Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 2-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Browns - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 6
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
There's just no telling what the atmosphere will be like at Northwest Stadium if the Washington Commanders head into their game against the Cleveland Browns at 3-1. The fanbase is fully behind this new regime and the growth with each passing week is encouraging. There are still things to clean up - especially from a defensive standpoint - but the positivity emanating from the franchise cannot be ignored.
Things are less rosy with the Cleveland Browns. They are 1-2 after a disappointing loss against the New York Giants. Questions remain about whether veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson can ever reach the heights he achieved with the Houston Texans. Those in power aren't giving up just yet, but it might not be much longer before something has to be done.
The Commanders have nothing to fear in this one despite Cleveland's imposing defense. They will need a specific plan to limit stud edge rusher Myles Garrett's influence. But the Browns are giving up 142.3 yards per game on the ground through three weeks, which could be music to the ears of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler if the veteran free-agent signing doesn't miss the game through concussion.
If the Browns cannot beat the Las Vegas Raiders, who just got stamped on by the lowly Carolina Panthers, the alarm bells will be ringing. Their campaign will also spiral out of control if they cannot get the better of Washington. And a wounded animal is always the most dangerous.
- Prediction: Win (4-1)
It's about time the Commanders benefitted from home-field advantage. That shouldn't be a problem considering this fanbase is rejuvenated and full of optimism. They'll need to hold their own on defense with the likes of Amari Cooper on the outside and running back Nick Chubb potentially returning from injury. But if this comes down to a straight fight between Watson and Jayden Daniels, there only looks like one winner.