In the world of the NFL, the Washington Commanders are a team that has been through some dark times, finishing the 2023 season with a record of 4-13. However, as the new 2024-25 NFL season approaches, there are signs of hope and excitement for this franchise. Jason Logan, a renowned NFL journalist, takes a deep dive into the new-look Commanders, evaluating the team’s potential and finding the best betting value for fans and bettors alike.
Year 2 under new ownership brings about significant changes for the Commanders, including a new GM, new coaches, and a new quarterback. Head coach Dan Quinn, who previously led the Dallas defense to success, is injecting chaos into Washington’s defensive strategy. On the offensive side, Kliff Kingsbury is tasked with developing rookie QB Jayden Daniels, a highly touted prospect with a dual-threat skill set.
“It’s always darkest before dawn, and the Washington Commanders’ finish to the 2023 season was pretty damn dark,” says Logan, highlighting the struggles the team faced. However, with these new additions and changes, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Commanders as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Despite the positive changes, the Commanders are still a work in progress, as Logan points out. The team is often the underdog in their matchups, with oddsmakers recognizing the potential but not quite ready to fully back Washington just yet.
“When you look at the NFC East, there’s a gap in talent between the Commanders and teams like Dallas and Philadelphia,” Logan explains. However, the odds favor Washington over New York, with the Commanders’ offense showing more promise than their division rivals.
As for the upcoming season, Washington faces a tough schedule early on, with challenging matchups against playoff-caliber teams in the first six weeks. The team’s defense, a weak point in 2023, is expected to improve under Quinn’s leadership, especially with a strong defensive line led by Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
Offensively, the Commanders will rely on Jayden Daniels to lead the charge, but concerns remain about the team’s pass protection. With a history of giving up sacks, Washington needs to shore up its offensive line to give Daniels the time he needs to execute Kingsbury’s downfield playbook effectively.
Looking ahead, Washington will need to navigate a tough schedule but also benefit from a softer stretch in the middle of the season. With opportunities to establish consistency and build momentum, the Commanders will look to take advantage of their home games and make a push towards the playoffs.
In the end, as Logan ponders whether “revenge” will be enough to overcome the challenges ahead, one thing is clear – the Washington Commanders are a team on the rise, with the potential to surprise the NFL world in the 2024-25 season.