The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders' 2025 schedule is out, and there are plenty of marquee matchups in store for the Burgundy & Gold this year. Here are five of our favorites.
Week 1 vs. New York Giants in the season opener
Although there are bigger matchups on the Commanders' schedule, the season opener against the Giants does have several intriguing storylines. For starters, it's also the home opener, and the Commanders are 3-1 since 2020 when they start the year at Northwest Stadium. While the Giants finished 3-14 in 2024, both games against Washington were close, which falls in line with how the rivalry between the division foes has shaken out over the last decade.
This also isn't the Giants team that was one of the worst last season. Russell Wilson is leading an offense that has new tools like running back Cam Skattebo as well as more experienced weapons like Malik Nabers. On defense, the Giants have one of the most fearsome pass-rush groups that now includes first-round pick Abdul Carter. It will be the first test for a reworked Commanders' offensive line, which includes Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly, to provide better protection for Jayden Daniels.
Week 2 vs. Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field
The Packers are the first of many 2024 playoff teams the Commanders will play in 2025, and they'll do so in the first Thursday Night Football slot of the season. In a similar fashion to the Giants, the Packers will test the Commanders' efforts to fix their weaknesses this offseason. They had one of the best rushing offenses in football last year, averaging 146.8 yards per game. The Commanders, meanwhile, were one of the worst at defending the run with opponents putting up 137.5 yards per game.
Washington put serious effort into beefing up their run defense with players like Eddie Goldman, Javon Kinlaw and Jacob Martin. Most of their free agent acquisitions up front have some ability to rush quarterbacks, but they excel at doing their jobs and stopping up running lanes. Although the results shouldn't dictate how the entire season will play out, it will be a good barometer for the state of the defense.
Week 6 vs. Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football
It makes so much sense that the NFL would want the rematch that defined so much of the Commanders and Bears' seasons to be played on Monday Night Football. It will be the fourth straight matchup between the two teams, and while Washington does have a 2-1 advantage in those games, both victories were decided on the last play. There's obviously the Hail Mary play in 2024, but the Commanders also held on in 2022 for a 12-7 win despite the Bears getting to the 1-yard line on their final drive.
It's reasonable to assume the Bears' next trip to Northwest Stadium will be just as dramatic. Also, you should expect the Hail Mary play to get replayed plenty of times throughout the evening.
Week 8 vs. Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium
The Chiefs' Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles doesn't change the fact that Patrick Mahomes and the team have been the NFL's gold standard for years. Fans are expecting an exciting matchup against Mahomes -- an MVP and Super Bowl champion -- and Daniels -- one of the league's most exciting young quarterbacks. Clearly, the NFL also have high expectations, which is why they put the matchup on Monday Night Football.
The Commanders have only played the Chiefs 11 times and never won at Arrowhead, but a midseason win over the perceived best team in the AFC would do plenty to convince people Washington is a serious Super Bowl contender.
Week 11 vs. Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain
For many fans, this is the matchup to watch on the Commanders' schedule. It's an opportunity to put a brighter international spotlight on the Burgundy & Gold, and they get the privilege of playing in the first-ever game in Spain.
Tua Tagovailoa's health -- he's only played a full season once in his career -- will be something to watch heading into the game. The Dolphins have a more dynamic, dangerous offense when he's under center; they're 38-24 in games he started, and he has 100 touchdowns to 44 interceptions in those games. Though the Dolphins were not a playoff team in 2024, a win against them in an overseas matchup could provide a late-season boost as Washington hopefully prepares for another playoff push.
