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Commanders royally screwed by NFL again with bye week brutality in 2025

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated May 15, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Washington Commanders won't have things easy in 2025. They are the new prime-time darlings with eight stand-alone fixtures. Their days of almost solely manning the 1 p.m. Sunday spot are long gone, replaced by more exposure and adulation after head coach Dan Quinn's squad reached the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his tenure.

They will have a bigger target on their back this time around. The Commanders were the surprising hunters last season. Now, they are firmly entrenched as the hunted as other teams look to knock them back to reality.

Every fine margin will make a difference. That's what makes Mike Garafolo's revelation upon closer examination of the NFL's schedule structure all the more concerning.

Commanders have four games against teams coming off their bye weeks in 2025

According to the NFL Network insider, the Commanders lead the league with four games against teams coming off their bye week next season. One of those, versus the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football in Week 13, comes after Washington's bye. Even so, the unfair advantage is there for all to see.

The other games in question are home to the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, in addition to a trip to the New York Giants in Week 15. Quinn will have his men ready and battle-hardened, but it's not ideal.

If that wasn't enough, the Commanders face an early trek to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The NFC North club has no such issues considering their regular-season opener is also on home soil.

These are just some of the hurdles Washington must overcome to meet raised expectations in 2025. Adam Peters has put together a roster capable of achieving their objectives, although a couple of problem areas need resolving before confidence increases.

The bye week is a time to rest, heal, get players back healthy, and refocus for the challenges that lie ahead. It also provides some extra preparation time before the next opponent, which puts the Commanders at a supreme disadvantage.

However, with quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge, they'll always have a chance. And that's a luxury very few teams around the league can boast.