Commanders final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 12
Dan Quinn will have circled this game in the calendar from the moment his first schedule as Washington Commanders' head coach was released. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator will look to get a big victory versus his old team. Something that only adds to the occasion as one of the league's most historical rivalries writes another chapter.
The Cowboys look like a team capable of going on a deep playoff run. Jerry Jones has come under fire this offseason for his management of contract extensions for the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons, but taking them lightly is simply not an option.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
Washington's record against the Cowboys hasn't exactly been stellar in recent years. But with Quinn's extra knowledge of their operation coupled with Dallas' potential weak links at running back and the secondary, this represents a good chance to fight back versus a team that dominated this fixture more often than not during Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure.
Commanders vs. Titans - Week 13
The Tennessee Titans moved heaven and earth to place everything needed around second-year quarterback Will Levis this offseason. They made some splashy moves and kept some veterans who were projected to be made surplus to requirements. Many analysts believe they are still rebuilding under new head coach Brian Callahan, but their moves suggest a win-now approach that must be taken seriously.
Their hopes are almost entirely dependent on Levis. The signal-caller flashed promise as a rookie without reaching the consistency levels needed. Tennessee is hoping the additions of Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, and first-round offensive tackle J.C. Latham can help improve matters.
Prediction: Win (8-5)
Considering the Commanders are on home soil with newfound momentum on their side in this scenario, they stand a good chance of beating the Titans if the defense makes things uncomfortable for Levis. If they accomplish this feat, it won't take long for the player to make mistakes.
Commanders at Saints - Week 15
This will be a homecoming of sorts for Jayden Daniels. The promising quarterback propelled himself to college superstardom at LSU en route to the Heisman Trophy and becoming the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. That will count for nothing versus a New Orleans Saints outfit who benefit greatly from homefield advantage.
The Caesars Superdome is a notoriously hostile environment for the visiting team. It's something Daniels and the Commanders must be ready for. Otherwise, it promises to be a long afternoon at the office despite some concerns surrounding the Saints and quarterback Derek Carr heading into the campaign.
Prediction: Win (9-6)
There's nothing to suggest the Commanders couldn't push the Saints extremely close in this one. At the same time, New Orleans' experience and the deafening noise created by the fans mean it could easily go the other way. It's a tough one to predict, but we're erring on the side of positivity for now.