Washington Playoff Chances
Win and in.
That's all for the Washington Football Team. Slow down the Jalen Hurts Hype Train that is now the Philadelphia Eagles, and the NFC East belongs to Washington.
Washington Odds at Eagles
Washington turns to Not Dwayne Haskins at quarterback and is a 1.5-point favorite on the road against Philadelphia. That's all we know about quarterback as of Tuesday.
Washington is hopeful Alex Smith can return from a calf injury that's cost him the last two games.
"He was very close last week," head coach Ron Rivera told reporters. "I thought he had an exceptional day on Friday, but it's always about how that person feels the next day and he felt it was still grabbing him a little bit.
"This week, I'm optimistic about the opportunity."
If Smith can't play, it'll be Taylor Heinicke under center for Washington.
Early action tracked by our NFL PRO Report indicates 60% of bets and 94% of the money are on Washington as of Tuesday.
How Washington Got Here
It's been a tale of two teams for Washington: The Football Team with Alex Smith at quarterback, and the Football Team with anyone else at quarterback.
Smith took over for an injured Kyle Allen in the middle of the Week 9 game against New York. Since then, Washington is 4-1 in games started by Smith but 2-8 when Haskins or Allen start.
Haskins is gone, officially released after a 20-13 loss to the Panthers in Week 16.
In his first year as head coach, Ron Rivera's defense is fourth in opponent yards per game. Washington hasn't allowed more than 20 points in a game since Week 10.
Along with Smith, rookie Antonio Gibson has been a bright spot and reason the team hit the over on 5.5 wins. Gibson's 11 rushing touchdowns rank fifth in the NFL despite missing two games with an injury.
Washington Super Bowl Odds
Rivera has experience taking a team worse than .500 to the playoffs. That 2014 Panthers team went one-and-done.
Our model gives Washington a 22.4% chance of making the Divisional Round, but that won't pay Super Bowl futures — it gives Washington only a 0.50% chance to win the Super Bowl.
