Both Washington and Houston enter the 2014 regular season with brand new coaching staffs, new offensive schemes, and renewed expectations. Although both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, both benefit from playing in wide-open divisions. Without having to go through a gauntlet, the chance for a quick turnaround may be a bit more enticing.
NFL picks and predictions 2014: Washington vs. Texans
Two of the biggest disappointments from the 2013 season get a chance to start the new year off right and experts are having a hard time agreeing on a winner.
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One of the two will start the season off in the right direction and SB Nation’s NFL analysts slightly favor Washington to be the team opening the season with a win. Of the seven making picks, four chose Washington with three picking the Texans.
| Week 1 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | Matt Ufford | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter |
| WAS vs. HOU | WAS | WAS | WAS | HOU | WAS | HOU | HOU |
It's not necessarily a big surprise to see the near-even divide. Washington's No. 1 offense never got off the ground during the preseason, failing to score a single touchdown. Meanwhile, the Texans are rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback. He may have the best beard in football, but he doesn't inspire much confidence behind center. Neither team inspires a ton of confidence heading into the season.
SB Nation Picks
The nature of the teams led to many NFL analysts being split on their picks. CBS’ NFL experts are divided evenly on the game with four picking Washington and four picking the Texans. Frank Schwab and Eric Adelson of Yahoo! Sports both like Washington.
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