Washington Football Team
Last meeting: Buffalo Bills won 24-9 (11/03/2019)
The NFC East was a disaster in 2020, however, there was one bright spot that emerged from that disaster; the defense of the Washington Football Team.
Washington’s defense finished fourth in points allowed in 2020, and second in total yards allowed.
Washington’s defensive line is one of the most formidable in all of football; featuring talents like Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, Matthew Ioannidis, and Chase Young.
Washington’s pass rush finished 6th in the NFL in sacks with 47 and was the sole reason they made the playoffs in 2020. Sweat and Young led the way for the unit, with Sweat accumulating nine sacks, and Young getting seven and a half.
Washington likely realizes that their defense is the key to being the first team to repeat as NFC East champions since the Philadelphia Eagles did it from 2001-2004. They doubled down on the defensive side of the ball in the offseason; drafting linebacker Jamin Davis with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and signing William Jackson III in free agency.
Another player that Washington signed in free agency is former Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Washington is hoping that Fitzpatrick will add stability to a position that has been a question mark for the team since Kirk Cousins after the 2017 season.
Whether it be Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen, or Taylor Heinicke who starts at quarterback for Washington, they will have some solid options at the skill positions. Their receiving options include Terry McLaurin, free agent signing Curtis Samuel, and tight end Logan Thomas. Washington also has good depth at the running back position, boasting the likes of Antonio Gibson, J.D McKissic, and Lamar Miller.
If Washington can get decent quarterback play from any of the quarterbacks they have on their roster, they should be the team to beat in the NFC East. The week three matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Washington should be a competitive one, and if it turns out to be a defensive battle, Washington could steal a win in Buffalo.