NFL Win Projections: Commanders Finishing Last Again?

With his job on the line, the analytics don't favor Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera making a strong case to be retained by new ownership.

The Washington Commanders are going to have new owners and the process (pun intended) took one step closer to Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris leading that group. 

Coach Ron Rivera is well aware of the implications new ownership could have on his employment with the Commanders and he knows it's critical he shows the new group he has the team on a positive course. 

Winning fewer than seven games won't be enough, that much we can almost certainly be sure of, and that's a problem because NFL.com doesn't envision Washington eclipsing that number.

"The Cardinals are a great Week 1 draw for Washington," says NFL.com. "Presuming Kyler Murray hasn't recovered from the ACL tear he suffered late last season, Washington quarterback Sam Howell -- a 2022 fifth-round pick who appears to have a strong chance to start - will face less pressure to keep up with Arizona's offense, enabling him to get comfortable."

If the site is correct, then the Commanders will likely start the season with a win, but drop 11 of their next 16. 

Predictably, Washington has the lowest win projection in the NFC East Division but doesn't stand to have the worst record in the conference. 

The Green Bay Packers (6.4), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6.4), and Arizona Cardinals (4.4) all figure to finish the 2023 NFL Season with fewer wins. 

A result like this would likely send the Packers, Bucs, and Commanders into a search for new quarterbacks while Arizona will still be tied to Kyler Murray currently recovering from an ACL injury while carrying $81.5 million in dead cap next season.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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