The Washington Commanders, much like most teams in the NFC East, have a grueling schedule upcoming in 2025. Not only do the Commanders face off against the NFC North and AFC West, but they also must play a second-place schedule thanks to their success last year.
It's no surprise, then, that several analysts have looked at Washington's schedule and saw one major issue midway through the year.
NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice explained, in detail, where Washington's gauntlet currently sits.
"Here’s the gauntlet that will test the Commanders, starting in Week 5: at the Chargers, home against the Bears, on the road against the Cowboys and Chiefs back to back, home for the Seahawks and Lions and then in Madrid against the Dolphins. Whew. That’s an intense, exhausting run that includes a cross country flight, three teams that were in the playoffs last year, a heated rival and a trip to Europe," Filice wrote.
Of the seven games, only three of those teams made the playoffs last year. Despite that, the Cowboys, Seahawks, and Bears are all expected to be far better than what they were in 2024.
Is that enough to make Washington's schedule considered a "gauntlet" though?
Probably not.
You could make the argument that, despite perceived expectations, that Washington's schedule is nowhere near as tough.
Even with matchups against the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Eagles, Washington should be able to come away with some extra wins this season. And there's a good chance they'll be back in the playoffs once again.