Washington Redskins 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The Washington Redskins begin the post-Kirk Cousins era this season. With Cousins gone, the Redskins acquired veteran signal caller Alex Smith. The veteran quarterback, who is 34, has playoff experience and only cost the team a cornerback and a pair of draft picks. Washington did little in free agency but drafted what is considered a strong group of players. The team must respond or Jay Gruden will be looking early for another head coaching job. Last season the Redskins were 7-9 and finished third in the NFC East. Smith will turn the ball over infrequently while having a steadying influence on the rest of the offense. He had his most productive season of his 12-year career last season. Most of the offensive skill position players are returning as well as the offensive line that six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and two-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff anchor. Injuries to Williams and Morgan Moses the right tackle may limit their play in preseason. Talented tight end Jordan Reed will likely become the favorite target of Smith, while wide outs Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson must step up their presence, as two veterans Terrelle Pryor and Ryan Grant are now gone. Paul Richardson signed as a free-agent from Seattle and should be the no. 3 receiver. Derrius Guice returns to anchor the running attack, but has a volatile way about him. Chris Smith lost to a broken leg last season should be healthy and help during third-down situations out of the backfield.

Last season the Washington defense was dead last against the run allowing an incredibly high 134.1 yards per game. Fixing that was a priority and they did that with a pair of defensive lineman in the draft. Da’Ron Payne was selected out of Alabama in the first round and Tim Settle from Virginia Tech in the fifth round. The two rookies could make it easier for Ziggy Hood to move outside occasionally to rush the passer. The Redskins re-signed inside linebacker Zach Brown and that means all four linebackers who started last season will return. Pernell McPhee was signed as a free agent to give more depth at linebacker. Jonathan Allen, the talented defensive end should return healthy after being limited to just five starts in 2017 as a rookie. Ryan Kerrigan, who is one of the best pass rushers in the league, returns as well. The secondary lost three players but picked up Orlando Scandrick from NFC East rivals Dallas. However, losing Bashaud Breeland, Su’a Cravens and Kendall Fuller will hurt.