Jaguars at Commanders Week 1 Preview and Prediction

Jaguars at Commanders Preview For Week 1

With Washington returning a team that went 7-10 after a first-place schedule, and major injury issues in the second half of the season, while upgrading at quarterback (yes, Carson Wentz is better than Taylor Heinicke) there's a chance to take advantage of the unaggressive offseason in Dallas, with at least a mindset of trying to win the NFC East, even with the Eagles also looming.

The big question though, as with his other stops, centers around the type of Wentz they'll get on the field. Washington averaged just 19.7 points per game last year, while Wentz and the Colts came in at 26.5 His 27 touchdowns and 7 picks are great numbers, but the brought start and flat finish to the season still lead to worry for his time in D.C.

At this point, just having Urban Meyer out the door is worth a win or two in Jacksonville, so we're starting off on the right foot here. Expectations are much higher though, and sure, they're more likely to win something around 7 or 8 games as opposed to taking the division, but at least they'd still be going over their win total (6.5) when it's all said and done.

Washington Commanders

Washington was just 3-5 ATS at home last season, but they also sit 6-1 ATS in their last seven against Jacksonville.

Washington needed help at receiver, and they addressed that at No. 16 with Jahan Dotson out of Penn State. Coach Ron Rivera said he wanted to surround Wentz with weapons, and adding a speedy playmaker with great hands can help Washington stretch the field.

No Chase Young for at least the first four games is a blow as he continues to recover from his torn ACL, and after a season of unfulfilled expectations defensively (25th in points allowed, 22nd in total defense), there's an even brighter spotlight on that side of the ball.

The Commanders also went under in 59 percent of their games in 2021.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Really, you can only go up from what we saw in Jacksonville last year.

The Meyer disaster aside, the Jags were 27th in total offense and dead last in points per game (14.9). Now, enter Doug Peterson to take over that role, a Super Bowl-winning coach that has the ever-important task of getting No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence's development back on track. If he can look like at least a capable and consistent starter in year two, that's already a major improvement in Jacksonville.

There's this year's No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, who had wild combine numbers and has a high ceiling, should add to their pass rush, along with linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma who they also drafted, along with multiple moves in free agency on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Don't forget, they're also in a great position at running back, with Travis Etienne set to return from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in last year’s preseason, his rookie year, which in a sense makes him almost an offseason addition as well.

This could be a team that surprises early on, and Washington could be their first victim.

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My Favorite Pick: Under 44

12 of the Jaguars' 17 games went under last year, along with six of the Commanders' eight home games last season. Wentz may be an upgrade under center, but he's still learning his third offense in three years, and hasn't looked all that sharp in camp.

The Jags may be on their way to improving on that side as well, but that's more likely to happen as the season goes on. Don't expect a shootout to open the season from these teams.

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