On the field, the Commanders will turn to 2nd year quarterback Sam Howell who they selected in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Howell impressed in his one and only start in week 18 last year against the Dallas Cowboys. Is Howell the franchise quarterback Washington is hoping for? Let’s break that down further and offer a record prediction for the 2023-2024 season.

The Good

Jonathan Allen has been the anchor on Washington’s loaded defensive line for several years now. It’s hard to believe that the former Alabama DT is still underrated but somehow he is. Allen belongs in the conversation as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL today. He has always had a knack for rushing the passer but has also improved in the run game as well. Allen has a lethal combination of speed and power that most offensive linemen have trouble dealing with. Allen and Daron Payne have formed one of the best defensive tackle duos in the league.

On the offensive side of the ball wide receiver Terry McLaurin continues to get better despite below-average quarterback play. McLaurin has played with 10 starting quarterbacks in his first 4 years in Washington. Despite that McLaurin continues about his business and doesn’t use that as an excuse. McLaurin had a career-high 1,191 yards in 2022. The hope is Howell gets the full season to show what he can do. If that happens expect a big year for McLaurin.

The Bad

The Commanders offensive line is an area of concern heading into this season. I will be watching this line closely to see how well it can protect its young quarterback. Washington signed former Kansas City Chief Andrew Wylie to take over the RT position. Wylie struggled at times in the preseason but I will hold judgment on him until the season starts.

Elsewhere the Commanders will have a new center as Nick Gates will start at that position. Gates is a brawler who can bring attitude to this line but at times has struggled with the pass rush. Keep an eye on RG Saahdiq Charles. If he can take the next step in his development he has the tools to be a successful guard.

The Prediction

I have the Commanders as one of the surprise teams in the NFL this year. The ownership change will have a big impact on team morale as the fans are coming back in droves. Eric Bieniemy will get this offense to perform at a high level and Sam Howell looks to be the real deal.

2023 Record: (10-7 2nd in the Division)

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According to a recent report from Josina Anderson, Kareem Hunt is on the Washington Commanders radar. The free agent running back has yet to sign on with a team this offseason. In Cleveland, Hunt’s primary role was 3rd down back but his production dropped last year for the Browns. Hunt’s YPC (yards per carry) in 2022 was only 3.8 and despite being healthy all season he could only muster 678 all-purpose yards. At age 27, Hunt can still make an impact on the field if he goes to the right situation.

Familiar System in Washington

When Eric Bieniemy became the Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator, I expected some ex-Chiefs to follow him. Washington did sign former Chiefs OL Andrew Wylie in free agency but no other former Kansas City players of note. It doesn’t shock me that Bieniemy would be interested in his former running back but is there room for him in DC?

The Commanders already have Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson in the running back room and they drafted Chris Rodriguez Jr. from Kentucky. Robinson and Gibson should carry a majority of the load and Rodriguez Jr. is a wild card. The Commanders likely want a veteran presence that knows Bieniemy’s system to mentor the young players. While the role would likely be minimal, adding Hunt as an additional weapon is not a bad idea. The key will be if they can get him at a reasonable price.

Fantasy Angle

In terms of fantasy, this would not be an ideal scenario. Robinson and Gibson’s overall value would take a hit if the Commanders signed Hunt. More so Gibson, as Robinson has carved out his role as the goal-line back. Gibson’s ADP has been steadily rising as his potential in this offense is exciting. The addition of Hunt would tamper that hype and he would take away some touches from Gibson. There are still unknowns with this offense and how these roles will be defined.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Kansas City Chiefs may have one of the most dangerous quarterbacks, but they also quietly have a stellar offensive line. PFF ranked the Chiefs OL as the ninth-best unit in the league. They are anchored by the three-time Pro Bowl LT Orlando Brown Jr. He was phenomenal last season — as he only allowed four sacks and registered a 75.4 grade by PFF.

Joe Thuney, also known as the only player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons, should continue to be a reliable, force for the Chiefs. He garnered an 80.5 grade by PFF a season ago — while allowing a mere one sack.

Andrew Wylie needs to improve his craft a bit — after allowing four sacks and having a 67.2 grade by PFF in 2021. He re-signed to the Chiefs on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million dollars this off-season. They may wish to ink a new guard in the 2022 FA period.

Creed Humphrey (2021 second-round pick) was a rockstar in his rookie campaign — as he only allowed one sack while locking in a 91.4 grade by PFF. He was dubbed as the second-best center in football last season. Trey Smith (sixth-round pick in 2021) had a modest season (72.3 grade by PFF). However, he did allow four sacks in 2021.

It’s quite clear that the Chiefs left side of their OL is very well-built to handle AFC West pass rushers like Joey Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack, and Chandler Jones. It will be paramount that the Chiefs OL can stay healthy for their gifted QB moving forward.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Kansas City Chiefs are a complex Tyreek Hill-less team in 2022. With that said, I’m going to peg three KC players that could turn heads in 2022 and 3 profiles that are honestly overrated. Let’s begin.

Underrated: Justin Reid

I’m sure that countless Chiefs fans would prefer the Honey Badger over Justin Reid, but I believe that the safety out of Stanford can be a consistent play-maker in KC next season. Chiefs Wire pointed out how Reid had a beautiful interception at OTAs yesterday. It’s clear that the gifted athlete at S is feeling more comfortable out of Houston and I believe that he should excel against offenses desperately seeking to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes.

Overrated: Frank Clark

The Chiefs have asked Frank Clark to be the most effective pass rusher since Justin Houston, but he’s only ousted 10.5 sacks in the past two seasons combined. I will admit that he has shown up in some playoff battles. Although, he slightly lived below expectations in 2020, and then he even had less production in the 2021 regular season. Despite his miraculous two Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021, he hasn’t lived up to his contract (which he restructured this off-season). He will still need to be a lot more effective in the firework AFC conference with his new deal moving forward.

Underrated: Skyy Moore

The Chiefs may have spent a lot of cash on MVS, but he doesn’t carry the same potential as the rookie Skyy Moore. I expect Andy Reid to have a perfect vision for the WR that has the similar ability as Tyreek Hill and he should honestly be the x-factor in the offense. Patrick Mahomes will have countless screens and quick passes lined up for the WR that impressed scouts this summer and was a draft steal in my opinion.

Overrated: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

It seems all too true that the healthy, first-round pick in CEH needs to have his best season in 2022. The former LSU RB hasn’t been a receiving machine, efficient in a superb manner, or friendly in big moments (cough, cough, against Baltimore). I’m not quite sure that he will prove his worth in an offense that brought in R-Jo and still have impressive receiving depth. Despite Mahomes wanting the Chiefs to draft him, I don’t believe he will come close to the magic that Jamaal Charles brought to KC.

Underrated: George Karlaftis

George Karlaftis may be a late first-round rookie, but he can prove to be a stud in his first NFL season. The 6’4, 270 DE has already brought excitement to DC Steve Spagnuolo with his power. Kezirian from ESPN believes that the Chiefs rookie can even win DROY via his motor and the pass-rushing opportunities in KC.

Overrated: Andrew Wylie

The Chiefs projected starter at RT Andrew Wylie may be scrappy and reliable, but he hasn’t been very heartwarming. Kristian Gumminger from Arrowhead Pride pointed out how PFF gave Wylie a 65.2 grade in pass block leading up to January 2nd. Wylie may have re-signed to the Chiefs this summer and he can likely start, but he absolutely can’t be a liability on the edge against the juggernaut AFC West pass rushers.

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