Commanders schedule 2024: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 12
The storied rivalry renewed once again. This time, there is added spice attached after Dan Quinn became Washington Commanders head coach, bringing several coaches and staff from the Dallas Cowboys to assist with his second opportunity in the prominent position of power.
This familiarity can work both ways. The Commanders will have a better indication of player talent and schematic concepts. But the Cowboys will also be fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their adversaries, many of whom were previously employed by the organization.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
After an offseason of unrivaled optimism, the Commanders need a statement win to boost confidence further at some stage during the 2024 campaign. What better way for Quinn to accomplish this feat than by beating Dallas in front of what should be a sold-out home crowd with renewed belief?
Commanders vs. Titans - Week 13
If the Washington Commanders can get to this stage of the season with a .500 record or better, nobody can ask any more of them. Week 11 provides another winnable game at home to the Tennessee Titans, who've gone through a makeover after firing head coach Mike Vrabel and replacing him with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.
Their moves made throughout the offseason suggest a changing of the guard. They've also made a concerted effort to place upgrades around quarterback Will Levis to get a better evaluation of his capabilities following a rollercoaster rookie campaign where he flashed moments of outstanding promise.
Prediction: Win (8-5)
The Commanders should have enough to make life extremely uncomfortable for Levis with a solid number of games under their belt at this juncture. This could be a banana skin if everyone isn't at the top of their performance levels, but having an improved record could be enough to maintain focus despite weary bodies heading into their all-important bye week.
Commanders at Saints - Week 15
After so much-needed rest during the bye week, the Washington Commanders return to the gridiron at the New Orleans Saints. This is notoriously one of the loudest venues to go, but he won't be unknown to Jayden Daniels after the quarterback spent the final two years of his college career at nearby LSU.
The Saints are a tough evaluation right now. They once again played salary-cap gymnastics to keep some semblance of order across their roster. New Orleans also decided to keep faith with quarterback Derek Carr despite his turbulent first season with the franchise. It's not the force of old, but the Commanders must not treat them lightly by any stretch of the imagination.
Prediction: Loss (8-6)
Washington will have extra time to prepare for this one. That said, Daniels will need to operate the silent count effectively and cope with the emotion of performing against a fanbase that used to worship him but will now be praying for his downfall. Easier said than done.