Commanders vs. Lions - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Washington Commanders shocked the NFL world by beating the Detroit Lions in the playoff divisional round last season. Jayden Daniels was sensational, taking advantage of a defense ravaged by injuries to propel his squad to the NFC Championship game against all odds.
That seems like a long way off this time around. The Lions know that too, and they will have revenge on their mind during their trip to Northwest Stadium in Week 10.
Head coach Dan Campbell knows how to motivate his players. There will be an eagerness to right a significant wrong — to put the Commanders back in their place and cement claims for NFC supremacy this time around. If Washington isn't ready for the inevitable storm, it will pay a heavy price.
Detroit's offense is high-powered and explosive, capable of putting up points in a hurry. Their rush attack is dynamic behind a prolific offensive line. This allows their defense to be aggressive, with stud defensive end Aidan Hutchinson causing endless problems with his relentless pass-catching credentials.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (4-6)
There is too much working against the Commanders in this one. These two clubs are heading in different directions, even though they were expected to be competing for the same goal in 2025.
Commanders at Dolphins - Week 11
- Date: Sunday, November 16
- Time: 9.30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Channel: NFL Network
One more game awaits the Commanders before their long-awaited bye week. And it's a journey into the unknown.
Washington was chosen for the first international game to be played in Spain. It's a great honor and a sign of how far this franchise has come in such a short timeframe. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a historic venue — the home of soccer kingpins C.F. Real Madrid — so the Commanders will want to put on a show against the Miami Dolphins.
The AFC East franchise has gone through severe turmoil this season. Questions were being asked about the futures of head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, the impressive victory over the Atlanta Falcons showed that this team is still fighting hard despite their lowly record.
Looking at the Commanders' schedule over the second half of 2025, this appears to be one of the more winnable games. It's also a chance for the players to spend more time together and embrace a new culture. That might be the spark needed to reignite this squad before the team embarks on its extended rest period.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-6)
A massive effort is needed, with bodies aching and morale dwindling. Still, the Commanders have more than enough to go into their bye week on a high.