Ranking Washington’s 2021 opponents from easiest to toughest
We don’t yet know which order Washington’s 2021 opponents are going to be played in, but at this point in time, we are aware of the 13 teams that the burgundy and gold will line up against next season.
While the top-tier of WFT opponents definitely makes this look like an incredibly tough schedule — Washington plays the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and New Orleans Saints, all playoff teams from 2020 —things are relatively mundane outside of those five games. Depending on who is under center for Washington, they will definitely have a shot at putting together a solid record next season.
Here is our ranking of 2021 opponents from easiest to toughest, based on previous records and potential departures.
Atlanta Falcons
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
2020 Record: 4-12 It's likely that Matt Ryan will return, but there isn't really anyone on the roster that scares you... We'll see how they do in the draft, but this feels like a W for Washington.
Philadelphia Eagles
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
2020 Record: 4-12 Who is the starting QB? Who are the offensive weapons that scare you? Unless a new coach can turn things completely around in his first year, there there's not much to fear from the Eagles in 2021.
Carolina Panthers
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
2020 Record: 5-11 Another unknown QB situation, though the return of RB Christian McCaffrey has to be worth something.
Dallas Cowboys
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2020 Record: 6-10 Will Dak be back? If so, then Dallas might be something to contend with on offense at the very least, but if not, then they could be one of the bottom teams in the league again.
Las Vegas Raiders
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2020 Record: 8-8 Arguably a few breaks away from being a solid playoff team, there's a chance that the Raiders can finally get things going in the right direction under Jon Gruden next season.
New York Giants
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2020 Record: 6-10 Will another year with Daniel Jones and Joe Judge put New York over the top? Will the return of Saquon Barkley be the difference maker that they needed this past season? It's possible.
Denver Broncos
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2020 Record: 5-11 Maybe I'm too optimistic for the Broncos, but they remind me a lot of Washington, but with more offensive pieces. With Denver's defense — plus the potential return of All-Pro Von Miller — mixed with the offensive weapons, the Broncos are seemingly a QB away from being really good. Maybe that guy is Drew Lock, maybe it's someone else. We'll see if they find him this year.
New Orleans Saints
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2020 Record: 12-4 The Saints were good enough to make it to the divisional round this year, but with QB Drew Brees likely to be gone, they have to be knocked down a peg in the future power rankings, assuming it's Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston taking over.
Los Angeles Chargers
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2020 Record: 7-9 Another optimistic outlook? Possibly, but QB Justin Herbert was so electric in his rookie season that he's bound to be a handful going forward. Also, if LAC's defense can stay healthy, and the new coaching staff gets things settled, they could be a serious playoff team.
Seattle Seahawks
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2020 Record: 12-4 Whenever you have QB Russell Wilson to deal with, things are bound to be complicated. Seattle is always in contention, and always going to be a tough win in the regular season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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2020 Record: 11-5 One of the last four teams standing in the Championship round of the playoffs, Tom Brady has the Buccaneers playing at an elite level on the edge of making the Super Bowl. Brady will be another year older in 2021, but he shows no signs of slowing down yet.
Green Bay Packers
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
2020 Record: 13-3 Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams. Aaron Jones. That's enough right there. Green Bay is among the best offenses in the league, and is in contention year in and year out.
Kansas City Chiefs
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2020 Record: 14-2 Again... Patrick Mahomes. Travis Kelce. Tyreek Hill. Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The list goes on. They may or may not make it to the Super Bowl this season, but they'll undoubtedly be in contention once again next year.
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