The opinions expressed in this article are from national reporters and do not reflect those of the team.
The 2025 season is now here, and the Washington Commanders are entering Year 2 of the Dan Quinn-Adam Peters regime as one of the league's top teams. Here's how they stack up against the rest of the NFL.
CBS Sports
Rank: 8
- Pete Prisco: Jayden Daniels flashed star potential last season, and he should be even better this year. The offensive line will be improved, which will help.
For The Win
Rank: 6
- Robert Zeglinski and Christian D'Andrea: Has the defense improved enough to keep 2024 from being an outlier? Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise, and Von Miller will add veteran bulk up front, along with plenty of questions about how much they can bring to the table.
Yahoo Sports
Rank: 7
- Vinnie Iyer: The Commanders are worthy of buzz as there's little concern of a sophomore slump with Jayden Daniels with offseason improvements focused on making him better, including making sure Terry McLaurin wasn't going anywhere.
Bleacher Report
Rank: 6
- Gary Davenport: The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year helped lead the Commanders to heights the franchise hadn't experienced in over 30 years by reaching the NFC Championship Game. Now, it's time to build on that success. The Commanders' plan of attack centered on the big trade acquisitions of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil—both of whom should have a significant impact on Daniels' continued development. Terry McLaurin's recent contract extension won't hurt, either.
Sports Illustrated
Rank: 8
- Peter Dewey: Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders made a Cinderella run to the playoffs and eventually the NFC title game, but there's a chance they could regress against a. tougher schedule. Despite that, oddsmakers have them as one of the top teams to win it all in the latest odds.
NFL.com
Rank: 6
- Eric Edholm: The offense should be great again. I could see the Commanders making incremental improvements from last season on defense, but it's hard to argue that they're tangibly better on that side of the ball. I'd even argue they're a tad bit worse, personnel-wise, until proven otherwise. Washington made a big statement last season, and it's capable of just as much or more this time around, but it won't come easy. There are some potholes dotting the road right now.
USA Today
Rank: 6
- Nate Davis: They've eliminated one risk by resolving the contractual situation of longtime team captain Terry McLaurin. They've potentially invited another one by trading starting RB Brian Robinson to the Niners. FWIW, they're also not going to be able to duck Parsons, drawing a Thursday night assignment in Green Bay in Week 2. Get ready, Laremy Tunsil.
PressBoxOnline:
Rank: 7
- Glenn Clark: I actually think I'm going to put in a Jayden Daniels MVP ticket.
ESPN
Rank: 11
- Mike Clay: Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be the real deal and can carry this team far, especially with more veterans on offense, such as left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The defense remains a major red flag, but defensive mastermind Dan Quinn could again coach it into a competent unit.
