The Washington Commanders cannot afford to start their season 1-4, but that is exactly what awaits head coach Dan Quinn's squad if they cannot beat the New York Giants on home soil.
Fortunately, the NFC East is a mess.
The Giants lead the way at 3-1, but they are without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and star edge rusher Brian Burns. Conditions are not expected to be favorable at Northwest Stadium, but the last time it was raining heavily, the Commanders beat the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is also back in the lineup, which gives everyone a huge lift. Right guard Sam Cosmi clearing concussion protocol is equally important, so fans expect the Commanders to get their campaign back on track with a much-needed divisional triumph.
Whether it happens or not is the big question.
Before then, here are four bold predictions for the Commanders against the Giants.
Bold predictions for the Washington Commanders in Week 5 against the New York Giants
Chig Okonkwo leads the team in receptions
The Commanders need more from their tight end unit. This falls on Chig Okonkwo, whose production has been minimal at best, though the free-agent signing has missed two games with a hamstring issue.
Jayden Daniels needs a security blanket across the middle, especially with four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs missing the contest. Okonkwo has the athleticism to become precisely that, and if he can raise his performance level, the Maryland product can lead the team in receptions.
Commanders defense gains three turnovers
Daronte Jones preaches the importance of getting the football. Giants quarterback Jameis Winston is a turnover waiting to happen, and with wet conditions expected, the Commanders will fancy their chances of making things extremely uncomfortable for the veteran signal-caller.
If Winston is consistently put under pressure, he makes mistakes. That's been the case throughout his rollercoaster career, and Jones won't have missed it during his strategic planning for the clash.
Austin Ekeler gains 100 yards from scrimmage
Even though Austin Ekeler had only been with the Commanders for a few days, he looked like their most productive running back in London. With another week of practice in the books, the veteran could be in line for more work against the G-Men.
Ekeler still has burst. He is a purposeful runner and a dependable pass-catching outlet out of the backfield. If David Blough gives him the touches he needs, the Western Colorado product could be in line for a big day against a Giants defense that gives up 481.0 yards per game on the road.
Jayden Daniels throws three touchdowns
Enormous excitement surrounds Jayden Daniels' return. The franchise quarterback has missed the last two games with a dislocated elbow, and he is eager to get back into the fold and help Washington get on the right path to prosperity.
Daniels will wear an elbow brace, but David Blough said there would be no restrictions. Being a dominant rusher in this one wouldn't be wise, but if he can get the football out quickly and on time, he should be able to have success through the air.
A three-touchdown day for Daniels would be welcome. And he is more than capable of achieving this objective.
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