Odds to Be Redskins Starting QB in Week 1 – Haskins Favored, But Kyle Allen Not Being Counted Out

• Dwayne Haskins is heavily favored to take start for the Redskins in Week 1
• With Case Keenum departing, the Redskins have resisted the urge to fill the void by signing a veteran passer
• Below, get all the odds and insight into who will be under center in Washington in 2020

According to oddsmakers, the Washington Redskins remain committed to quarterback Dwayne Haskins as they prepare for the 2020 NFL season.

With the Redskins so far resisting the urge to make a big splash on the  free-agent market, Haskins has emerged as a strong -250 favorite to be the team’s Week 1 starter.

Odds to be Redskins’ Week 1 Starting QB

Odds taken April 6, 2020.

Haskins’ Debut a Trial by Fire

Selected 15th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Haskins endured a trial by fire in his first season. Haskins was +250 longshot to open the 2019 season as the Redskins’ starting QB  and indeed started the year on the bench behind veteran Case Keenum. But the 22-year-old saw action in nine games last season (starting seven). While his number were far from spectacular, he is poised to step into the job as undisputed starter in the nation’s capital.

REDSKINS🏈: Finally getting a win at home, Dwayne Haskins gets first win as starter, and now they head on the road to face the Panthers. EVERYONE TAKE A DEEP BREATH! pic.twitter.com/r2EoDLDGPz

— Jake Rohm (@jakerohm) November 27, 2019

Haskins threw for 1,365 yards while connecting on just seven TD passes against seven interceptions. His passer rating was a disappointing 76.1, but he did lead the Redskins to two of their three wins on the season.

With Keenum moving on to the Cleveland Browns as a free agent, and the Redskins opting against bringing in another veteran passer, the former Ohio State Buckeyes star is looking like a reliable wager at -250.

Allen a Known Quantity in Washington

To fill the void left by Keenum, the Redskins recently acquired Kyle Allen in a deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old arrives in Washington after gaining valuable experience in Carolina last season, appearing in 13 games in place of injured starter Cam Newton.

Allen sports intriguing +225 odds to be the ’ Week 1 starter, though it will likely require some unforeseen circumstance to thrust him into that role.

Kyle Allen gives insight into HC Ron Rivera concept of competition. When in Carolina was 4th QB, Rivera said “You’re gonna get your chances, take advantage of the reps.” I’m told Haskins will start with 1-2’s, but Allen — will have his chances. #httr #redskins

— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) March 31, 2020

Ron Rivera is now in charge in Washington and he is familiar with what they are getting in Allen, who has publicly stated that he wants to compete for the starter’s role.

But with the Redskins still likely at least a year away from a return to respectability, the objection among the Washington braintrust is to take the time to develop Haskins, without facing the distraction that would come with signing a veteran pivot.

Focus on Future Makes a Signing a Veteran Unlikely

Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sits well back of the favorites, just ahead of Tua Tagovailoa at +1600, while Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston, and Justin Herbert lag at +3300.

Newton has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Redskins job since being released by the Panthers last month. But with the focus on the future in Washington, and concerns lingering over Newton’s health, the fit is just not there. Indeed, with the NFL placing a moratorium on player physicals during the COVID-19 crisis, Newton may have a long wait before finally finding a new home.

https://twitter.com/bentleyhaskins/status/1245802904503627778?s=20

Planning for the future also diminishes the chances of Washington pursuing veterans like Dalton and Winston, who will also be looking to take over as the starter wherever they land.

The Redskins are well positioned to take a passer with the second-overall pick in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, but the team faces desperate needs in all areas of the roster, particularly on defense.

Accordingly, the Redskins have emerged as a heavy -600 favorite to use their first pick to take Haskins’ former Buckeyes teammate, defensive end Chase Young.

Pick: Dwayne Haskins (-250)