Commanders at Packers — Week 2
- Date: Thursday, September 11
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Channel: Amazon Prime
- Venue: Lambeau Field
Rising to the limelight was always going to have a ripple effect for the Washington Commanders this season. They went from obscurity to success in the blink of an eye. They also became the league's prime time darling to see if Dan Quinn's squad has enough to carry the brand on their shoulders.
Fans won't have to wait before Washington's first encounter with the national spotlight glaring. The Commanders will travel to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, which is a stern test of their credentials at one of the league's most iconic venues.
The Packers are a dynamic young team with a bright future. They finished third in the NFC North last season but won 11 games. Jordan Love looks like a franchise-caliber quarterback, and they have several others with immense potential, all growing together.
- Prediction: Loss (1-1)
This is a tall order so early in the season. It'll be interesting to see how the Commanders stack up.
Commanders vs. Raiders — Week 3
- Date: Sunday, September 21
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Commanders' run defense didn't exactly shine against the league's best last season. They should be a little better following some useful additions throughout the offseason, but by how much remains a hot topic of debate among the fan base.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s run schematics will be tested to their limit by the Las Vegas Raiders. They drafted Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, who comes with a lofty reputation after one of the finest campaigns in college football history last time around.
Jeanty is a difficult proposition to stop once momentum is generated. His footwork, explosiveness, and contact balance already look NFL-ready. The margins get finer in the pros, but it's a steep task for the Commanders nonetheless.
- Prediction: Win (2-1)
This also represents a revenge game for Jeremy Chinn, who wasn't given a new deal by the Commanders despite shining in 2024. Counteracting this challenge will be difficult, but Washington has enough to get the job done.
Commanders at Falcons — Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBS
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
One of the most entertaining games Washington participated in last season was its overtime thriller against the Atlanta Falcons. They came away victoriously to cement their postseason spot, but they'll have to do it on the road this time around.
The Commanders travel to take on the Falcons, who are becoming a trendy pick to reach the playoffs in 2025. Michael Penix Jr. looked the part during his brief involvement as a rookie. Atlanta's defense got an injection of energy with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Their secondary remains vulnerable despite the presence of A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates III, which is something Jayden Daniels can exploit when opportunities arise.
- Prediction: Win (3-1)
This will be a tough test for the Commanders. But they've already proved capable of finding the fine margins needed to come out on the other end smiling.
Commanders at LA Chargers — Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 5
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Channel: FOX
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
If you're looking for a physical, hard-nosed challenge for the Commanders, then look no further than their trip to the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh's completely changed the culture within the AFC West club. He's installed a philosophy that got everyone to buy in, which is something Washington also benefited from thanks to Dan Quinn's remarkable turnaround.
The Chargers have Justin Herbert, but they are heavily reliant on the run. Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton will shoulder the load, with Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris, Mike Williams, and Quentin Johnston set to form a potentially productive wide receiver quartet.
Their offensive line is solid, and Los Angeles' defense should have enough to be competitive. At the same time, there isn't much to fear for Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury if the game plan keeps Khalil Mack and Derwin James in check.
- Prediction: Win (4-1)
Daniels got the better of Herbert in college. He can do the same in the pros.