Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders begin their 2025 campaign with a familiar opponent, the New York Giants. For the fourth time in franchise history, Washington will host New York to open the season. The Commanders own a 2-1 record in those previous matchups, and this marks the first such meeting since 2011. The stakes are even higher this year, as Washington aims to build momentum from last season’s breakthrough and solidify itself as a consistent contender in the NFC East.
Last season, Washington swept New York with wins in Weeks Two and Nine, asserting dominance over its longtime rival. The Commanders have not won three straight against the Giants since 1998 through 2000, but a victory in the opener would end that drought. With the spotlight on this divisional clash, Washington has an opportunity to set the tone early and show that 2024 was not a fluke but the start of something bigger.
The Commanders also enter this game with a strong track record in recent home openers. Since 2020, Washington has won four of its last five at Northwest Stadium, including last year’s Week Two victory against the Giants. This Week’s matchup marks the first time since 1957 and 1958 that Washington will face New York at home to begin consecutive seasons, adding another layer of history to the showdown.
Home Field Advantage Could Be the Difference
Washington turned Northwest Stadium into a fortress in 2024, going 7-2 at home, their best mark since the 1991 season. That stretch gave fans a taste of what it feels like to dominate in front of the home crowd again. With three more home victories this season, Washington would reach 10 wins over two years, the most since 2015 and 2016. If they secure five, it would mark back-to-back winning home records for the first time since 1996 and 1997. And if they hit six, the Commanders would boast 13 home wins over two seasons, their most since 1991 and 1992.
Washington’s offense also has momentum on its side when playing at home. Dating back to last season, the Commanders have scored 20 or more points in five straight home games, the 12th-longest streak in franchise history. If they top 20 points against New York, the streak would reach seven, tying for the fourth longest in team history and the longest since 1999. Extending the streak to 10 games later this season would rank as the second-longest in team history and the best since 1974.
Those numbers show just how important home field has become for Washington. The team’s ability to protect its turf while consistently putting up points could play a huge role in shaping the outcome of the 2025 season. Starting with a divisional rival only adds urgency to the challenge.
Setting the Tone for 2025
The Commanders are no strangers to pressure after a magical 2024 season, but the opener against the Giants provides an opportunity to prove that the momentum has carried into a new year. Beating a divisional opponent right away would send a message to the rest of the NFC East that Washington intends to compete for the crown again.
For the fans, this game offers a chance to relive the energy of last season while witnessing the team chase history. For the players, it represents the first step in proving that their success is sustainable. And for the Giants, it is a chance to play spoiler against a rival that has gotten the better of them in recent memory.
The Commanders and Giants have faced off countless times over the decades, but opening the season together always brings a little extra electricity. With home success, offensive momentum, and history on the line, Washington has every reason to make Week One the start of another special season.