kirk Cousins returns on a prove-it franchise tag contract after a breakthrough season and will have first-round pick Josh Doctson to throw to. The problem might be at running back, where Matt Jones takes over for longtime starter Alfred Morris, who signed a free-agent contract with the Cowboys. Jones averaged only 3.4 yards per carry as a rookie. Still, all signs point to a team on the rise and one capable of repeating as division champion.
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Norman should change everything in the Redskins' secondary. He had four interceptions with the Panthers last season, an amazing statistic given that most quarterbacks wanted no part of throwing his way. Moving him in at No. 1 cornerback makes every other defensive back's job easier.
Cousins finally got the chance to be a full-time starter in 2015, and he was exceptional in leading Washington to the division title. The big question is whether he can put up similar numbers this year, but the good news is he shouldn't have to do quite as much of the heavy lifting thanks to what's expected to be a much improved defense.
Reed finished with 11 touchdowns and 952 yards in 14 games during the 2015 season, which was just his third year in the league. Washington is clearly expecting even more from him in the future, after signing Reed to a contract extension worth $46.75 million over the next five years. FANTASY SPIN
Matt Jones had every chance to grab the reins from Morris last season, but fumbles and ineffectiveness prevented him from doing so. Still, the Redskins spent the offseason using the word “workhorse” when they talked about Jones. There aren’t many workhorses left these days, right? Jones suffered a shoulder separation on August 18 and will cede some third-down work to an excellent receiving back in Chris Thompson, but he should get 200-plus carries and catch the ball at least 30 times. That sets him up to be a decent fantasy RB2.
(All lines courtesy of Bovada.com, as of 8/31)
Season win total over/under: 7.5 (over -105, under -125)
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 40/1. With Norman in town and Cousins cemented as the franchise quarterback, this could be a surprising season for Washington. At 40-to-1, you can take a shot here with a minimal bet that could result in a big payday (if things break right). Just don't bet the farm on Cousins & Co.
One thing we wish we could bet on: The number of "controversies" Norman creates. Norman likes to talk. A lot. About basically everyone. When he talks, he inevitably says something that jump-starts the news cycle. If we could wager that he'll have a new controvery every week, we absolutely would.
September 18, vs. Dallas
The first division game of the season is at home against the Cowboys, and it should provide a strong early test. Not only will the Redskins be playing on a short week after opening the season Monday night against the Steelers, but Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant will measure how Norman is fitting in with his new defense.
November 20, vs. Green Bay
A chance for revenge at home against the same Packers that eliminated them from the playoffs last season, this game will also give the Redskins a shot to prove they can compete against what's projected to be one of the NFC's top teams.
January 1, vs. New York Giants
A division game at home is a strong way to close out the regular season, and there's a good chance that there will be playoff implications for at least one of these two teams.
We say: 8-8
WhatIfSports simulation says: 8-8, wild-card playoff loss
-- Brett Pollakoff, John Halpin (fantasy), Andrew Lynch (betting)
