Commanders Face High Standards in Latest Power Rankings Prediction

The obscure NFC East title pattern - that hasn't seen a back-to-back winner in over 20 years - tells us that the Washington Commanders should be the strongest contenders to wear the division crown in 2025.

But after a double-digit win season and conference championship game berth, they have their sights set on something more: the Lombardi Trophy.

Of course, they'll need to compete with the reigning division and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. This offseason, Washington has continued the excitement from last year with big-name additions that could push the team over the top.

NFL Spin Zone believes the Commanders have done just that, soaring to No. 4 on their projected end-of-season power rankings and ranking first among NFC East foes.

"Winning 14 total games in the 2024 NFL Season and only getting better, the Washington Commanders are going to progress a bit in 2025 and become one of the truly elite teams in the NFL, perhaps again making it to the conference championship game," Lou Scataglia wrote. "Jayden Daniels may also get some MVP votes, as he was excellent in 2024 and might only get better.

The Eagles dropped to sixth in the rankings prediction, with major free-agency losses potentially foreshadowing a Super Bowl hangover.

The rest of the list featured the AFC runner-up Buffalo Bills at the top, followed by two teams desperate for more playoff success in the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

Daniels' prediction of earning some MVP recognition should be a solid bet, given how Washington found a Pro Bowl left tackle to anchor his protection in Laremy Tunsil, and traded for a new receiving option in the versatile Deebo Samuel Sr.

The Commanders should be poised to remain one of the league’s best offensive teams like they were last year in Daniels' Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Getting All-Pro Terry McLaurin re-signed to conclude his current contract holdout will be a major step in this success.

Defensively, one of the NFL's best pass defenses stays in tact and includes a new face in highly-touted rookie Trey Amos. On the defensive line was where the Commanders made the most change, bringing in seven new linemen in free agency. The star linebacker duo of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu also still profiles as a strong presence in the middle.

All in all, the entire roster will benefit from a full year under head coach Dan Quinn and his staff going into Year 2. 

The 2025 season may be just the tip of the iceberg of what this team is capable of. They have a new standard to live up to after last season, and this ranking projection is the latest example of the rest of the NFL taking notice.