Predicting the Commanders' first five games of massive 2025 season

The stakes have been raised for the Washington Commanders in 2025. They are no longer among the outsiders with little chance of lifting the Super Bowl. Instead, head coach Dan Quinn's squad is widely anticipated to be among the leading playoff challengers if everything clicks.

That's a stark contrast to the expectations normally associated with this franchise before the current regime came into the fold. This brings a different set of pressure, but everything is seemingly in place to ensure that Washington's sensational run to the NFC Championship game can become the start of something special.

Getting off to a positive start is crucial. Everyone will be gunning for the Commanders. They won't be an afterthought that most don't see coming. This is a respected football operation again, and opposing teams will be doing everything in their power to knock Washington off its perch.

There is enough professionalism to keep standards high and not revel in last season's accomplishments. Players and coaches turned the page pretty quickly, which is only going to serve them well in pursuit of dethroning the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Fans haven't been as excited for a season in decades. Before then, we predicted how the first five games could go for the Commanders in 2025.

Predicting the Commanders' first five games of massive 2025 season

Commanders vs. NY Giants - Week 1

• Date: Sunday, September 7
• Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Northwest Stadium
• Channel: FOX

A divisional rivalry is renewed as the Washington Commanders begin their campaign at home against the New York Giants. Dan Quinn's squad is favored among sportsbooks, and with good reason. But anyone expecting a walkover will be out of luck.

The Giants won't have any pressure on their shoulders. They have Russell Wilson under center, and wide receiver Malik Nabers is on the verge of superstardom. They also boast a defensive front seven that could be among the league's best when it's all said and done.

Finding a way to keep Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie first-rounder Abdul Carter from getting into the backfield consistently will be difficult. The Commanders' offensive line must be ready to match this supreme threat. Anything less comes with potentially serious consequences attached.

Adam Peters worked hard to enhance the protection in front of quarterback phenom Jayden Daniels. Laremy Tunsil's credentials need no introduction, but this could be a baptism of fire for first-year right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. versus such a formidable pass-rush.

• Prediction: Win (1-0)

This might be a lot closer than people think. At the same time, the Commanders have more than enough to get their season off to the best possible start.

Commanders at Packers - Week 2

• Date: Thursday, September 11
• Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
• Venue: Lambeau Field
• Channel: Amazon Prime

A quick turnaround awaits the Washington Commanders in Week 2. The first of several stand-alone games takes place on Thursday Night Football, and the Green Bay Packers promise to be a significant adversary to overcome.

The Packers caused a seismic stir by trading for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. While this removes the gifted player from the NFC East, the Commanders still need to fare better against the Penn State product to stand any chance of success.

It's a talented young team right on the cusp of contention in Green Bay. Quarterback Jordan Love is being touted as a potential NFL MVP candidate, first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden could be a major acquisition that warrants immediate respect, and running back Josh Jacobs remains one of the league's most productive.

Couple this with a stout defense that only got better with Parsons' arrival, and it's not hard to see why this could be a daunting challenge for the Commanders with the prime-time spotlight glaring.

• Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Controlling the clock is key. The best way to limit Green Bay's explosive offense is to keep them off the field. Easier said than done, so this game might be a step too far for the Commanders at this early stage of the campaign.

Commanders vs. Raiders - Week 3

• Date: Sunday, September 21
• Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Northwest Stadium
• Channel: FOX

The Commanders come off their mini-bye week against the Las Vegas Raiders. This represents the perfect chance to bounce back if they end up coming unstuck in Green Bay.

Although the Raiders aren't seen as a legitimate playoff challenger, they should be a lot better with head coach Pete Carroll leading the charge. Taking care of their potentially prolific offense first will be the key to a successful afternoon at the office.

The Raiders have an experienced quarterback in Geno Smith under center. First-round running back Ashton Jeanty is a major danger the Commanders must take seriously. Jakobi Myers and Amari Cooper can make plays in the passing game, and prolific tight end Brock Bowers is already an All-Pro-caliber performer.

If that wasn't enough, Las Vegas has stud edge rusher Maxx Crosby and former Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn leading their defensive charge. These are all problems Washington must solve, so winning in the trenches is pivotal.

This is where the Commanders might have an advantage if everyone meets expectations. If Jayden Daniels gets enough time in the pocket, the Commanders' wide receiver should have an edge over Las Vegas' current group of cornerbacks.

• Prediction: Win (2-1)

It's a winnable game for the Commanders. If they want to go deep into the postseason, these are the contests Washington needs to emerge victoriously from.

Commanders at Falcons - Week 4

• Date: Sunday, September 28
• Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Channel: FOX

The Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons were involved in a pulsating contest late in the 2024 season. Both teams went toe-to-toe with one another before Jayden Daniels left no doubt in overtime. Michael Penix Jr. gets the chance to flip the script in more comfortable surroundings this time around.

Penix got the nod as Atlanta's starting quarterback, with Kirk Cousins sitting behind as the NFL's most expensive backup signal-caller of all time. The second-year gunslinger has an abundance of weapons at his disposal, including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and under-fire tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.

Defensively, the Falcons will be asking a lot from their two first-round edge rushers, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Shutdown cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. and veteran safety Jessie Bates III represent a tricky conundrum to overcome in the secondary. But motivation should be high as Dan Quinn returns to the site where he was fired as head coach after leading Atlanta to a Super Bowl appearance.

• Prediction: Win (3-1)

The Commanders have enough talent to come away with their first road win of the campaign. It's not going to be easy, especially if Atlanta's young guns all hit the ground running, but Washington's experience should be enough to come out on the other end smiling.

Commanders at Chargers - Week 5

• Date: Sunday, October 5
• Time: 4.15 p.m. ET
• Venue: SoFi Stadium
• Channel: FOX

The Commanders should be expecting a physical game when they travel to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Jim Harbaugh and Dan Quinn are two old-school coaches who pride themselves on hard-nosed football with no quarter given. That should make this a fascinating clash when it eventually arrives.

Harbaugh got a better tune out of the Chargers than most coaches who came before him. Losing stud left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending injury represents a devastating blow. But fortunately for the franchise, they had a potentially elite replacement already around in the form of 2024 first-round pick Joe Alt.

Stopping the run game could be the difference between success and failure. Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris are a dynamic tandem on paper, although the latter's status remains unclear after suffering an eye injury over the offseason. Ladd McConkey is an exceptional wide receiver, and All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack can still generate pressure consistently despite his advancing years.

The Chargers are strong and well-coached. They are also vulnerable in certain areas, which is something the Commanders must exploit.

• Prediction: Win (4-1)

This one could legitimately go either way. California kid Jayden Daniels will be looking to excel on his first homecoming since entering the league. That's always enough to provide the utmost confidence in Washington's chances.