Saturday, December 26, 2020

Washington Football Team Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Washington Football Team rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 16.2 (16th)
  • Best ranking: 15th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 19th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for Washington in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

Wish: An upgrade at quarterback. There's no reason to think Dwayne Haskins can be the guy, and while Alex Smith has been a fantastic story, it would be a mistake for Washington to go into next season with him penciled in as the starter. The roster isn't great, but the defense ranks third in EPA per snap and is loaded with young talent up front. And Washington has some fun offensive skill-position players in Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson. My question: Why isn't Washington mentioned more often as a potential landing spot for guys like Matthew Stafford? It needs upgrades on the offensive line and more pass-catching help, but if Washington were able to get above-average quarterback play, it could be a really fun team in 2021.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

Even with the loss to the Seahawks, they are atop the NFC East. They should have Alex Smith back this week against Carolina.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

Former Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas has developed into a bona fide NFL tight end this season, basically as good as any of his NFC peers in 2020.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Most underrated star: RT Morgan Moses

There are a few deserving players, but all of them have received attention, whether that's P Tress Way, TE Logan Thomas or RB J.D. McKissic. Even DT Jonathan Allen, who warrants more praise, is part of a decorated D-line group. But Moses is having arguably his best season coming off one of his worst. He rededicated himself to training in the offseason and reported to camp in excellent shape, and his play has benefited. On a line that has dealt with numerous injuries, Moses has been a rock. Because of multiple injuries to others, Moses also started two games at left tackle and played well as Washington won both. -- John Keim

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

Dwayne Haskins got the start in place of an injured Alex Smith on Sunday, and for the first half, it felt like more confirmation that Washington erred badly by selecting Haskins in the first round of last year's draft. But Haskins improved as the game progressed, leading the team on two second-half touchdown drives before taking Washington deep into Seahawks territory with a chance to win in the final minute. A trio of Seattle sacks on that last possession squashed hopes of a dramatic comeback, but Washington held its own against another quality opponent. If Ron Rivera's team can close out the NFC East, we're likely to see a similar game script play out in the postseason: Washington's defense throwing sand in the gears of a powerful offense while praying for enough production from the other side of the ball.

Previous update: Washington Football Team Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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