Highlights for the Washington Commanders were few and far between during the 2023 season across Virginia sports betting. They won just one of their last 11 games, losing their last eight to finish with a 4-13 record. The lack of success has become the norm in the nation’s capital. Washington hasn’t posted a winning record since the 2016 campaign, and its last season with 10 or more regular-season wins came back in 2012.
This past summer, a new ownership group led by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris took control of the Commanders. Coach Ron Rivera was let go after the season ended earlier this month, and last week, the team named Adam Peters, a former San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager, its new GM. Peters and the new coach, whoever that ends up being, will have a lot of work to do to right the ship in D.C. However, the Commanders do have a building block in the backfield, and he just may help boost the Commanders Super Bowl odds come next season.
Robinson Jr. A Bright Spot For Commanders
Brian Robinson, Jr., had a solid season in 2023. The second-year running back led the Commanders with 733 rushing yards, 1,101 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns (five rushing, four receiving). That production came in just 15 games, as he missed two December contests while dealing with a hamstring issue.
Despite missing time, Robinson still finished 44th in the NFL in yards from scrimmage. However, after considering how much the former Alabama star made, he became one of the more valuable running backs in the league this season.
BetVirginia.com, your home to VA betting apps, used ProFootballReference.com for the salary cap hit and yards (rushing and receiving only) of every NFL running back in the 2023-24 NFL regular season. We then calculated dollars per yard for each player in the league to determine the 10 most value-driven RBs this season. Salary and yards were included for all teams that the player was on this season.
Best Value Running Backs In NFL
New QB, Coach Could Help Robinson Jr.
Robinson is midway through his rookie contract, a four-year deal with a full value of slightly more than $5 million. If he can match or improve upon his numbers next season, he will likely find himself on this list again next season.
He’ll also likely see some changes in the huddle next season. The Commanders have the second pick in April’s NFL Draft. USC quarterback Caleb Williams is likely headed to Chicago, but several other big-name QB prospects will be available for Washington. Could North Carolina’s Drake Maye be the second player drafted?
In addition, Washington has the most salary cap space available of any NFL team heading into the NFL offseason. With money for its draft picks, the team can spend up to $73.6 million, according to OverTheCap.com. Some new faces on the offensive line, which Rotowire.com ranked 21st out of 32, could help Robinson give the Commanders even more bang for the buck in 2024.
Super Bowl LVIII won’t be played until next month, but DraftKings Virginia Sportsbook already has odds posted for next season’s champion. Odds on the Commanders are available at +10000.
Bookmark BetVirginia.com for more analysis on the Commanders and the latest news about Virginia sports betting.
