Just four wins, an eight-game losing streak to end the season and owner of the league’s worst defense was enough for the Washington Commanders to make a change. Dan Quinn has replaced Ron Rivera as head coach, and there is a new, exciting quarterback on the horizon in rookie Jayden Daniels.
What does this mean for the 2024 season? Here’s a look at the Commanders.
Washington Commanders Futures Odds
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.
Super Bowl Odds: +12000
NFC Odds: +6000
NFC East Division Odds: +900
Win Total: 7.5 – Over (+125)/Under (-145)
To Make/Miss Playoffs: Make (+260)/Miss (-340)
Commanders Offense
The biggest offseason move the Commanders made was drafting Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in last April’s draft.
MORE: NFL Super Bowl Odds
New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will be working with many of the same pieces on offense as Washington had last season.
Leading rusher Brian Robinson Jr. and leading receiver Terry McLaurin are both back, although Washington did add former Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, so expect the running backs to be busy as runners and pass catchers.
Kingsbury will be trying to improve an offense that ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in both total offense (312.8 YPG, 24th) and scoring offense (19.4 PPG, 25th).
Commanders Defense
This was easily the worst part of Washington’s 2023 season. Since the league went to 32 teams in 2002, last season was the first time the Commanders ranked last in either total defense or scoring defense — and they did both last season.
Washington tried to address the defense in free agency, the biggest acquisitions being linebackers Bobby Wagner and Dante Fowler Jr. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell also signed with the Commanders, and all three should open the season as starters.
One Betting Trend to Know
Washington did not give the fans much to cheer about last season, especially at FedEx Field. Overall, the Commanders were just 1-7 at home in 2023 and 0-7-1 against the spread at home.
KEEP READING: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds
The Commanders lost each of their last four home games by double digits, including a 30-point loss to the Miami Dolphins and a 28-point defeat at the hands of division-rival Dallas Cowboys.
Best Bet for Commanders in 2024
While making a one-season turnaround is hardly unprecedented in the NFL in recent years, considering just how bad Washington performed in 2023, it’s probably asking too much to expect a division championship this season, especially when you went 0-6 against your own division, as the Commanders did a season ago.
But taking the over on the Commanders’ win total is an interesting play to consider. Yes, wins could be hard to come by in Year 1 under Dan Quinn, but reaching eight wins is hardly impossible.
In three of the four seasons under Rivera, Washington did reach at least seven wins. And assuming the Commanders will not bottom out at home like last season, they could take advantage of the back end of their schedule.
Over the final 12 weeks, Washington will go on the road just four times (seven home games, one bye week).
The over on the win total definitely seems possible this season.
