5 bold Commanders predictions that could power a Week 1 statement

The NFL doesn't come up for air at any stage during the calendar year. But for the first time in months, Washington Commanders fans and others around the league have a regular-season contest firmly in their sights.

It was an unbelievable turnaround from the Commanders in 2024. Dan Quinn spearheaded a cultural renaissance that saw the squad go from bottom feeders to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his leadership. More is expected this time around.

Maintaining these high standards is the tricky part. The Commanders might think they are still the hunters, but they are now the hunted to everyone else. Opposing teams will see them as a major scalp to knock off. This brings a different set of pressure, which is also why general manager Adam Peters was more aggressive than ever during his second recruitment period at the helm.

A sold-out crowd awaits the Commanders at Northwest Stadium this weekend as they kick off their campaign against the New York Giants. Most fans are expecting a comfortable victory for Quinn's squad, but Week 1 games are always notoriously difficult to predict. And there's a growing sense that the G-Men might not be the walkover they once were.

The result is all that matters. And if these five bold predictions come true, that should be enough for the Commanders to make a statement.

Bold Commanders' predictions that could power a Week 1 statement

Josh Conerly Jr. doesn't concede a sack

After showing immense promise at training camp and during his preseason involvement, the Washington Commanders look set to start rookie Josh Conerly Jr. at right tackle in Week 1. That's the best-case scenario for the player and club, but the former Oregon standout is about to embark on a legitimate baptism of fire.

The New York Giants boast a ferocious pass rush. They have three first-round picks leading the charge in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and No. 3 overall selection Abdul Cater. Washington must be supremely confident in Conerly's progression to throw him into the fire against such imposing opposition.

Expect the Giants to target Conerly heavily, especially with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil manning the blindside. They'll look to confuse the rookie with stunts and shifts. It wouldn't be surprising to see almost every blitz centered on the right-hand side, which is something the Commanders must be ready for.

Getting some extra help from blocking tight John Bates will be crucial. But with stud right guard Sam Cosmi missing the opening four games, if not more, the test awaiting Conerly cannot be overstated.

A daunting challenge is ahead. But if Conerly can emerge from the game without giving up a sack, that equates to a fantastic afternoon at the office.

Marshon Lattimore holds Malik Nabers under 50 receiving yards

This is a crossroads campaign for Marshon Lattimore. The fiery cornerback's trade to the Washington Commanders didn't go according to plan initially, but fans are willing to give him a pass due to the hamstring injury that he couldn't shake off.

That won't be the case this time. Lattimore had a full offseason to heal. He came back into the building looking sharp, explosive, and ready to silence his doubters. He's confident the worst is behind him, and the former Ohio State star is looking to reaffirm his status among the league's premier shutdown presences.

Fans will find out plenty about whether Lattimore can meet these lofty targets in Week 1. The New York Giants' passing attack wouldn't be classed as stellar. Even so, they have a future All-Pro wide receiver, Malik Nabers, in the team's crosshairs on opening weekend.

Nabers, a close friend of Jayden Daniels' from their time together at LSU, put together a phenomenal rookie campaign. He accumulated 109 receptions from 170 targets for 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in just 15 games. This included 19 catches for 186 yards and one score in two contests versus Washington.

Lattimore will be relishing the challenge. If he can hold Nabers under 50 receiving yards, that'll help enormously.

Commanders score 14 points in the first quarter

There are added expectations on the Commanders' shoulders this season. Nerves will be expected in Week 1, so settling down as quickly as possible needs to be the primary goal.

The best way to calm everyone down is by putting points on the board. Washington did a nice job of getting ahead early in games last year, which is a recipe Kliff Kingsbury hopes will continue with the spotlight burning brighter than ever. Although the New York Giants boast an outstanding defense at all three levels, the Commanders have the firepower to match them every step of the way.

They also have Jayden Daniels. The superstar quarterback took the NFL by storm in 2024, propelling himself to the elite tier through a unique blend of athleticism, poise, accuracy, and flawless composure in the biggest moments.

The Giants found that out to their cost on two occasions last season. Brian Daboll will be aiming for better fortunes, but the Commanders can catch the G-Men flat-footed en route to an impressive start.

If the Commanders can score 14 points in the first quarter, that should relax everybody. The job won't be finished, but the extra sense of freedom it could provide will be invaluable.

Terry McLaurin gains 125+ receiving yards and 1 TD

Terry McLaurin's summer-long contract war with the Washington Commanders eventually ended peacefully. Both sides got what they wanted, and the timing couldn't have been any better from a fan perspective.

As expected, McLaurin's ankle injury magically healed after signing his extension. The wide receiver stated he's in great shape and ready for his typical workload. Having scheme and quarterback familiarity will help, but there's no telling for sure until the two-time Pro Bowler takes the field.

Some are expecting McLaurin to have a difficult afternoon against Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks. This has the makings of a superb cornerback pairing if both stay healthy, and the wideout missing so much time over the offseason raises concerns despite his previous production.

McLaurin was professional enough to stay in shape as the business side of things got worked out. It's been all systems go for the pass-catcher at practice this week, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the second-team All-Pro pick up where he left off last season.

Nobody is doubting McLaurin's importance in 2025 and beyond. It might take a while to shake off the ring rust, considering the last time he had live-fire reps was the NFC Championship game. But if he shakes this off quickly, another big day could be in the offing.

Javon Kinlaw gains 2 sacks

There weren't many analysts who thought Javon Kinlaw was worth the money Washington paid him in free agency. The defensive lineman wasn't brought back by the New York Jets after an indifferent campaign. Most thought he'd get a one-year, prove-it deal somewhere, but general manager Adam Peters had something else in mind.

The Commanders gave Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. This was a jaw-dropping sum, but Peters is confident some untapped potential remains within the player that head coach Dan Quinn and his staff can unlock.

Kinlaw heard all the criticism. The South Carolina product wants to repay the faith shown in him by Peters. He's caught the eye over the summer through his unique blend of size, length, and raw power. Putting this together more consistently in a competitive setting is the next step, but optimism is growing.

Week 1 represents a good chance for Kinlaw to hit the ground running. The Giants' interior offensive line wouldn't be classed as stellar by any stretch of the imagination. Jon Runyan and Gren Van Roten are way past the peak of their powers. Someone with his physical attributes should overwhelm the guard pairing and starting center John Michael Schmitz Jr. whenever he sees fit.