Redskins Rising Suggests BetUS.com, Gambling911: Championship Bound?

Both Gambling911.com and online bookmaker BetUS.com are jumping on the Washington Redskins bandwagon early it seems.

Will there be a Redskins rising in the NFC East?

Owner Dan Snyder has made some horrific decisions as an NFL team owner, writes D.S. Williamson of BetUS.com.

“(But) the truth is that he may have made a single decision this past off-season, hiring Mike Shanahan to coach, that could lead to the Redskins challenging for a playoff spot in the NFC this season.”

Gambling911.com has been pushing the Redskins since their signing of quarterback Donovan McNabb, particularly because of the rather lucrative futures payout potential.

Odds to Win the NFC East: +550 (pays $55 for every $10 bet)

Odds to Win the NFC Championship: +1800

Odds to Win Super Bowl XLV: +3500

“Getting into the playoffs could lead to a surprising victory in the NFC Championship and, who knows? Possibly a Super Bowl victory as huge NFL bettingunderdogs,” Williamson writes.

There is the coaching.

“The biggest decisions (Shanahan) made after being hired as the coach of the Washington Redskins was to hire his son, Kyle, as the offensive coordinator and Jim Haslett as the defensive coordinator. Kyle Shanahan ran the Houston Texans’ offense from 2006 to 2009.”

And there is Donovan McNabb.

“McNabb is not washed up. In fact, some might believe that he’s the real reason that the Philadelphia Eagles, his former team, were so successful for so many years. In 2009, McNabb threw for 3553 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 10 picks. His quarterback rating was a terrific 92.9. He also gets to throw to a wide receiving corp led by the underrated Santana Moss and the improving Devin Thomas. Tight-end Chris Cooley is already one of the best in the NFL. Finally, Kyle Shanahan is used to working with talented QB’s like Matt Schaub and Mike Shanahan is used to working with veteran QB’s like John Elway. “Donnie Football”, as McNabb has been called, is going to excel with the ‘Skins.”

Washington is also loaded at the running back position and the defense is better than most people think according to Williamson.

“Washington’s defense found themselves in bad situations last season because of how awful the offense was. The Skin’s defense is actually pretty good. Haynesworth aside (the man’s a loser!), the defense is made up of hard working, tough guys, and it’s capable of keeping teams from racking up points. The Redskins’ D gave up 30 points or more only twice in the 2009-2010 NFL Season. So, the unit is talented. What could make them even better is that Jim Haslett absolutely loves to build his defensive schemes around the safeties. He’s got one the best free safeties in the NFL in LaRon Landry. Landry had toe surgery during the off-season but by all accounts, he should be ready for training camp. Strong-side linebacker Brian Orakpo is another one that Haslett is going to love. This defense could be very good by the time the season starts.” 

Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com