Commanders schedule 2024: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Dean Jones
Commanders at Bengals - Week 3 (MNF)
Starting the season at 2-0 would be a tremendous confidence enhancement for the Washington Commanders. But all good things must come to an end at some point.
The Cincinnati Bengals will once again fancy their chances of going deep into the postseason with quarterback Joe Burrow back healthy. Things spiraled downward after one of the best around had his campaign cruelly cut short in 2023. Now, he's on track to be 100 percent for the 2024 campaign and should have a big chip on his shoulder as he looks to make up for some lost time.
Prediction: Loss (2-1)
This looks like a step too far for the Commanders at this stage of the campaign. However, it promises to be a good measuring stick for head coach Dan Quinn to determine how far his team is from the contending outfits around the league. If Washington can keep it close, that would be a morale boost even if the result doesn't go their way.
Commanders at Cardinals - Week 4
This one will mean more to Kliff Kingsbury than most. The Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator was fired as Arizona Cardinals head coach after failing to build on some early momentum. He'll be looking to silence some in the region who criticized his methods heavily.
The Cardinals are no pushover. They have a healthy Kyler Murray back under center and boast some explosive young defenders capable of impacting proceedings considerably once early momentum is generated. Arizona also drafted wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4 overall, who many believe is a generational prospect capable of taking the NFL by storm immediately.
Prediction: Win (3-1)
Again, this will be determined by how everything meshes throughout the preparation period. If everything goes according to or perhaps better than expected, it could be the deciding factor in the Commanders gaining another vital road victory - the sort that was seldom seen during the Ron Rivera years.
Commanders vs. Browns - Week 5
Much of the Cleveland Browns' success in 2024 will depend on Deshaun Watson. The controversial quarterback was acquired at great expense by the organization, but his suspension coupled with injury problems means the jury is still out as to whether this monumental gamble will pay off.
If Watson can make a better go of things, the Browns have the roster capable of making their presence felt throughout the campaign. They have a physical rushing attack and a defense that's easily one of the NFL's most dominant led by stud edge rusher Myles Garrett. Unless the Commanders' offensive line improves, the former first-round pick is going to have a significant say on proceedings in this one.
Prediction: Loss (3-2)
The Browns are beatable, but there's just no telling how Washington's protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels is going to hold up. Cleveland is prolific at stopping the run, so the potential complications are there for all to see.