Jayden Daniels Sends a Message: Predicition for the Commanders and Giants matchup shows who can win the flawed division

Austin Ekeler seems like he's the top guy right now, but we also expect Bill Croskey-Merritt to showcase what makes him special as a runner, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. is likely to be the short-yardage and goal-line back. I think this takes a while to settle in, and the Commanders struggle to run the ball against a stout Giants defensive line. Jayden Daniels will have to pick up some of the production, and that's no problem for him.

Giants' defensive line tests the right side

There's no surprise the Giants know not to attack Laremy Tunsil's side of the line, so expect them to go at rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr, and whoever plays right guard between Nick Allegretti and Andrew Wylie. Abdul Carter will be lined up on that side, but the Giants can also scheme different looks and catch the Commanders off guard. The only real way to stop Daniels is by getting him on the ground and not allowing him to make big plays.

Daniels might see more pressure than we like on Sunday with the new offensive line settling in, which is why I have him as the team's leading rusher. Don't worry, though, he will still make the plays happen through the air.

Jayden Daniels' second-year surge

Daniels heads into his second season with his favorite weapon, Terry Mcalurin back, and has some reinforcements with Deebo Samuel and Jaylin Lane joining the team. McLaurin has a favorable matchup against Deonte Banks or Paulson Adebo, and I think he takes advantage of it. McLaurin finishes with 80 yards through the air and a touchdown.

Samuel will be a heavy target in Week 1 as well, and he finds the endzone in his real debut with the Commanders. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury shows the league what he's really able to do this season with more options on the offense. Daniels finishes with 70 rushing yards, 265 yards through the air with two touchdowns.

Malik Nabers can't do it all himself

We all know Malik Nabers is a special wide receiver in the league already, and Russell Wilson will target him heavily. The Commanders will do enough and hold him to 75 yards and a touchdown, but no one else on offense will be able to produce for the Giants to make a difference. A much-improved Commanders' secondary has a strong showing in Week 1.

The Commanders will leave Week 1 with a 1-0 record after beating the New York Giants 27-20 following a late touchdown by Tyrone Tracey Jr in the final minutes of the game. The score won't reflect how the Commanders were able to make a statement that they will have a top offense in the league this season.