All is not well within the Washington Commanders. A season where another deep playoff run was expected is threatening to spiral. Injuries and inconsistent performances have blighted the team through seven contests, and they face a real fight to turn things around in the coming weeks.
Dan Quinn is feeling the strain. The head coach looked visibly stressed and frustrated during his two latest appearances in front of the media. Washington's complete meltdown against the Dallas Cowboys was another telltale sign of the hard work ahead, and the pressure is building.
Of course, there were more health problems for his squad to deal with. Jayden Daniels' hamstring complication isn't going to be long-term, but Quinn couldn't say for sure if the dynamic quarterback would be available this weekend. The situation is far worse with ascending edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr., who's been ruled out for the entire campaign with a serious knee problem.
This removes yet another productive performer from an already threadbare unit. Quinn and his squad must roll with the punches, pick themselves off the canvas, and somehow find a way to get their season back on track.
With this in mind, we took a look at how the Commanders might fare over their next five games following a disappointing 3-4 opening to the campaign.
Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 3-4 start to the 2025 season
Commanders at Chiefs - Week 8
- Date: Monday, October 27
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium
- Channel: ABC
If the Washington Commanders were hoping for some respite this weekend, they're out of luck. Dan Quinn and his players face a daunting trip to take on the Kansas City Chiefs, which also happens to be on Monday Night Football.
The Chiefs went through a turbulent start to the season, which is very uncharacteristic. But as all good contenders do, they hit their stride quickly.
Patrick Mahomes is looking like an NFL MVP candidate. Their defense is stifling almost everybody. The return of explosive wide receiver Rashee Rice from a six-game suspension immediately surged the team's offense in Week 7 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Considering the Commanders' struggling defense and the absence of Armstrong, along with Daniels potentially missing the game, the task ahead of Washington cannot be overstated. There is no time to wallow in self-pity. Everyone must roll up their sleeves, make the necessary adjustments, and come together with the same resolve that drove the franchise last season.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-5)
The Commanders have nothing to lose, allowing them to play with freedom and aggression. But it looks like a tall order.
Commanders vs. Seahawks - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
Things don't get any easier for the Washington Commanders in Week 9, either. They are firmly at the brutal stage of their schedule, so any injured players close to returning need to strive with everything they have to get back in time for another primetime game under the lights at Northwest Stadium.
The Seattle Seahawks are quietly emerging as a possible contender in the NFC. Their comfortable win over the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football puts them in second place within the NFC West, which boasts no fewer than three teams with 5-2 records through seven weeks.
Their big-money gamble to make Sam Darnold the franchise quarterback is paying off. The often-maligned signal-caller is continuing his remarkable career renaissance, which could place him in the NFL MVP conversation if he keeps up his eye-catching consistency.
Seattle's defense is creative and stifling, which isn't surprising when one considers Mike Macdonald is their head coach. This is going to be a real challenge for the Commanders, so nothing but supreme conviction and strong execution in every phase will do.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-6)
The Commanders have to make some severe adjustments. Whatever is being implemented right now just isn't working, and the thought of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba going up against Marshon Lattimore is enough to fill every fan with dread.
Commanders vs. Lions - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
If the results go this way, the last thing Dan Quinn and the Commanders want to see is the Detroit Lions coming to town. This is a rematch of the playoff divisional round last season, when Washington came away with a deserved triumph. However, the two teams are on very different paths now.
The Lions have overcome a shaky period of adjustment to look like a force again. Their impressive victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football leaves them at 5-2, one game behind the Green Bay Packers for NFC North supremacy. They will also have revenge on their mind when they visit Northwest Stadium.
Detroit's injury crisis was ruthlessly exposed by the Commanders. That will be all the bulletin board material head coach Dan Campbell needs during his game-week planning. The Lions will be eager to write a significant wrong, and Washington must be ready for the storm coming.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (3-7)
The Commanders' defense is a mess right now, and the Lions boast one of the league's most efficient offenses. It's unlikely Washington's under-strength defensive front will generate much pressure. Stopping the running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery looks challenging, especially with almost no consistency or dynamism coming from the second level.
Commanders at Dolphins - Week 11
- Date: Sunday, November 16
- Time: 9.30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Channel: NFL Network
Being at 3-7 through 10 games would be an unmitigated disaster. The Washington Commanders managed to generate significant momentum to emerge as the league's most heartwarming story last season. That would evaporate completely if head coach Dan Quinn's squad had just three wins from their efforts before an international contest in Madrid, Spain.
Sometimes, a change of scenery works wonders. The Commanders have almost no genuine routine on their schedule this year. But getting out of the country, spending more time together, and embracing a different culture is something everyone in the franchise should be looking forward to.
As for the opposition? There are very few teams in a worse state than the Dolphins right now. An embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns saw head coach Mike McDaniel's hot seat melt, but insider reports suggest that Miami isn't going to make a change.
Whether that'll be the case by the time their game against Washington gets here is anyone's guess. Tua Tagovailoa is losing the locker room through his actions in the media and his performances on the field. The team seemed to quit in Week 7, so the tipping point is very near.
- Prediction: Commanders win (4-7)
The Commanders should win. Nothing is guaranteed these days, but they have more than enough to dispose of this bottom-feeder.
Commanders vs. Broncos - Week 12
- Date: Sunday, November 30
- Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: NBC
After a much-needed bye week to refresh and refocus, the Washington Commanders once again head to primetime for a Sunday Night Football showdown against the Denver Broncos. And they will need to be at their best to get the better of Sean Payton's squad.
The Broncos looked down and out versus the New York Giants in Week 7. They came back from the brink, racking up 33 points in the fourth quarter to secure victory when defeat seemed inevitable. And maybe, just maybe, that is a sign that something special could be happening in Denver.
Denver's defense can wreak havoc. However, they struggled with rookie Jaxson Dart's ability to create plays out of structure. This is something the Commanders could take advantage of if Jayden Daniels is firing on all cylinders.
Offensively, the Broncos are well-balanced. They have a solid quarterback in Bo Nix. They have a strong rushing attack led by J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. They also have some prolific playmakers in the passing game, including Courtland Sutton.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-7)
It won't be easy; not by any stretch of the imagination. Even so, an extended period of rest, coupled with extra preparation time, might be enough to send fans home happy and keep their hopes alive.