Commanders final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season

After a whirlwind offseason, the Washington Commanders are about to embark on a collective journey into the unknown. Adam Peters and his front office staff gave this once-proud franchise a chance to be more competitive this season by decimating the roster left by previous head coach Ron Rivera. Dan Quinn and his staff have left a positive impression so far, but the acid test is quickly upcoming.

The 2024 season is just a few short days away. Washington's improved infrastructure and playing personnel leave reasons for encouragement regarding their fortunes in Year 1 of a monumental rebuild. However, anyone expecting this to be smooth sailing is kidding themselves.

Quinn is looking to maximize his second head coach opportunity and remind the world why he's such a highly respected leader of men. It would be extremely disappointing if the Commanders didn't make instant strides under the new regime. At the same time, tempering expectations would be wise from a fan perspective until we get a good look at the football product through a tricky-looking first few weeks of the campaign.

The excitement is palpable among the team's long-suffering support with some significant dark clouds lifted from the organization. With that being said, here are our final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season.

Commanders final game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season

Commanders at Buccaneers - Week 1

The Washington Commanders face three road games in their opening four contests to start the season. That's not ideal, but it should provide Dan Quinn and his staff with a solid measuring stick regarding where this roster is and what they could potentially accomplish in 2024.

First up is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who decided to run it back with those who helped them win the NFC South once again last time around. Baker Mayfield got paid handsomely after resurrecting his career. However, he won't have Dave Canales to steer him on the right path after he became head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Prediction: Loss (0-1)

Tampa Bay has strength across almost every position group, so this promises to be a stiff task for the Commanders right out of the gate. They aren't without a chance, but it's hard to predict anything other than a Buccaneers victory given their familiarity after very few alterations this offseason.

Commanders vs. NY Giants - Week 2

The Washington Commanders begin their home slate with a divisional battle against the New York Giants at the newly named Northwest Stadium following a major sponsorship agreement. This is a chance to make a statement within the NFC East and prove they are no longer the doormat of years past.

New York made a huge splash this offseason by trading for edge rusher Brian Burns. They also boast a dynamic young playmaker in first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers. As always, their biggest potential stumbling block comes with erratic quarterback Daniel Jones.

Prediction: Win (1-1)

This is a good opportunity for the Commanders to build some early momentum and send their fans home happy. Anything less would be extremely disappointing, leaving them facing an uphill battle for the remainder of 2024.

Commanders at Bengals - Week 3 (MNF)

The bright lights of Monday Night Football await the Washington Commanders in Week 3 when they travel to the Cincinnati Bengals. Some will wilt with the national spotlight glaring. OIthers will thrive. Let's hope Washington has more of the latter.

Cincinnati looks capable of going on a deep postseason run in 2024. They have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow, an elite wide receiver in Ja'Marr Chase, and a talented young defense who are all ascending together. That's a combination that should strike fear into teams around the league, so a huge test awaits the Commanders.

Prediction: Loss (1-2)

This might be a step too far for the Commanders at such an early stage of the season. Getting a result with the entire NFL world watching would put everyone on notice. Even if Washington can keep things interesting until late in the game, that should be considered progress.

Commanders at Cardinals - Week 4

This game will mean more to Washington's offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury than most. He was head coach of the Arizona Cardinals before being fired, so one could forgive the play-caller for having some extra incentive to get one over on his old employers in Week 4.

The Cardinals are a tricky evaluation heading into the campaign. Their offense should be productive with the likes of Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and James Conner shouldering the load. That said, their defense does have holes that could be exploited if Kingsbury's schemes things effectively enough.

Prediction: Win (2-2)

If the Commanders can dig deep and get themselves a road win here, it'll be a major confidence boost at an important time. However, this is dependent on whether Washington's cornerbacks can cope with the inevitable barrage of shots downfield coming their way in this one.

Commanders vs. Browns - Week 5

Getting back on home soil will be a welcome relief for the Commanders after two straight road fixtures. Unfortunately, what awaits them is a daunting challenge with the Cleveland Browns coming to town.

The Browns have one of the league's most imposing defenses. This promises to be a tough challenge for the offensive line and rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman, in particular. He'll be tasked with keeping stud edge rusher Myles Garrett from dominating, which is easier said than done for even the most accomplished performers around the league.

Prediction: Loss (2-3)

Washington will need to match their opponents physically to stand any chance of walking away from this one victorious. If much-maligned quarterback Deshaun Watson returns to the form of old, it makes things even more difficult for the Commanders regardless of whether running back Nick Chubb is suiting up or not.

