The Commanders’ 2024 schedule has been released, and it begins with a Week 1 date against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. The game will be the first for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn’s first game as head coach.
The Commanders finished 4-13 last season, and new general manager Adam Peters worked on remaking Washington’s roster. Peters signed over 20 outside free agents, drafted nine players and signed 11 undrafted free agents. Can the Commanders surprise everyone and be a playoff team in 2024? Not only will Washington’s defense be improved with Quinn on the sidelines, but the presence of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Daniels should make the offense better.
Can Washington be a surprise contender in 2024? Here’s our best guess as to how the Commanders’ season will go in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Jayden Daniels’s first game is on the road against Todd Bowles and Tampa’s defense. It’s close, but the Bucs will win.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Casey Toohill #95 and David Mayo #51 of the Washington Commanders during the first half at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Commanders will finally beat the Giants as Jayden Daniels has a big game and Washington’s defense gets to Daniel Jones.
Prediction: Win (1-1)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and Sam Hubbard walks off the field at the conclusion of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won, 23-20.
Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs Afc Championship Jan 29 0214
This is going to be a fun game. Two former Heisman-winning LSU quarterbacks battling under the lights. Joe Burrow’s 2023 season is one to forget due to injury. Is Washington catching the Bengals at the right time? We think so, as the Commanders upset Cincinnati on the road in an early surprise.
Prediction: Win (2-1)
Kyler Murray, Jalen Ramsey. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Nfc Wild Card Playoff Cardinals Vs Rams
The Cardinals played hard despite a lack of talent last season. They will be better in 2024. One step forward and one step back, as Arizona takes down Washington in Week 4.
Prediction: Loss (2-2)
Myles Garrett [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]
Browns 2
The Browns’ defense made them one of the NFL’s best teams last season. This is a tough matchup for Daniels. Washington’s defense will keep it close, but Cleveland wins.
Prediction: Loss (2-3)
Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball to score a touchdown against Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) during the fourth quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Going to Baltimore to face one of the NFL’s top franchises is a good litmus test for the Commanders. They’ll keep it close, but Lamar Jackson makes enough plays for Baltimore, sending Washington to another loss.
Prediction: Loss (2-4)
Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass as Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) pressures in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn revenge game. The Commanders defense beats up the Panthers, and Daniels has a big day in the win.
Prediction: Win (3-4)
May 10, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws the ball during Chicago Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
This is going to be a fun matchup. It will be close, but the Bears are a step ahead in their rebuild right now and will win this showdown between the top two picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
Prediction: Loss (3-5)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 18: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The second meeting between the two NFC East rivals ends much the same way as the first one did. Dan Quinn turns the tables on the Giants, and Washington sweeps New York. The Commanders begin the season 2-0 in the division.
Prediction: Win (4-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shaun Bradley (54) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s another big test for Washington. Expect this to be a low-scoring battle, with the Steelers coming away with the win.
Prediction: Loss (4-6)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles away from pressure against the Buffalo Bills during overtime at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
A short week for the Commanders as they travel to Philadelphia for Thursday Night Football. The Commanders have battled the Eagles closely recently. That will remain the same under Quinn, but the home-field advantage is too much to overcome in this one.
Prediction: Loss (4-7)
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown as Washington Commanders linebacker David Mayo (51) defends during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s the one Dan Quinn has circled on his calendar. He faces the team he coached the past three seasons as defensive coordinator. Quinn will remember how some around Dallas blame him for the playoff loss. Washington improves to 3-1 in the division.
Prediction: Win (5-7)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
The Titans are in a similar position as the Commanders. This will be a close game, but Washington will win and improve to 6-7.
Prediction: Win (6-7)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 10: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on December 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
What type of team will the Saints be in 2024? They are a hard team to get a read on, but the Commanders are hot heading into this game and pick up a huge NFC road win.
Prediction: Win (7-7)
Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) scores a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Can Washington avenge the earlier loss? The Commanders will frustrate the Eagles to remain in wild-card contention. That’s four in a row for Quinn and Washington.
Prediction: Win (8-7)
Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Falcons were better than the Commanders last season, but poor quarterback play doomed them in a close loss. That will not happen in 2024 when former Washington QB Kirk Cousins wins another one against his former team.
Prediction: Loss (8-8)
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler (35) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys and Eagles are battling for the NFC East again in 2024. Dallas needs the win to clinch the division and get it to avoid the sweep against Quinn and the Commanders. Overall, it was an impressive debut season for Quinn, Daniels, and the Commanders.
Prediction: Loss (8-9)
