As the Washington Commanders get set to open training camp Tuesday in Ashburn, they are looking to build upon last season’s 7-10 record. New quarterback Carson Wentz and first-round wide receiver Jahan Dotson headline a semi-revamped offense, while the defense returns 10 starters.
However, even with this continuity, intrigue abounds for Virginia sports bettors at several key position groups. BetVirginia.com examined Google Trends in Washington D.C. and Virginia to determine which three training camp battles are generating the most local search traffic over the past month.
As it stands, the linebacker, running back and cornerback rooms hold the most fan interest right now.
Since the linebackers led the searches, BetVirginia.com gathered additional data on which players in that position group garnered the most online buzz.
As these position battles play out, remember that Virginia sportsbook promo codes are available via the top online operators.
While the commonwealth offers online sports betting, no real money online casinos exist at this point.
Most Searched Commanders Linebackers in DC/Virginia
Linebackers Lead The Way
The Commanders enter the season with long odds to win the NFC at FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia, currently at +3100.
Facing an uphill battle, Washington expects to run more two linebacker base defensive looks this season. Cole Holcomb leads the unit and will call the signals again after finishing last year with 142 tackles, good for 10th in the league.
Second-year man Jamin Davis looks to start opposite Holcomb as Washington hopes he takes a major leap playing more outside linebacker after an inconsistent rookie campaign.
David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson profile as important special teamers and should back up Holcomb and Davis respectively, with Mayo also earning snaps in three backer situations.
The team only kept four linebackers initially in 2021, so Milo Eifler appears to be a longshot to make the roster out of training camp.
Running Backs
The Commanders look to feature a deep backfield of players in well-defined roles. Third-year starter Antonio Gibson should continue to star as the feature back, though his workload may be reduced from last season when he finished fourth in the NFL in touches with 300.
Over at Caesars Sportsbook Virginia, Gibson is +1500 to finish the season with the most regular season rushing yards across the NFL.
Third-down back J.D. McKissic also returns after nearly departing for Buffalo in the offseason. Though McKissic will likely only earn a few carries a game, he is a critical part of the team’s passing game. His 123 receptions over the past two seasons are third among all running backs.
Third-round draft pick Brian Robinson Jr. figures to get at least situational work and possibly more given the element of power he adds to the rotation, while Jaret Patterson remains on the team as well.
Cornerback
Washington’s pass defense struggled in 2021, allowing the league’s most touchdowns and fourth most yards through the air, but the Commanders made minimal changes to the cornerback group this offseason.
Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III remain the starters on the outside while Benjamin St-Juste will transition inside to the slot after mostly appearing as a backup on the outside as a rookie. All three players have displayed solid coverage traits at times and the team hopes another year in the system will alleviate last year’s issues.
Danny Johnson and Corn Elder return as depth, while Washington added Christian Holmes in the seventh round and picked up two corners from the USFL earlier this month as well.
Super Bowl Odds
