The Washington Commanders needed their bye week a lot sooner, but they got it in the end. Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that everyone was depleted and morale-sapped after losing to the Miami Dolphins in Spain. Taking a step back to refocus, refresh, and rest could see fortunes improve at the business end of the campaign.
Realistically, the Commanders are not playing for anything other than pride. They are 3-8 with no chance of making the playoffs. This is a far cry from the optimism that enveloped the franchise before the season, so the remaining six games should be about evaluating the squad before a crucial offseason in 2026.
Washington's schedule doesn't look especially promising if they want to salvage something from the campaign. The Commanders are getting healthier, but the uncertainty around the organization must keep urgency high across the board.
With this in mind, we predicted how things could unfold for Quinn's demoralized squad in their post-bye-week contests.
Predicting the Commanders' final six games of 2025 after the bye week
Commanders vs. Broncos - Week 13
- Date: Sunday, November 30
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
This is not the game Dan Quinn would have hand-picked upon the Washington Commanders' bye week return. And worst still, the schedule-makers and the network didn't even flex it out of prime time.
The Denver Broncos are coming to Northwest Stadium. They are riding high atop the AFC West with a 9-2 record as the balance of power shifts. And they are being spearheaded by a vaunted defense that is arguably the league's most explosive.
Their defensive front is relentless. They lead the NFL in sacks per game by a comfortable margin. There is also a chance that All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II can return against Washington, which doesn't make things any easier.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-9)
While energy should be high after the bye week, this looks like a tall order for the Commanders, regardless of how many injured players return to the lineup.
Commanders at Vikings - Week 14
- Date: Sunday, December 7
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Commanders travel to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. Like Washington, they harbored massive ambitions this season after finishing 14-3 during the previous campaign. To say they have failed to meet expectations would be an understatement.
Things have not gone well. The Vikings plummeted to the bottom of the NFC North, and serious questions are being asked about their decision to let Sam Darnold walk in favor of making J.J. McCarthy the leading man.
McCarthy needs more time. The offensive line isn't playing well, and Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense has taken a step back. This looks like a good opportunity for the Commanders, but whether they can generate enough pressure is another matter.
- Prediction: Commanders win (4-9)
Jonathan Allen will be out to make his old team pay in this one. However, this could also be the game in which quarterback Jayden Daniels returns, which might provide the spark needed to triumph.
Commanders at NY Giants - Week 15
- Date: Sunday, December 14
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Washington Commanders conclude their 2025 campaign with four straight divisional contests. This won't be easy, but the level of familiarity provides some comfort as they look to end the season with some positivity to show for their efforts.
This all starts with a trip to the New York Giants in Week 15. The Commanders got the better of the G-Men at Northwest Stadium to open the campaign. However, this is not the same team.
They've fired head coach Brian Daboll. They let defensive coordinator Shane Bowen go after surrendering another fourth-quarter lead against the Detroit Lions. They should also have Jaxson Dart under center, who has injected new life into the franchise when they needed it most.
It won't be easy for the Commanders. The Giants have been more competitive this season than their record suggests. They also boast a formidable defensive front capable of giving anybody problems. Establishing the run is crucial, and having quarterback Jayden Daniels back under center should allow Kliff Kingsbury to do that with relative ease.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-9)
This one could legitimately go either way. But if this comes down to who performs better between Daniels and Dart, the former LSU standout has a clear edge.
Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 16
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The NFL schedule-makers probably thought there would be more on the line when the Commanders took on the Philadelphia Eagles twice over the final three games of 2025. Sadly, from Washington's perspective, that's not the case, but they will be eager to finish out their home slate on a high note versus a bitter division rival.
It's also worth remembering that all is not well in Philadelphia, despite their 8-3 record. They collapsed against the Dallas Cowboys after holding a 21-0 lead. The offense is bland, predictable, and failing to generate the momentum needed. Rumors of friction between quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown have been rife throughout the campaign, so this might not be the slam dunk Eagles fans envisage.
The Commanders beat the Eagles in the corresponding fixture last season. A lot has changed since then, but this does look like a challenging proposition.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (5-10)
Getting off to a strong start is crucial. The only way Washington will stay competitive is by sowing more doubt into the Eagles, and that happens by setting the tone through dominating the trenches and executing effectively in key moments. Whether head coach Dan Quinn's team can accomplish this or not is another matter.
Commanders at Cowboys - Week 17
- Date: Thursday, December 25
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- Channel: Netflix
The Washington Commanders' sensational surge to the NFC Championship game last season got them back onto the national stage. That left their schedule with no genuine routine whatsoever, an overlooked stumbling block this team hasn't overcome effectively enough.
This also includes a Christmas Day game at the Dallas Cowboys. One could argue the benefits of showing so much football on the holiday, but the Commanders have to roll up their sleeves and show some fight against their most hated rival.
Dallas beat the Commanders earlier this season. They are also making the improvements needed to finish the season strongly. Their offense has been performing at an elite level from the outset. Still, the blockbuster addition of defensive lineman Quinnen Williams before the 2025 trade deadline brought immediate improvements on that side of the football.
Securing a dramatic comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles was another encouraging sign for Dallas, just at the right time. This hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Commanders in recent years, but all the pressure will be on the Cowboys as they look to sneak into the postseason.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (5-11)
Keeping up with the Cowboys' high-octane offense was difficult when Washington gave up 44 points in Week 7. Don't be surprised if the same fate befalls head coach Dan Quinn.
Commanders at Eagles - Week 18
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
- Channel: TBD
If the Commanders are 5-11 entering the regular season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, which looks entirely possible in their current state, head coach Dan Quinn could decide to throw in the towel by leaving several established stars on the sidelines. It's a fine line, and there will be some loyalty to those set to depart this offseason, but keeping the bigger picture in mind is key.
This could be the final time fans get to see the likes of Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Von Miller in a Washington uniform. But for the likes of Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and others who'll be part of the team's plans next year, they might get the day off.
That depends on how much is at stake for the Eagles. They'll probably have the division wrapped up by this point. If they are out of contention for the NFC's top seed, head coach Nick Sirianni might also limit reps for some of his main men before the playoffs. There are many unknowns, which make this division rivalry even more complicated to predict.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (5-12)
If the Commanders lose, they'll end the season at 5-12 in this scenario. And attention will immediately turn to one of the most critical offseasons in recent memory for the franchise.