The opinions expressed in this article are from national reporters and do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders started the 2025 season on the right foot by beating the New York Giants at home, 21-6. Here's how they stack up with the rest of the NFL heading into Week 2.
ESPN
Rank: 6
- John Keim: Samuel sparked the offense with seven catches for 77 yards and one run for a 19-yard touchdown. He serves as another diverse playmaker for the offense, forcing the defense to freeze on fake handoffs to him since it knows he's a threat. Receivers Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (knee) did not play in the preseason and missed most of camp. So while those two players shake off any rust (McLaurin had two catches for 27 yards in Week 1), it's important to have a versatile option like Samuel.
NFL.com
Rank: 7
- Eric Edholm: Jayden Daniels missed some throws -- and some points, too, with an intentional grounding at the Giants' 4-yard line (one of 12 Washington penalties) running out the first-half clock and keeping the Giants in the game. But chalk this stuff up to early-season rust. Daniels also threw for 233 yards and ran for 68, part of a 220-yard rushing game for Washington. Deebo Samuel and Jacory Croskey-Merritt were big hits in their Commanders debuts, even if the new offensive tackles struggled a bit. But the big story was the play of the defense. Even against the Giants, that unit's effort and execution deserve adulation. It'll be a quick turnaround to Thursday's game at Green Bay, but also an excellent chance for the defense to prove it really has taken a step forward.
USA Today
Rank: 6
- Nate Davis: It's obviously early, but rookie RB Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt is currently the NFC's leading rusher after gaining 82 yards in his NFL debut.
Pro Football Talk
Rank: 5
- Mike Florio: The first test comes very quickly, with Green Bay coming to town.
Bleacher Report
Rank: 6
- B/R staff: The Washington Commanders offense looks refreshed with the addition of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, wideout Deebo Samuel and rookie seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Yahoo Sports
Rank: 11
- Frank Schwab: Deebo Samuel looked like he did in his prime 49ers years. He had seven catches for 77 yards and also scored on a 19-yard run. The Commanders need playmakers other than Terry McLaurin, and Samuel helps. So might rookie Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt, who had 82 rushing yards and a touchdown.
CBS Sports
Rank: 6
- Pete Prisco: They looked dominant in the blowout of the Giants. But now they get to face the Packers on the road, a big step up in talent.
Sporting News
Rank: 7
- Vinnie Iyer: The Commanders had a rather smooth, efficient day at the office with Jayden Daniels picking up where he left off as a rookie and pushing for the early MVP lead. The defense also looked much better overall for Dan Quinn.
FOX Sports
Rank: 7
- Ralph Vacchiano: It wasn't their best effort, but they didn't need it against the Giants. Jayden Daniels is still good (233 passing yards, 68 rushing yards) and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury seems to love his new toy, WR Deebo Samuel (7 catches for 77 yards and a 19-yard rushing touchdown).
