- Head coach: Dan Quinn (second season)
- PFF projected win total: 9.3
- 2024 record: 12-5 (second in NFC East, lost in NFC Championship)
Biggest Strength: Offensive Skill Players
Armed with an elite young quarterback, multiple rushing threats and a potentially dynamic receiving corps, the Commanders should possess a high-flying offense once again in 2024. Jayden Daniels finished his rookie season ranked fifth among qualified quarterbacks in PFF overall grade. He and the team’s running back unit combined to rank sixth in the league in PFF rushing grade. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel bring unique and dynamic skill sets at wide receiver. Expect the Commanders to score plenty of points again this season.
Biggest Weakness: Defensive Line
Washington’s defense has some catching up to do relative to the team's offense. The greatest concern is a defensive line that finished 31st in the NFL in PFF grade last season. Few major additions were made in the offseason. The hope is that a young player like defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton can step up in year two while veteran acquisitions Javon Kinlaw and Von Miller add some pass-rush production.
Quarterback Spotlight: Jayden Daniels
- 2024 PFF Grade: 90.6
- Key Stat: 1.5% turnover-worthy play rate (best in NFL)
Daniels’ 2024 season was arguably the best by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. His 90.6 PFF overall grade tied Russell Wilson for the highest mark in the PFF era (since 2006). Daniels committed a turnover worthy play on just 1.5% of his dropbacks, the best rate in the NFL. His trademark rushing ability was on display, as he ranked fifth among quarterbacks with a 90.0 PFF rushing grade and forced 52 missed tackles, which led all quarterbacks.
Offensive Player: WR Terry McLaurin
McLaurin has always been a productive player, but never more so than in his first season playing with Jayden Daniels. His 84.8 PFF receiving grade ranked 14th among qualified wide receivers and was his best since 2019. McLaurin is a premier deep threat who specializes in contested situations. He was one of just five wide receivers who earned a perfect 99.9 deep PFF receiving grade last season. His 25 contested catches also led the NFL.
Defensive Player: LB Bobby Wagner
Even in his mid-30s, Wagner defends the run better than most NFL players. He used his outstanding instincts, vision and tackling to earn a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade last season, which led all linebackers who played at least 200 run defense snaps. Wagner also logged an elite 90.9 PFF pass-rush grade while racking up 28 pressures. He’s slowed down a bit in coverage, but the future Hall of Famer remains an outstanding football player at his age.
Rookie to Watch: CB Trey Amos
Some saw former Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos as a first-round talent, so he could bring excellent value to Washington as a late second-round pick. Amos set career highs in 2024 in PFF coverage grade (85.6), interceptions (three) and pass breakups (10). He was also one of two SEC cornerbacks, along with Broncos first-rounder Jahdae Barron, to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades in coverage and run defense. If Amos can become a starting-caliber player, he will allow Mike Sainristil to move back to his natural slot position.
Fantasy Spotlight: WR Deebo Samuel, Washington Commanders
Samuel has been a solid fantasy starter when healthy, peaking as the third overall wide receiver in 2021. However, he has dealt with several injuries throughout his career. In 2024 alone, he was listed with six different injuries on the official NFL injury reports. He was traded to the Washington Commanders this offseason, pairing him with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
When Kingsbury was with the Arizona Cardinals, he found unique ways to use Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch on short passes and passes out of the backfield. They should be able to use Samuel in the same way, but with more success. Samuel should be able to produce more in 2025, unless injuries hinder his ability and playing time again.
Best Bet: QB Jayden Daniels — Over 3,400.5 passing yards (-115)
With the additions of Laremy Tunsil up front and Deebo Samuel in the receiving corps, Daniels has even more at his disposal in year two. The 24-year-old passer posted the fifth-highest PFF passing grade (84.7) among qualifying quarterbacks last season. His 3,762-yard projection comes in more than 300 yards over this line, amounting to one of the highest differentials in PFF’s 2025 projections.
Bottom Line
Expectations are rightfully high in Washington, led by Jayden Daniels and newcomers Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to an already potent offense. If Dan Quinn can improve the defense, the Commanders could be Super Bowl contenders. The defensive line and cornerbacks will be the units to watch that could make the difference.
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