The Washington Commanders now know how their 2025 campaign will be structured. Their opponents have been set for some time, but the NFL's official schedule release brought excitement and anticipation in equal measure.
A real opportunity awaits Dan Quinn's squad this time around. Their memorable run to the NFC Championship game in 2024, coupled with some exceptional additions throughout the offseason, leaves reasons for encouragement. Their Super Bowl is open for the first time in decades, which brings a different (but nicer) pressure on everyone involved.
It came as no surprise to see the Commanders' schedule differ slightly next season. More prime time games, different time slots to maximize exposure, a groundbreaking international contest, and even taking the festive limelight typified the incredible strides made in a short timeframe. Expectations are high, but there's nothing to suggest this squad cannot meet them if early momentum is generated.
Fans can now begin to plan trips, decide which games they'll attend, and look forward to football finally returning. There isn't much downtime during the NFL offseason these days, but the Commanders will always take things one step at a time with a common purpose and collective vision.
It'll be fascinating to see how things unfold. With this in mind, here are some early game-by-game predictions after the Commanders' schedule became official.
Commanders' game-by-game predictions for the 2025 season
Commanders vs. NY Giants — Week 1
Date: Sunday, September 7
Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Venue: Northwest Stadium
Fans were agitated when the Washington Commanders got overlooked for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. That distinction went to the overhyped Dallas Cowboys, who've done almost nothing deserving of the honor aside from hog the headlines as the league's nauseating media darling.
As for the Commanders? They'll begin with a home clash versus the New York Giants. It's a divisional matchup and an early chance to lay down a marker within the NFC East. Taking the G-Men lightly would be foolish, but this looks like a pretty winnable game if Washington hits the ground running.
The Giants head into the season with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on the hot seat. They are moving forward with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, but trading back into the first round for Jaxson Dart also gives them a long-term option. Washington also has a new defensive threat to deal with after edge rusher Abdul Carter was taken No. 3 overall in the draft.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
Northwest Stadium will be rocking for Washington's regular season curtain raiser. It would be a bitter disappointment if this didn't inspire them to a Week 1 success.