In all fairness to Washington, it may have been impossible for Washington to live up to the hype that surrounded the return of Head Coach Joe Gibbs. His presence, along with the offseason trade for RB Clinton Portis, actually conjured up delusions of Super Bowl talk about a team that had averaged just six wins in the previous two seasons under Steve Spurrier. Naturally, the Redskins again won just six games, and where they were expected to improve under Gibbs, offensively, they were actually worse. Even with Portis, the ground game produced just 7 YPG more than in '03, and wasn't nearly enough to balance a passing attack that ranked 29th in the league. There were some instances throughout the season where it appeared as if the game had passed Gibbs by while he toiled in the racing world. Furthermore, Washington wasted a stellar effort by a defensive unit that was third best in the NFL.

It's been quite a few years since Washington has gotten any consistent production out of its quarterback position so it was of little surprise that it opted for QB Jason Campbell of Auburn in the first round of this year's NFL draft. Campbell is expected to compete for the starting spot with Patrick Ramsey. In addition to that move, there were some playmakers added at wide receiver in David Patten (from NE) via free agency and Santana Moss, acquired by trade for Laverneus Coles. Throw in new Center Casey Rabach and there is hope for a hog offensive revival here. On defense, the unit is already loaded with talent and you can add Campbell's college teammate CB Carlos Rogers to the mix, as he was also selected in this year's first round.

The successful teams of Gibbs in the 80's and '90's were known for their incredible offensive balance, His current group has Portis, as well as a decent line and set of receivers. However, before the 'Skins can even consider the postseason, they need to get more out of the quarterback position. Between Ramsey, who hasn't demonstrated that ability consistently, and Campbell's, not regarded as a can't-miss prospect, it just doesn't appear that they've corrected that inadequacy yet.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating: 20(15 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (26 toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 6-10)(ATS 8-8

L3 years:(SU 18-30)(ATS 22-24-2)

Coach Joe Gibbs : (SU 6-10) (ATS 8-8)

Trends by month

September

Washington is 7-18 ATS in September home games (9/11)

Redskins are 1-13 ATS against hated Dallas (9/19)

Skins are 2-14 ATS away on MNF (9/19)

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October

Washington is 8-2 ATS against NFC West (10/2 + 3 other games)

Redskins are 1-5 at home vs. San Fran. (10/23)

Underdog in Giants game is 6-1 ATS (10/30)

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November

Washington is 4-11-1 ATS against Philly (11/6)

Daniel Snyder's team is 24-40 ATS as home "chalk" ( ? 11/20)

Redskins are 1-5 vs. spread home off non-conf. (11/27)

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December

Washington is 12-3 against number off SU loss in December (? 12/4)

Cowboys are 7-0 ATS at Washington (12/18)

Redskins are 1-9 ATS as division favs. (? 12/24)

Top Teaser Angle:

Washington is 29-3 vs. 6-point teaser against teams that rush for <90 YPG

Top Money Line Angle:

Washington is 49-40 (-40.4 units) against ML as a favorite

Top Totals Angle:

Washington is 6-0 OVER after a win by 3 or less points

Pre-Season O/U wins:

UNDER 7.5 -120 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Clinton Portis

Fantasy Player Bust: Santana Moss