The Washington Commanders couldn't come through in key moments against the Los Angeles Rams, and it cost them. Head coach Dan Quinn was frustrated again, but he still believes his team can rise to the occasion.
At 2-5-1, there is no margin for error. But the Commanders' decision to hold firm at the 2026 trade deadline spoke to the confidence that remains in the building.
Some thought general manager Adam Peters should sell off assets, but he values his players highly. One could argue he values them too much, but standing pat gives the Commanders a much better chance of finally stringing together some positive results.
That could go either way.
Fans aren't exactly brimming with confidence, especially with so many key players missing due to injury. Quinn doesn't share that view, though he knows what will happen if the team can't generate positive momentum in the coming weeks.
The Commanders have some winnable games upcoming. Opposing teams will be seeing Washington as exactly the same, too. That's how fine the margins are, and big responses are needed from everybody.
With that in mind, we predicted how things might go for the Commanders over the next five games with their season on the brink.
Predicting the Washington Commanders' next five games after their 2-5-1 start to the season
Commanders at NY Giants
- Date: Thursday, November 12
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- Channel: Amazon Prime
To say this is a must-win for the Washington Commanders would be a massive understatement. Dan Quinn knows it, and the players know that coming close is no longer enough.
The Commanders believe they can still impact the NFC East race. But after losing to the Rams, they are now three games behind the New York Giants at midseason. Another defeat would put them four games back with eight games left, all but ending their playoff chances.
And if this scenario becomes reality, it'll be a very uncomfortable mini bye week for Quinn.
The Giants are 5-2-1. They've clearly been the division's best team through eight games, even after losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns to long-term injuries. John Harbaugh has restored discipline, and everyone is pulling in the same direction. They also know that beating the Commanders on Thursday Night Football will knock them out of the running.
Washington isn't lacking motivation. The season is hanging in the balance, and the Commanders will look to make up for a brutal collapse and an egregious overtime blunder in their first meeting.
- Prediction: Win (3-5-1)
Going on the road for a short-week game on prime time isn't ideal. However, the do-or-die urgency facing the Commanders could be enough for a much-needed victory.
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