Commanders at Ravens - Week 6

This is arguably the Washington Commanders' toughest game of the 2024 season. And it's just down the road.

The Baltimore Ravens are stacked once again as they look to go one better and reach the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson is the NFL MVP quarterback capable of dominating any game. Acquiring running back Derrick Henry to go alongside him in the backfield makes things almost impossible for defenses to counteract.

If that wasn't enough, their offensive line is accomplished enough to give Jackson plenty of time in the pocket. Baltimore's defense is also top-notch - led by a player many felt should be in Washington - standout safety Kyle Hamilton.

Prediction: Loss (2-4)

Washington faces an uphill battle in this one, to put it mildly. These two teams are on different paths during the 2024 season. That might be reflected in the eventual result when push comes to shove.

Commanders vs. Panthers - Week 7

If the Commanders come into their game at home to the Carolina Panthers at 2-4, this represents a must-win scenario for head coach Dan Quinn. But this might not be the walkover many are anticipating.

The Panthers look rejuvenated under new head coach Dave Canales, who's raised optimism and increased standards for a two-win team in 2023. Quarterback Bryce Young isn't going to be as bad as last season. Washington's offensive line must be at peak performance to cope with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who was nothing short of sensational last season as all around him crumbled.

Prediction: Win (3-4)

This will be a competitive game decided by fine margins. Hopefully, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has found his feet by this point and can steer his team to victory. Any complacency will be their undoing, especially if the Panthers demonstrate improvements over their opening few contests.

Commanders vs. Bears - Week 8

A battle of the top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft will gain plenty of national attention in Week 8. Jayden Daniels locks horns with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams during what promises to be a fascinating clash against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium.

Williams was the generational talent and a no-brainer selection from atop the draft. Some analysts believe Daniels will be the better pro when it's all said and done. The former LSU man will get the opportunity to enhance this notion and pick up a morale-boosting triumph for the Commanders along the way.

This will also see defensive end Montez Sweat make his return to Washington for the first time since he was traded to the Bears before the 2023 deadline. He remains bitter based on recent comments to the media, so he'll be out for revenge in the biggest way imaginable.

Prediction: Win (4-4)

The Bears look to be stronger on paper. But the motivation to begin what could be a long-term rivalry between Daniels and Williams on a positive note should be enough to get the win.

Commanders at NY Giants - Week 9

The Washington Commanders could do with picking up a road victory against divisional opposition at some stage during the 2024 campaign. Dan Quinn must make his presence felt within the NFC East. That's the key to a successful campaign whether his team makes the postseason or not.

Arguably the best chance to do this will be at the New York Giants, who come into the campaign with head coach Brian Daboll on the hot seat and quarterback Daniel Jones' long-term prospects hanging by a thread. This is something the Commanders can capitalize on if they are at their best.

Prediction: Win (5-4)

There will be some added incentive to get over .500 in this scenario, too. That will be a significant confidence boost for the players midway through the season. It'll be difficult considering their lack of success at MetLife Stadium in recent years, but it's not impossible if everyone rises to the occasion in a pressurized setting.

Commanders vs. Steelers - Week 10

The Commanders would be riding on the rest of a wave in this scenario going into their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium. Three straight victories and sitting above .500 in the standings would guarantee an electrifying atmosphere for the clash, although the opposition's fanbase is renowned for being the league's best travelers and should have a strong contingent in the stands.

Mike Tomlin's never had a losing record during his time as head coach. He's a leader of men who commands instant respect. Much will depend on how things go over the first few weeks, but the quarterback dynamic is something to monitor between veteran starter Russell Wilson and hopeful Justin Fields.

Prediction: Win (6-4)

The Steelers won't be pushovers. However, if the Commanders can match them physically and Dan Quinn holds his own against Tomlin from an in-game situational management standpoint, Washington can pick up its fourth triumph in succession.

Commanders at Eagles - Week 11 (TNF)

If the Commanders won four straight heading onto their national showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, the hype for this contest would be through the roof. This is slated to be Washington's final primetime game of the season on Thursday Night Football, although there's time for that to change depending on how things look at the business end of the season.

The Eagles are the favorites to win the NFC East again and rightfully so. They are strong and boast some outstanding playmakers capable of making things difficult. Their secondary looks inexperienced - something the Commanders might look to take advantage of.

Prediction: Loss (6-5)

This game has some added spice attached after the Commanders sent wide receiver Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia via trade before their final roster cuts. Washington could push the Eagles close - they did it twice last season before faltering late - but it might not be enough looking at how things stand currently.

Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 12

Dan Quinn will have circled this game in the calendar from the moment his first schedule as Washington Commanders' head coach was released. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator will look to get a big victory versus his old team. Something that only adds to the occasion as one of the league's most historical rivalries writes another chapter.

The Cowboys look like a team capable of going on a deep playoff run. Jerry Jones has come under fire this offseason for his management of contract extensions for the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons, but taking them lightly is simply not an option.

Prediction: Win (7-5)

Washington's record against the Cowboys hasn't exactly been stellar in recent years. But with Quinn's extra knowledge of their operation coupled with Dallas' potential weak links at running back and the secondary, this represents a good chance to fight back versus a team that dominated this fixture more often than not during Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure.

Commanders vs. Titans - Week 13

The Tennessee Titans moved heaven and earth to place everything needed around second-year quarterback Will Levis this offseason. They made some splashy moves and kept some veterans who were projected to be made surplus to requirements. Many analysts believe they are still rebuilding under new head coach Brian Callahan, but their moves suggest a win-now approach that must be taken seriously.

Their hopes are almost entirely dependent on Levis. The signal-caller flashed promise as a rookie without reaching the consistency levels needed. Tennessee is hoping the additions of Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, and first-round offensive tackle J.C. Latham can help improve matters.

Prediction: Win (8-5)

Considering the Commanders are on home soil with newfound momentum on their side in this scenario, they stand a good chance of beating the Titans if the defense makes things uncomfortable for Levis. If they accomplish this feat, it won't take long for the player to make mistakes.

Commanders at Saints - Week 15

This will be a homecoming of sorts for Jayden Daniels. The promising quarterback propelled himself to college superstardom at LSU en route to the Heisman Trophy and becoming the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. That will count for nothing versus a New Orleans Saints outfit who benefit greatly from homefield advantage.

The Caesars Superdome is a notoriously hostile environment for the visiting team. It's something Daniels and the Commanders must be ready for. Otherwise, it promises to be a long afternoon at the office despite some concerns surrounding the Saints and quarterback Derek Carr heading into the campaign.

Prediction: Win (9-6)

There's nothing to suggest the Commanders couldn't push the Saints extremely close in this one. At the same time, New Orleans' experience and the deafening noise created by the fans mean it could easily go the other way. It's a tough one to predict, but we're erring on the side of positivity for now.

Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 16

Beating the Philadelphia Eagles at any stage of the season is a tough challenge. They've retooled this offseason and look more than capable of taking the division despite the high-profile retirements of Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox in the trenches. If there was ever a time for the Washington Commanders to make a statement, this is it.

That's easy to say but much more difficult to do. The Commanders are just one game removed from their bye week, so they should be relatively fresh so late into the season. But their cornerbacks must step up after getting bullied by Philadelphia's high-octane passing attack during their two fixtures last time around.

Prediction: Loss (9-7)

The fans need to make this a feared place to come for the Eagles, who've had their way with the Commanders since their rapid ascent into perennial Super Bowl contention. Whether that'll be enough to stop the rot is another matter.

Commanders vs. Falcons - Week 17

It would be a surprise if the Atlanta Falcons were leading the NFC South with two weeks of the season remaining. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also fancy their chances, but they look like the far superior team on paper. They also have a head coach in Raheem Morris who can lead from the front and come through in clutch moments.

This is another return to Washington for Kirk Cousins. The veteran signal-caller's departure to the Minnesota Vikings after his contract was mismanaged by Dan Snyder sparked a carousel of quarterback changes and poor decisions that proved detrimental to the team's chances. The Commanders believe they've fixed that with Jayden Daniels, who'll be looking to end his regular season home slate on a high.

Prediction: Win (10-6)

Again, it's another contest that could go either way. The Commanders have plenty of those on their 2024 schedule. How they fare will likely determine whether this campaign is going to be successful.

Commanders at Cowboys - Week 18

This would be like playing with house money if the Commanders won 10 games by this point. It's probably beyond anyone's wildest dreams. But if Dan Quinn can navigate a tricky start and pick up some wins midway through the campaign, it's a feasible objective in Year 1 of his tenure.

The Dallas Cowboys harbor big ambitions of their own and won't want to finish the season with a loss on home soil. Washington will be fighting for playoff positioning if this scenario comes to fruition. Even so, winning on the road at AT&T Stadium seems like a stretch considering how they've been demolished at the venue in recent years.

Prediction: Loss (10-7)

This is on the optimist side, I'll admit that. The Commanders' schedule is loaded with games that have 50/50 outlooks right now, so it could legitimately go the other way to a 7-10 season or maybe even worse. But if fans don't have hope at this stage after so many positive changes throughout the franchise this offseason, they never will.

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