It’s entirely possible that the Washington Commanders are a better team in 2025, but still finish with a worse record. The Commanders had their best season in 33 years in 2024, finishing 12-5 and advancing to the NFC championship game.

Washington had some luck on its side last season. Whether it was Malik Nabers’ early-season dropped pass that could’ve clinched a Giants’ win, DeVonta Smith’s late-season drop that would’ve clinched an Eagles’ win, or the Hail Mary, the ball did bounce the Commanders’ way last season.

The schedule is more difficult in 2025. But the Commanders have also upgraded the roster, bringing in former Pro Bowl standouts Laremy Tunsil, Von Miller, and Deebo Samuel, and replacing 60% of the starting offensive line.

ESPN recently previewed the upcoming 2025 season, making bold predictions for all 32 NFL teams. Seth Walder made one for the Commanders that will not please fans.

Bold prediction for 2025: The Commanders will finish below .500. Sure, they could continue their ascent. But there are a lot of ways this season could go sideways for the Commanders. The aging defense with a lack of pass rush could fail them, injury or decline could strike McLaurin (their receiving group is weak behind him), or Daniels’ early-down numbers from a season ago (merely average!) could be a better indication of who he is going forward.

This is possible. ESPN set Washington’s projected win total at 9.1, giving the Commanders a 54.3% chance of making the playoffs and a 28.7% chance to win the NFC East.

The New York Giants are expected to improve in 2025 and should bolster one of the NFL’s better defenses, presenting a unique challenge to Daniels and the offense. Both games were close last season. The Eagles will remain the division’s top team. It will be difficult for the Commanders to reach 12 wins again, but they finally have a quarterback.

By the way, did Walder watch Daniels in the playoffs?