Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 2-2 start
Commanders at Chargers - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 5
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Commanders need to lick their wounds quickly. A trip to the Los Angeles Chargers awaits, who'll be furious after dropping a winnable game against the New York Giants in what was rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's regular-season debut for the G-Men.
Any team coached by Jim Harbaugh is going to be a tricky proposition to overcome. They are tough, physical, and boast some outstanding playmakers on both sides of the football. However, they are also dealing with some injury issues, particularly regarding key personnel on the offensive line.
Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending complication before the campaign. The Chargers could also be without Joe Alt, and the pressure generated by the Giants indicates just how much they'll miss the formidable edge presence out of Notre Dame.
Now, the Commanders don't have the elite pass-rushers New York brings to the table. They are also vulnerable in the secondary, which was supposed to be an area of strength. Jayden Daniels has a chance to get back into the lineup, but he isn't the only injured star that Washington is missing greatly right now.
- Prediction: Loss (2-3)
The Commanders have a chance, especially if they limit the ever-increasing influence of rookie running back Omarion Hampton. But it does look like a tall order.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 6
- Date: Monday, October 13
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
The bright lights of Monday Night Football await the Washington Commanders when they welcome the Chicago Bears to Northwest Stadium. And it's no surprise to see this game given the primetime billing after what transpired last season.
Just when all hope seemed lost for the Commanders, a miracle happened. Jayden Daniels scrambled around with time expired. He finally managed to get some room to step into a deep bomb downfield. It gratefully bounced off the hands of a Bears player and into the grasp of Noah Brown for a walk-off Hail Mary touchdown to shake the stadium to its foundations.
That won't be lost on the Bears as they aim for some revenge in this one. Ben Johnson has Chicago sitting at 2-2 after starting 0-2. Things are starting to click across the board, so this is not going to be a walkover by any stretch of the imagination.
The Commanders saved their best for the national spotlight last season. Daniels is the man for the big occasion, and hopefully, Washington will have some important players back from injury by this point.
- Prediction: Win (3-3)
This will be a tight game once again. But the Commanders have proven capable of coming through in the clutch with Daniels leading the charge.
Commanders at Cowboys - Week 7
- Date: Sunday, October 19
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: AT&T Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Dallas Cowboys' performance during their thrilling 40-40 tie with the Green Bay Packers gave the Commanders an insight into what to expect when the bitter rivals meet in Week 7. They are a dynamic offensive force capable of putting up points in a hurry, but their defense has a soft underbelly that could be exploited.
Dak Prescott is playing as well as any quarterback in the league right now. Dallas' trade for wide receiver George Pickens seems to be a shrewd investment. Running back Javonte Williams is looking like the player who took college football by storm at North Carolina. Tight end Jake Ferguson and versatile weapon KaVontae Turpin are tough to counteract. And that's not counting CeeDee Lamb potentially being back for this one.
At the same time, the Cowboys are susceptible to the run and vulnerable to the pass. Trading All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons left them without the ability to generate consistent pressure. This is something the Commanders will look to exploit to cement their advantage in this long-standing rivalry, which dates back generations.
- Prediction: Win (4-3)
This could go one of two ways for the Commanders. Either they will get blown out, or they will secure a narrow victory. The tentative choice is the latter, which would get them back in the red heading into the midseason point.
Commanders at Chiefs - Week 8
- Date: Monday, October 27
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium
- Channel: ESPN
Another game on Monday Night Football. This time, the Washington Commanders face a daunting trip to take on the Kansas City Chiefs for a mouth-watering clash between two teams who still harbor playoff ambitions.
The Chiefs started slower than usual, but they can never be counted out completely with future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center. This was further reflected with their convincing victory over the Baltimore Ravens, where Kansas City looked like a legitimate force for the first time in 2025.
Mahomes is getting some of his primary weapons back into the fold. Their offense looked well-balanced versus the Ravens, and it's also worth remembering that the Chiefs will have Rashee Rice available after his suspension by this point. That magnifies the Commanders' potential issues, and there is also a formidable defense led by mastermind Steve Spagnuolo to factor into the equation.
It's a grave test of Washington's credentials. It should also provide fans with a better insight into where things stand and how the Commanders stack up regarding their postseason aspirations.
- Prediction: Loss (4-4)
Looking at how the two clubs performed in Week 4, although this is a long way from then, it's hard to envisage anything other than a fourth defeat of the campaign in this scenario.
Commanders vs. Seahawks - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
A turbulent schedule with no real routine continues for the Commanders when they host the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. And if they are 4-4 or worse by this point, it represents a must-win game in no uncertain terms.
The Seahawks look strong once again. They are operating somewhat under the radar compared to other postseason challengers. Still, they are currently on a three-game winning streak and in contention within a highly competitive NFC West.
Sam Darnold is playing solid football after his big-money move in free agency. The Seahawks' defense looks assured, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the latest former Ohio State wide receiver earning superstar status. They are not an easy out, so the Commanders need to be at the top of their game to send the home fans away from the game with smiles on their faces.
Pressuring Darnold is key. The signal-caller can do real damage when given time in the pocket. But if he's forced off his spot and becomes flustered, that's when mistakes will arrive.
- Prediction: Win (5-4)
If the Commanders can force a turnover or two, and Jayden Daniels can get the better of Michael Macdonald's defense, Washington should be celebrating a much-needed victory.