Commanders schedule 2024: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Dean Jones
Commanders at Ravens - Week 6
A daunting short trip across the DMV awaits the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Traveling to the Baltimore Ravens means they must be up for the fight with their backs against the wall. This will be a strong indicator of the inner character and camaraderie within the building against a team primed for another Super Bowl tilt in 2024.
The Ravens have reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson under center. Their playmakers on offense are substantial and dangerous in equal measure. That's without taking into consideration their exceptional defense, which is mixed with the right blend of youth and experience capable of giving quarterback Jayden Daniels nightmares in this one.
Prediction: Loss (3-3)
This would be a shock of epic proportions if the Commanders pulled this off. They might keep it closer than many expect, but Dan Quinn's men could just as easily get blown out by a franchise that has grand ambitions to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2024.
Commanders vs. Panthers - Week 7
The Carolina Panthers were comfortably the NFL's worst team in 2023. They won just two games and had to suffer the embarrassment of handing over the No. 1 overall selection to the Chicago Bears. However, they should be in a better place entering the new campaign.
They've invested heavily in giving Bryce Young everything he needs to excel. The quarterback went through significant turmoil as a rookie, so anything less than major improvements might come with grave consequences attached.
Prediction: Win (4-3)
The Panthers should be better next season - it's not like they can get much worse. That said, this looks like a golden chance for the Washington Commanders' offense to run up the score versus a defense that lost some key figures - including linebacker Frankie Luvu after he decided to join forces with Dan Quinn - this offseason.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 8
The top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft will square off as rookies, which should be a fascinating battle. Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears travel to Commanders Field in Week 8. This should be a solid litmus test for both signal-callers with some prominent game time under their respective belts beforehand.
Williams is the supposed generational talent. Jayden Daniels is arguably the most pro-ready emerging from the college ranks after his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign at LSU. And who knows, this could be the start of a storied rivalry between the two that can last for the next decade.
Prediction: Win (5-3)
The Bears have gone through substantial roster alterations this offseason around their rookie quarterback, similar to the Commanders. Coping with the playmaking threat of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze will be difficult, but Washington has enough to get the job done in a close-fought contest and avenge their Thursday Night Football loss in 2023.