The Washington Commanders needed their bye week a lot sooner, but they got it in the end. Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that everyone was depleted and morale-sapped after losing to the Miami Dolphins in Spain. Taking a step back to refocus, refresh, and rest could see fortunes improve at the business end of the campaign.
Realistically, the Commanders are not playing for anything other than pride. They are 3-8 with no chance of making the playoffs. This is a far cry from the optimism that enveloped the franchise before the season, so the remaining six games should be about evaluating the squad before a crucial offseason in 2026.
Washington's schedule doesn't look especially promising if they want to salvage something from the campaign. The Commanders are getting healthier, but the uncertainty around the organization must keep urgency high across the board.
With this in mind, we predicted how things could unfold for Quinn's demoralized squad in their post-bye-week contests.
Predicting the Commanders' final six games of 2025 after the bye week
Commanders vs. Broncos - Week 13
Date: Sunday, November 30
Time: 8.20 p.m. ET
Venue: Northwest Stadium
Channel: NBC
This is not the game Dan Quinn would have hand-picked upon the Washington Commanders' bye week return. And worst still, the schedule-makers and the network didn't even flex it out of prime time.
The Denver Broncos are coming to Northwest Stadium. They are riding high atop the AFC West with a 9-2 record as the balance of power shifts. And they are being spearheaded by a vaunted defense that is arguably the league's most explosive.
Their defensive front is relentless. They lead the NFL in sacks per game by a comfortable margin. There is also a chance that All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II can return against Washington, which doesn't make things any easier.
Prediction: Commanders loss (3-9)
While energy should be high after the bye week, this looks like a tall order for the Commanders, regardless of how many injured players return to the lineup.
Commanders at Vikings - Week 14
Date: Sunday, December 7
Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
Channel: FOX
The Commanders travel to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. Like Washington, they harbored massive ambitions this season after finishing 14-3 during the previous campaign. To say they have failed to meet expectations would be an understatement.
Things have not gone well. The Vikings plummeted to the bottom of the NFC North, and serious questions are being asked about their decision to let Sam Darnold walk in favor of making J.J. McCarthy the leading man.
McCarthy needs more time. The offensive line isn't playing well, and Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense has taken a step back. This looks like a good opportunity for the Commanders, but whether they can generate enough pressure is another matter.
Prediction: Commanders win (4-9)
Jonathan Allen will be out to make his old team pay in this one. However, this could also be the game in which quarterback Jayden Daniels returns, which might provide the spark needed to triumph.