Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 1-0 start in 2025

The Washington Commanders did what they had to in Week 1 against the New York Giants. It wasn't perfect, but no NFL team is at peak performance to kick off the campaign. Getting a positive result is all that mattered, which head coach Dan Quinn's squad managed to accomplish with minimal fuss.

Washington was never in any real danger. They controlled proceedings throughout, showcasing major improvements on defense to make things extremely uncomfortable for Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. It was disjointed at times from an offensive standpoint, but Jayden Daniels made the plays needed to succeed behind a stout rushing attack.

This was a solid enough platform from which to build. However, bigger challenges are upcoming for the Commanders. Emerging from them relatively unscathed could make a massive difference in their quest to go deep into the playoffs once again.

The talent is there. Everyone is brimming with confidence. What's important for Quinn is maintaining these high standards and keeping everyone on even keel through the good times and the bad.

With this in mind, we took a look at how Washington could fare in the coming weeks after the team's 1-0 start to the 2025 campaign.

Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 1-0 start in 2025

Commanders at Packers — Week 2

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

If the Washington Commanders' first game was a foregone conclusion from early on, this promises to be much tougher. A quick turnaround awaits Dan Quinn's men in Week 2. And they'll be on the primetime stage against the Green Bay Packers.

Traveling to Lambeau Field for Thursday Night Football is something the Commanders should relish. The atmosphere will be incredible in one of the league's most historic venues. It's a mouth-watering clash between two clubs who should be right in the thick of this year's NFC championship race, so it's a good chance for Washington to lay down an early marker.

Easier said than done. The Packers easily overcame the Detroit Lions to begin their 2025 exploits. Jordan Love and the offense looked polished, and the defense looks dynamic. Although All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons didn't get his usual workload, he left no doubt as to his potential influence when he gets back into proper football shape.

• Prediction: Loss (1-1)

The Commanders cannot put a foot wrong if they want to secure yet another memorable win with the national spotlight glaring. Keeping Daniels free of pressure is key. But this might come down to who performs best between Washington's cornerbacks and Green Bay's explosive receiving core.

Commanders vs. Raiders — Week 3

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

The Washington Commanders are back on home soil in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. This looks like a winnable contest, but taking the perennial struggler lightly is not an option these days.

Any team coached by Pete Carroll demands respect. He's an elite motivator who has the complete trust of his players. His previous credentials speak for themselves, and things are already trending up for the AFC West club.

The Raiders began their season with a comfortable win over the New England Patriots. Brock Bowers picked up where he left off, and Maxx Crosby remains a game-wrecking pass-rusher capable of overcoming anyone in his path. Ashton Jeanty is a ferocious running back who can set the tone effectively, so it's not hard to see why this could be a potential stumbling block for the Commanders if they aren't at the top of their game.

There is also the revenge element with Jeremy Chinn coming back to Northwest Stadium. He didn't get a new deal from the Commanders this spring and felt a type of way about it. The standout safety will be doing everything possible to pile misery on his old employers.

• Prediction: Win (2-1)

This will be more challenging than people think. However, the Commanders have enough to see off the Raiders if everyone meets expectations.

Commanders at Falcons — Week 4

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

The Atlanta Falcons might not be among the Super Bowl contenders this season, but nobody is going to accuse them of being boring. They have a powerful offense and a less-than-stellar defense. That's always the perfect recipe for high-scoring games.

Atlanta and the Commanders were involved in a thoroughly entertaining contest late in the 2024 campaign. Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels went toe-to-toe during a pulsating clash. But as was typically the case, the LSU product came through in the clutch.

The Falcons are reeling from a dramatic opening-day defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had the chance to take it into overtime on the final play of regulation. Unfortunately, kicker Younghoe Koo fired his field goal attempt wide of the mark to condemn them to defeat.

Washington needs to dig deep on the road versus a dangerous foe. Dan Quinn's squad should be fully in their groove by this point, so they'll have nothing to fear. Their improving run defense will be tested fully by Bijan Robinson, while Marshon Lattimore gets a stern test in the form of wide receiver Drake London.

• Prediction: Win (3-1)

This is a tricky-looking fixture on the road. Even so, the Commanders have the firepower needed to cause the Falcons endless problems.

Commanders at Chargers — Week 5

• Date: Sunday, October 5
• Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
• Venue: SoFi Stadium
• Channel: FOX

The Los Angeles Chargers are a fundamentally sound unit that quickly took on Jim Harbaugh's personality. However, their statement win against the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs put the entire NFL on notice.

This was a sensational performance from the Chargers in Brazil. They were deserving winners versus their division rivals. Analysts and fans were gushing in their praise, claiming this year could finally be the Bolts' time to get over the hump. Not even the loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season seems to have dented their progress.

Harbaugh's teams are always a tough out. They are hard-nosed, physical, and look to impose their will in the trenches. They look well-matched with the Washington Commanders, so this promises to be a thrilling contest that will take no prisoners whatsoever.

The Commanders need to match fire with fire. They were nothing short of dominant along the offensive and defensive lines in Week 1 against the New York Giants. They'll need all that and more to counteract the Chargers' strengths.

• Prediction: Loss (3-2)

This one could be a coin flip. But looking at how well the Chargers disposed of the Chiefs, the Commanders would do extremely well to come away victorious.

Commanders vs. Bears — Week 6

• Date: Monday, October 13
• Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
• Venue: Northwest Stadium
• Channel: ESPN

This will invoke some fantastic memories for Commanders fans. The Chicago Bears visit Northwest Stadium for Monday Night Football in Week 6. And if it's anything like last season's encounter, those watching are in for a treat.

The Commanders looked down and out against the Bears last season. They were on course for a demoralizing victory versus a team they were tipped to beat comfortably. There is just no telling what this would have done to their rising ambitions. But then, the Hail Mary miracle happened.

Poor execution from the Bears and a little bit of luck saw Jayden Daniels' prayer fall gratefully into the hands of wide receiver Noah Brown. This not only shook the stadium's foundations, but it also sent the two clubs on completely different paths.

Chicago will be looking for revenge under new head coach Ben Johnson. His era began with a loss against the Minnesota Vikings. And it's also worth remembering that he was largely expected to take the Commanders' head coaching job before pulling out of the race.

There are so many fascinating layers. But the most important thing is keeping emotions in check in pursuit of the common goal.

• Prediction: Win (4-2)

If the Commanders can do that, they should be fine. And a 4-2 record after the first six games is something every fan can get behind.