The Washington Commanders will look to finally snap their seven-game losing skid when they visit U.S. Bank Stadium to play the Minnesota Vikings. Against an opponent in the midst of a four-game dry spell of its own, this should be head coach Dan Quinn's squad's best shot at a win in two months.
Jayden Daniels is back under center. He and top wide receiver Terry McLaurin will play together for the first time since Week 2. The Commanders' defense will look to build upon recent improvement.
There are a lot of reasons for optimism for Week 14. Here are three predictions for how this one might play out.
Bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 14 against the Vikings
Commanders' defense makes a statement against J.J. McCarthy
If you have a struggling defense in 2025, the best thing you can see on your schedule is a game against the Vikings. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been a disaster in his first season as a starter, completing only 54.1 percent of his passes and throwing six touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
He's thrown at least one pick in every start, and has multiple turnovers in his past three appearances. Washington's defense hasn't been great at forcing takeaways, with only seven all year. But by the end of this one, expect that number to be at least... ahem, nine.
Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin make up for lost time
It's been nearly three months since the Commanders' two most important offensive players were on the field together. Even when they were, their connection wasn't as sharp as it was in 2024, likely because McLaurin was still getting his feet back under him after holding out for a new contract the entire offseason.
The Ohio State product made his statement return last week against the Denver Broncos after missing seven of the previous eight contests, and now he has his star signal-caller back. Expect lots of Daniels to McLaurin on Sunday, as the second-team All-Pro will account for at least one score and his first 100-yard receiving game of the campaign.
Commanders secure a blowout victory
Last time the Commanders won a game, it wasn't even close. That was their 27-10 drubbing of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, with all of their points coming unanswered after giving up the contest's first two scores. In fact, all three of Washington's triumphs this year have been by margins of at least 15 points.
The close game magic the Commanders had last year has been nonexistent. Clearly, that means avoiding having to come down to the wire. With Washington's improved play in its past two matchups and the reeling Vikings' struggles, this should be an opportunity for a complete performance.
Final score prediction: Commanders 30, Vikings 13