Commanders vs. Texans - Week 14
The Washington Commanders should be riding on the crest of a wave by this point. But if any team looks capable of bursting their bubble if this scenario becomes reality, it's the Houston Texans.
Houston's defense is the best in football. They were nothing short of phenomenal last season. If quarterback C.J. Stroud had not been so error-prone during the playoffs, they might have gone even further. It'll be a significant challenge for the Commanders, and Laremy Tunsil will be out to make his old team pay for trading him.
- Prediction: Loss (8-5)
The Texans' defense is no joke. This could be a long day for Washington if it cannot generate early momentum.
Commanders vs. Falcons - Week 15
The Commanders have the benefit of plenty of home games down the stretch, and they must take advantage. While the Atlanta Falcons could be a dangerous outfit next season, fans are penciling this one in as a possible win at an important stage of the campaign.
Atlanta is planning to hold a quarterback competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, but neither should strike fear into the Commanders. It's a different story with running back Bijan Robinson, and their defense should improve as well.
- Prediction: Win (9-5)
This may be a closer encounter than some fans think, but the Commanders will have enough to get the job done.
Commanders at Vikings - Week 16
A trip to the Minnesota Vikings can be daunting. Any team coached by Kevin O'Connell should be respected, but they have an issue at the most important position in football that makes their outlook uncertain.
With first-round pick J.J. McCarthy floundering, the Vikings brought in Kyler Murray after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals. That should bring improvements, and their wide receiver trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings could cause untold problems.
- Prediction: Loss (9-6)
Winning in Minnesota couldn't be dismissed entirely. But it would take a monumental effort.
Commanders at Jaguars - Week 17
The Jacksonville Jaguars are no longer a laughingstock. They made exceptional strides last season, winning the AFC South and making the playoffs in their first year under head coach Liam Coen. Whether this becomes the start of something more substantial is another matter.
Jacksonville lost some important players in free agency. Linebacker Devin Lloyd, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and cornerback Greg Newsome are gone, and their absence could be sorely felt. This is something the Commanders will look to capitalize on.
- Prediction: Win (10-6)
If Washington is holding everything together after a punishing run by this point, they can emerge from the Florida sunshine with a critical late-season success.
Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 18
The regular-season finale may have high stakes if the Dallas Cowboys and Commanders become what some experts predict. But most of the time, form and expectations go out of the window in division battles like this.
Dallas won't roll over. Washington won't want to end the season on a sour note. That will ensure a highly competitive engagement in one of the league's most historic rivalries, regardless of their respective records.
- Prediction: Loss (10-7)
The Commanders finish 10-7 in our early game-by-game predictions. That is double the win total from last season, and it should be enough to secure a wild-card berth or potentially even a division title, depending on how things shake out.
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