Some doubts were creeping around the media about the Washington Commanders. A humbling loss to the Green Bay Packers came with criticism, with many suggesting last season's heroics were a flash in the pan. Not for the first time under head coach Dan Quinn, they produced the correct response.
Washington's game against the Las Vegas Raiders was a one-sided affair. The Commanders were in complete control throughout, playing sound complementary football and making things extremely difficult for the AFC West club to generate any momentum. It was a professional performance, especially considering the injury problems Quinn had to navigate beforehand.
That leaves the Commanders at 2-1 through three games. Dreams of playoff glory are still prevalent among the fan base, and the resolve displayed in the face of adversity cannot be anything other than positive.
Some more formidable challenges are coming for the Commanders. Four of their next five outings are on the road. Two of them are on primetime. There is no real routine for the players, which comes with the territory of being successful. If Washington can come through these tests effectively, they'll be in a tremendous spot over the second half of 2025.
With this in mind, we predicted how things might go for the Commanders over the next five games after their 2-1 start.
Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 2-1 start in 2025
Commanders at Falcons - Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Channel: CBS
The Commanders should be brimming with confidence heading into their Week 4 trip to the Atlanta Falcons. That cannot be said of their opponents, who were embarrassed by the Carolina Panthers despite being favored to triumph beforehand.
Carolina overwhelmed Atlanta from the outset. Michael Penix Jr. threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Falcons conceded 30 points and didn't score any. To make matters worse, they didn't even cross the 30-yard line on any offensive drive.
Head coach Raheem Morris will be demanding a response. Washington must be wary of the wounded Falcons, and their thrilling contest with Atlanta last season means they are not without a chance.
Containing running back Bijan Robinson is key. He makes everything tick. When the first-round pick out of Texas struggles to gain early momentum, it doesn't take long for things to unravel. That should be the primary objective of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. during his strategic planning.
- Prediction: Win (3-1)
It won't be easy, but this represents a winnable game for the Commanders. Weathering an early storm can provide head coach Dan Quinn with even more revenge on the team that fired him.
Commanders at Chargers - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 5
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Channel: FOX
This promises to be a stern test of the Washington Commanders' credentials. Dan Quinn's squad goes cross-country for a mouthwatering clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, who have been nothing short of relentless to start their second campaign under master motivator Jim Harbaugh.
The Chargers have won all three games this season. They had to dig deep to get one over on the Denver Broncos, but they once again showed tremendous resolve despite the loss of running back Najee Harris with a torn Achilles tendon.
Harbaugh's teams always seem to come through. They also look like a legitimate early Super Bowl challenger if the same trend continues.
With quarterback Justin Herbert and an improving defense, the Chargers will be competitive in every game. Omarion Hampton became more influential in Harris' absence versus the Broncos, so the Commanders need a plan to restrict the North Carolina product. But for all the talent at the skill positions on both teams, this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
- Prediction: Loss (3-2)
This is where Harbaugh prides himself. His teams are always tough, physical, and strong on both lines of scrimmage. Unless the Commanders meet fire with fire, it's not going to be a fruitful visit to the California sunshine at SoFi Stadium.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 6
- Date: Monday, October 13
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
It's no surprise that the Washington Commanders' home game against the Chicago Bears got primetime billing this season. This is largely down to the thrilling Hail Mary moment in 2024 that propelled hype around superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels to a completely different stratosphere.
The Commanders took this momentum all the way to the NFC Championship game. Chicago went on a disastrous run that saw coaching changes and significant personnel investments at key positions this offseason. It remains a work in progress, but there were signs of life in Week 3.
Ben Johnson's squad looked much more effective versus the Dallas Cowboys. Washington's bitter NFC East rival has one of the league's worst defenses right now. The Commanders promise to be a sterner test, and the primetime lights always bring out something special in Daniels at Northwest Stadium.
Dan Quinn will be preaching the importance of staying committed and avoiding complacency. The Bears will have revenge on their mind, and quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to show growth under Johnson's guidance. At the same time, this defense is vulnerable, which is something Daniels and the Commanders can take advantage of.
- Prediction: Win (4-2)
It might be closer than people expect once again, but the Commanders have more than enough to get the job done.
Commanders at Cowboys - Week 7
- Date: Sunday, October 19
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Dallas Cowboys somehow always flatter to deceive despite getting hyped up beyond comprehension in the media before every season. It should come as no surprise to see the same happening again.
Dallas is 1-2 after its Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. Had it not been for the New York Giants throwing their game against the Cowboys away, they could easily be 0-3. There is no fear factor, and their inexplicable decision to trade away All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons left them with no pass-rush whatsoever.
Jerry Jones claimed that acquiring Kenny Clark in the deal makes them better against the run. The Cowboys are giving up 109.7 yards per game on the ground. Pretty mundane, and their secondary is getting exposed without anyone capable of generating pressure consistently.
This looks like a fantastic opportunity for Jayden Daniels to make a statement. The No. 2 pick in 2024 missed Week 3 with a knee sprain, but the Washington Commanders should have him back by this point. And getting the chance to stick it to the Cowboys always provides everyone within the franchise with an added source of motivation.
- Prediction: Win (5-2)
The best chance Dallas has is turning this one into a shootout. But with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb set to miss multiple weeks through injury, that might be difficult if he's unavailable against the Commanders.
Commanders at Chiefs - Week 8
- Date: Monday, October 27
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
A second Monday Night Football game in three weeks. A fourth road trip in five games. The cards will be stacked against the Commanders as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. But that's just the way head coach Dan Quinn's squad likes it.
The Chiefs are a good team. They are a dynamic force led by one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Patrick Mahomes. They are also more vulnerable than they've ever been throughout this sensational run.
Kansas City lost its first two games of the season. They secured a victory against the New York Giants, thanks to Russell Wilson's erratic play under center. It won't be easy for the Commanders, especially in such a hostile environment, but they are not without a chance.
Steve Spagnuolo's defense is a tricky proposition to overcome. Chris Jones is a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive front, and he's ably assisted by George Karlaftis on the edge. Offensively, the Chiefs will also have wide receiver Rashee Rice back by this point, which adds a different problem the Commanders must deal with effectively.
- Prediction: Win (6-2)
The Commanders will have one big statement win this season, if not more. They are too good for anything less, and it might just be against the Chiefs if they can quieten the crowd early on.