The Washington Commanders kick off the 2025 season on Sunday from Northwest Stadium against a familiar foe: the New York Giants. It finishes off an all-NFC East weekend as the Eagles host the Cowboys on Thursday night in the first game of the new season.
Here are five things to know about the Week 1 matchup.
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All-time series
Oct 20, 1996; Washington, DC, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins kick returner Brian Mitchell (30) in action against New York Giants defensive backs Jason Sehorn (31) and Jesse Campbell (37) at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
New York and Washington have met 186 times, and the Giants lead the all-time series 108-73-5. The longtime rivals have met in the postseason twice, with each team winning one game. New York and Washington first played all the way back in 1932 when the Commanders were the Boston Braves.
Last year
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 03: (L-R) Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders and Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants interact before the game at MetLife Stadium on November 03, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Commanders won both meetings last season, each by one possession. In Week 2, Washington won 21-18, but did not score a touchdown. Newly signed kicker Austin Seibert booted seven field goals to give the Commanders the win. The Giants were on the verge of winning the game, but rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers dropped a crucial pass late that would’ve given them a first down, giving Washington another chance.
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In Week 9, Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 35 yards in a 27-22 Commanders’ victory. Terry McLaurin caught only two passes for 19 yards in the win, but both were touchdown receptions. Chris Rodriguez Jr. led Washington with 52 rushing yards, with most coming in the fourth quarter to clinch the win.
Commanders’ historic fourth-down success in 2024
Washington’s fourth-down success was historic, and many believe it’s a pace that can’t be sustained in 2025. The Commanders converted on 87% of their fourth-down attempts last season.
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From Warren Sharp:
Looking back to at least 2000, no team with over 10 fourth down attempts in a season converted 87% or better except the 2024 Commanders.
Expanding the sample, look at the top performing teams with over 15 fourth down attempts since 2000:
87%: 2024 Commanders (23 att) â—„81%: 2018 Saints (16 att)80%: 2006 Patriots (20 att)78%: 2022 Rams (19 att)77%: 2008 Patriots (22 att), 2002 Colts (17 att), 2005 Patriots (17 att)76%: 2020 Raiders (21 att)75%: 2009 Jets (20 att)74%: 2005 Broncos (19 att), 2004 49ers (19 att)73%: 2023 Eagles (26 att), 2024 Bills (22 att)
Washington’s efficiency on fourth down was the best we’ve seen in modern NFL history.
It’s an incredible statistic that will be hard to maintain in 2025, but the Commanders will likely remain aggressive on fourth downs.
Commanders’ newcomers
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 23: Deebo Samuel #1 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Northwest Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Washington was aggressive this offseason, adding veteran help around Daniels to maximize his rookie contract window. The Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and former Pro Bowl wideout Deebo Samuel. Washington used a first-round pick on Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to rebuild the offensive line completely. Tyler Biadasz remains at center and Sam Cosmi at right guard, although he will miss the first part of the season as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Last year’s left tackle, Brandon Coleman, is the new left guard.
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Defensively, the Commanders signed future Hall of Famer Von Miller, in addition to former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. Washington feels Kinlaw’s full potential has to be unlocked. The cornerback position looks different, too. Marshon Lattimore is healthy after coming over in a midseason trade, Mike Sainristil looks like a potential star heading into his second season, while rookie Trey Amos had a tremendous camp. Veterans Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene give the Commanders great depth and versatility at cornerback, something they lacked last season.
Giants’ D-Line
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 03: Brandon Coleman #74 of the Washington Commanders in action against Brian Burns #0 of the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 03, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Giants went out and used a top-five pick on edge rusher Abdul Carter, further improving an already imposing unit. Washington knows all too well how dominant defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is, but the Giants now have Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux coming off the edge. Thibodeaux hasn’t been a dominant player, but has enjoyed success against the Commanders.
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New York’s front seven will be one of the NFL’s best in 2025 and a big-time challenge for Washington in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders vs. Giants: 5 things to know about Week 1