Washington Commanders 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Don't Put Your Faith in Carson Wentz)

The Washington Commanders hope to take a major step in the 2022 season, for Carson Wentz in the offseason to remake their offense. 

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera also needs his defense to improve, as the team went from one of the best units in the NFL in 2020 (when Washington made the playoffs) to one of the worst last season. 

A lot will depend on star pass rusher Chase Young, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. 

With Terry McLaurin locked up long term and Jahan Dotson also in at receiver, can the Commanders get back into the postseason in 2022? 

Washington Commanders 2022 Offseason Moves, Signings, Coaching Changes

• Traded for quarterback Carson Wentz
• Drafted wide receiver Jahan Dotson in first round of 2022 NFL Draft
• Signed WR Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension
• Drafted quarterback Sam Howell
• Signed G Andrew Norwell
• Re-signed RB J.D. McKissic
• Signed S Bobby McCain

Washington Commanders 2022 Schedule

The Commanders will need to handle their business in the division, and they have three of their final four games against division opponents in 2022. 

Washington also has primetime matchups in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears and Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Washington Commanders 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 8 (+100)
• UNDER 8 (-120)

Vegas isn’t giving the Commanders much respect, and it’s hard to disagree if you watched Wentz last season. 

Wentz failed to make the playoffs with the Indianapolis Colts, who had a far better team than Washington last season. Indy ranked ninth in points allowed while the Commanders came in at 25th in that category in 2021. 

There will be weapons at Wentz’s disposal, including running back Antonio Gibson, but it’s hard to put faith into Wentz to lead this team to the postseason. The NFC is much easier than the AFC, but the NFC East has two teams (Dallas, Philadelphia) that are clearly better than the Commanders. 

I’d lean UNDER on their win total, with the caveat of pushing at eight wins. 

Washington Commanders 2022 Odds to Win Division, NFC, Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: +150
• Odds to Win NFC East: +500
• Odds to Win NFC: +3500
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +7000

Maybe I’m low on the Commanders, but +150 to make the playoffs seems like a bit of a stretch. 

The NFC West should have at least two playoff teams, and the Commanders will likely compete with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals for one of the final wild card spots. 

It’s not impossible, but there is nothing Wentz has done lately that makes me think he is the band aid that fixes last year’s issues. With Young likely out to start the season, the Commanders are going to need players to step up on defense after falling off in 2022. 

I don’t see it happening, but the only future I’d even be willing to bet on would be their playoff odds.

Follow along with BetSided's picks on Betstamp all season long.