Updated strength of schedule gives Commanders hope for 2024 fairytale

It's been a dream start for the Washington Commanders in 2024. This exciting project under the new regime is further ahead than anyone expected at this early stage. Head coach Dan Quinn won't be getting ahead of himself, but it's not hard to see why the hype is building.

The Commanders are 3-1 after four games. There's a long way to go and things can change quickly, so keeping their foot on the gas and standards high should be a recipe for success. There's also enough experience within the locker room to ensure nobody gets complacent.

Washington's fanbase is wondering what could be accomplished if things continue on the same path throughout the campaign. Most remain cautiously optimistic, but it's hard for them not to get a little bit carried away after experiencing almost nothing but misery for more than two decades.

Commanders have ninth-easiest strength of schedule after first quarter of 2024

Pro Football Network's updated strength of schedule based on the results over the first quarter of 2024 indicates this feel-good factor could continue. The Commanders have the ninth-easiest slate (24th hardest). That doesn't guarantee anything, but it doesn't hurt that's for sure.

To recap, here's who the Commanders will be facing over their remaining 13 games.

• Week 5: vs. Browns
• Week 6: at Ravens
• Week 7: vs. Panthers
• Week 8: vs. Bears
• Week 9: at NY Giants
• Week 10: vs. Steelers
• Week 11: at Eagles
• Week 12: vs. Cowboys
• Week 13: vs. Titans
• Week 14: Bye
• Week 15: at Saints
• Week 16: vs. Eagles
• Week 17: vs. Falcons
• Week 18: at Cowboys

There are some tough games, no doubt about that. But after a memorable opening to their new era with Quinn and his accomplished staff team leading the charge, they have absolutely nothing to fear.

It also helps they have a genuine franchise quarterback for the first time in years. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels is off to a historic opening to the campaign with poise beyond his years. He's also taking nothing for granted, acknowledging that his NFL journey is just beginning and there is a lot more to come.

That's a scary thought for everyone else around the league.

If the Commanders' offensive line continues its surge and the defense can build on a much-improved showing at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, they should be competitive in most games. And Daniels has already proven capable of coming through in the clutch when given the opportunity.

Football isn't played on paper or a perceived strength of schedule. This is a small positive for the Commanders, but it counts for nothing if they cannot keep this newfound positivity going forward and stack more wins in the column.

That's the biggest objective for Quinn right now. Expectations for his squad are growing with every dominant victory. But taking things one game at a time and suring up the foundations is key.

After that, who knows what can happen?

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