Commanders final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season
By Dean Jones
Commanders at Ravens - Week 6
This is arguably the Washington Commanders' toughest game of the 2024 season. And it's just down the road.
The Baltimore Ravens are stacked once again as they look to go one better and reach the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson is the NFL MVP quarterback capable of dominating any game. Acquiring running back Derrick Henry to go alongside him in the backfield makes things almost impossible for defenses to counteract.
If that wasn't enough, their offensive line is accomplished enough to give Jackson plenty of time in the pocket. Baltimore's defense is also top-notch - led by a player many felt should be in Washington - standout safety Kyle Hamilton.
Prediction: Loss (2-4)
Washington faces an uphill battle in this one, to put it mildly. These two teams are on different paths during the 2024 season. That might be reflected in the eventual result when push comes to shove.
Commanders vs. Panthers - Week 7
If the Commanders come into their game at home to the Carolina Panthers at 2-4, this represents a must-win scenario for head coach Dan Quinn. But this might not be the walkover many are anticipating.
The Panthers look rejuvenated under new head coach Dave Canales, who's raised optimism and increased standards for a two-win team in 2023. Quarterback Bryce Young isn't going to be as bad as last season. Washington's offensive line must be at peak performance to cope with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who was nothing short of sensational last season as all around him crumbled.
Prediction: Win (3-4)
This will be a competitive game decided by fine margins. Hopefully, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has found his feet by this point and can steer his team to victory. Any complacency will be their undoing, especially if the Panthers demonstrate improvements over their opening few contests.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 8
A battle of the top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft will gain plenty of national attention in Week 8. Jayden Daniels locks horns with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams during what promises to be a fascinating clash against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium.
Williams was the generational talent and a no-brainer selection from atop the draft. Some analysts believe Daniels will be the better pro when it's all said and done. The former LSU man will get the opportunity to enhance this notion and pick up a morale-boosting triumph for the Commanders along the way.
This will also see defensive end Montez Sweat make his return to Washington for the first time since he was traded to the Bears before the 2023 deadline. He remains bitter based on recent comments to the media, so he'll be out for revenge in the biggest way imaginable.
Prediction: Win (4-4)
The Bears look to be stronger on paper. But the motivation to begin what could be a long-term rivalry between Daniels and Williams on a positive note should be enough to get the win.