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Commanders Get Brutal Power Ranking Spot

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 12:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders are expected to be in the conversation for NFC contenders and possibly more in 2025 with the expected improvement of Jayden Daniels.

Plus, the free agency additions on both sides of the ball, the Commanders have all the tools needed to double down on last year and improve.

But not everyone is bullish on Washington.

Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson, in ranking all 32 teams, has the Commanders No. 10.

"The Washington Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels were an incredible story last season," Johnson writes. "However, recent history suggests regression should be expected from sudden breakout teams year-to-year and the 2023-’24 Houston Texans are an example.

"Even with the additions of Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel, the Commanders’ offense might not be as efficient as it was last season and very little was done this offseason to improve Washington’s defense. Washington can still be a playoff contender, but a step back is expected."

Now, the No. 10 ranking isn't what we have an issue with.

But having J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings at No. 8 is a little odd.

Considering how the Commanders played last season, and the fact McCarthy didn't, we can't sit here and say the Vikings will be better than the Commanders, can we?

Of course, this list is subjective, and everyone is entitled to an opinion, but the Commanders shouldn't be lower than the Vikings.

The proof will be in the pudding, as they say, and the Commanders won't have any shortage of motivation as they turn for 2025, looking to prove that last season wasn't a flash in the pan.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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