The Washington Commanders fell narrowly short against the Pittsburgh Steelers after shooting themselves in the foot with countless mistakes in crucial moments. However, they are still right in the thick of things heading into an important stretch of games.
Dan Quinn's men sit at 7-3 through 10 weeks. That's still way ahead of schedule, although the injuries are piling up as bodies become weary following a grueling campaign so far. With the bye not until Week 14, this group must dig in and produce the goods to ensure momentum continues.
Nobody anticipated the Commanders to be in this spot. Now that they are, they must capitalize on it. Anything less would be doing a disservice for the exceptional work put in to get to this point.
A huge effort is needed. The players were stung by their Week 10 loss and are keen to prevent a snowball effect from taking place. Easier said than done, but this franchise has bounced back from setbacks already this season. Hopes are high that they can do the same again.
With this in mind, we took a look at how the Commanders could fare over their next four games following a 7-3 start to the 2024 campaign.
Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 7-3 start in 2024
Commanders at Eagles - Week 11
- Date: Thursday, November 14
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
There is no time for the Washington Commanders to wallow in self-pity. They have a few short days to dust themselves off before making the tricky trip to the Philadelphia Eagles for a pivotal Thursday Night Football showdown.
Sometimes it's beneficial to get a game quickly following defeat. Dan Quinn admitted as much during his media availability on Monday. He thought it might be a good thing, especially considering how much resolve the players were displaying in the locker room following their first home defeat of the campaign.
This is not going to be easy. The Eagles have won five straight and easily disposed of the Dallas Cowboys last time out. Washington didn't fare well versus Philadelphia in 2023 despite making a fight of things. It's a different operation now, but much will depend on whether some key figures will get back into the lineup in a relatively short timeframe.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (7-4)
I always expected the Commanders to split their games with the Eagles and Steelers. But considering the injury problems and the fact they're going on the road to a hostile environment, it'll take a rousing effort with the national spotlight glaring to achieve success.
Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 12
- Date: Sunday, November 24
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Washington Commanders' storied rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys has been pretty one-sided in recent years. That might be about to change.
As the Commanders quickly emerged into the league's surprise package, the Cowboys floundered. This team always gets hyped up beyond comprehension before faltering when it counts. Unfortunately for head coach Mike McCarthy, they are spiraling out of control much sooner than anticipated this time around.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the Cowboys have imploded. They are 3-6 following another home capitulation against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season, leaving Dallas with Cooper Rush under center.
Judging by Rush's performance in Week 10, it won't be much longer before Trey Lance is given a shot. The former No. 3 overall selection remains an enigma of sorts, but the Cowboys have nothing to lose considering their current trajectory.
Motivation also seems low. The finger-pointing has already begun between players and staff. It's going to be a long road back to respectability. But in all honesty, that ship has already sailed.
This is something the Commanders should take advantage of. They are on home soil and the superior outfit. Head coach Dan Quinn will also know plenty about how to counteract Dallas' threats during his time as defensive coordinator with the franchise.
After two straight defeats in this scenario, the Commanders can utilize this as a get-right game. They need to be professional and take nothing for granted - especially in a division clash where form typically goes out of the window - but every player should be striving hard to get Quinn a victory versus his old employers.
- Prediction: Commanders win (8-4)
If the Commanders handle their assignments with conviction and gain some early momentum, there's nothing to suggest this cannot become a comfortable afternoon at the office for Quinn's squad. Fans will be demanding nothing less looking at the way things have unfolded for the two teams in 2024 so far.
Commanders vs. Titans - Week 13
- Date: Sunday, December 1
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
At last. The Washington Commanders' final game before their long-awaited bye week arrives.
Having a bye so late in the campaign is a war of attrition. The Commanders have slogged, fought hard, and gained some outstanding momentum along the way. It's not been easy, and it seems as if the wear and tear is beginning to show.
Injuries are occurring with much more frequency. Established figures are dealing with knocks. Others are playing through the pain. With an extended rest in sight, one last big effort is needed on home soil before the Commanders can relax for a brief period.
This is also another winnable contest. The Commanders welcome the Tennessee Titans to Northwest Stadium in Week 13. They are going through some issues offensively under new head coach Brian Callahan, but their defense represents a stable foundation from which to build.
That won't count for anything if the Titans don't solve the quarterback position. Will Levis doesn't look like the answer, although Tennessee doesn't have much choice other than to keep playing the former second-round selection.
Not having running back Derrick Henry to depend upon is putting too much pressure on others. He masked a lot of problems. They are now coming to the fore.
The Commanders need to win this one. Going into the bye week with another morale-boosting triumph is crucial. It won't be easy given how hard the Titans are still fighting despite being 2-7 in the standings, but keeping a sense of professionalism as a strong favorite is key.
- Prediction: Commanders win (9-4)
Washington has more than enough talent to dispose of the Titans in front of their expectant fanbase at Northwest Stadium. If the Commanders can restrict the influence of running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, that should be enough to place extra weight on Levis' shoulders. Something he might not be able to handle at this stage of his career.
Commanders at Saints - Week 15
- Date: Sunday, December 15
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Caesars Superdome
The Washington Commanders kick off their closing stretch of games after the bye week with a trip to the New Orleans Saints. Everyone should be fresher and reinvigorated after some time away to regroup. However, this is the business end of the campaign where nothing but strong performances and victories will suffice.
This game will also have extra meaning for one new member of the playing personnel. With the Commanders' expectations rising, general manager Adam Peters took advantage before the 2024 trade deadline. He swooped at the 11th hour, beating out other contending teams to secure the services of cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the Saints.
Lattimore is exactly what the Commanders are looking for. He's a genuine shutdown presence capable of going toe-to-toe with the league's best. He's got the right mentality to slot seamlessly into Washington's culture shift. He's also got some old Ohio State college teammates to lean on during his important transition.
It will be an emotional occasion for Lattimore. For the Commanders, it represents another day at the office.
The Saints showed signs of life last time out. This tends to be the way for teams immediately after firing their head coach. Whether it's a flash in the pan or a start of something more sustainable is another matter.
Washington has nothing to fear either way.
If they can negate the threat posed by running back Alvin Kamara, that'll go a long way to achieving success. New Orleans is also missing most of its top performers in the passing game, which isn't doing veteran quarterback Derek Carr any favors as he goes through his customary complications under center.
- Prediction: Commanders win (10-4)
The Commanders would be within touching distance of securing postseason success if they were 10-4 at this juncture. It'll be tough, there's no getting away from that. But make no mistake, it's an attainable objective that head coach Dan Quinn and his squad will be striving for.