The dream continues for Washington Commanders fans. This team has gone from the league's surprise package to one that could legitimately make some noise in the postseason. They've passed almost every challenge so far with flying colors, but head coach Dan Quinn is about to embark on a crucial stretch of fixtures heading into their bye week.
Nobody expected the Commanders to be 7-2 by this point. Everything has come together much quicker than anticipated. It's an astonishing turnaround that has reportedly seen players from elsewhere contact their agents about potentially securing a move to Washington in the future.
Considering how this was the most toxic environment imaginable just a few months ago, it's an unusual feeling that fans are embracing fully. Excitement is building and expectations are rising, but we'll find out much more about this resurgent roster in the coming fortnight versus high-class opposition.
With this in mind, we took a look at how the Commanders might fare over their next four games following a sensational 7-2 start to the 2024 campaign.
Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 7-2 start in 2024
Commanders vs. Steelers - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 10
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
Three of the Washington Commanders' next four contests are at Northwest Stadium. It's a pivotal stretch of games that can make or break their NFC East championship hopes. This starts with a tricky-looking game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10.
Despite questions surrounding the quality at Mike Tomlin's disposal, the respected head coach is once again leading his team through a very respectable campaign. They are in AFC North title contention and look primed to make the playoffs if the same trend continues. Benching quarterback Justin Fields for Russell Wilson despite the Steelers having a winning record was another masterstroke.
Pittsburgh's success is predicated on their exceptional defense. All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt is one of the few defensive players around the NFL who can turn any game on its head. The Commanders have made encouraging strides along their offensive line, but this represents a different challenge entirely.
- Prediction: Commanders win (8-2)
Couple this with the Steelers coming off their bye week, and it's not hard to see why this is Washington's biggest test since the road contest with the Baltimore Ravens. However, they aren't without a chance given their current momentum and home-field advantage returning to Northwest Stadium following a superb start.
Commanders at Eagles - Week 11
- Date: Thursday, November 14
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
The Washington Commanders have one primary threat standing between them and a memorable division title in Year 1 of this substantial rebuild under the new regime. With the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants fading into the abyss, the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Dan Quinn's men are in a two-horse race for the NFC East crown.
Philadelphia is winning despite head coach Nick Sirianni rather than because of him. He's coming under fire for his indifferent play-calling and bizarre approach to extra points or two-point conversions. That said, he's found the right formula offensively after making star running back Saquon Barkley the focal point.
Barkley was inexplicably let go by the Giants this offseason. He's made them pay in no uncertain terms, using their mismanagement of his contract situation as motivation to reach even greater heights in a different environment.
This is making everything easier for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles also have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the passing game and an explosive defense that's shown signs of life in recent weeks.
It's a tough challenge for the Commanders. Lincoln Financial Field is a notoriously hostile environment and the bright lights of primetime add another dynamic to this spectacle on Thursday Night Football. Washington must remain focused on the task at hand and take the crowd out of the game early. Anything else comes with grave consequences attached.
For all the Commanders' faults last season under previous head coach Ron Rivera, they gave the Eagles two competitive games before falling short in 2023. The stakes will be much higher in this one, making it a pressure cooker environment this revamped roster must handle accordingly.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (8-3)
This would be a major statement if the Commanders could pull it off. This might also be a step too far. It's hanging in the balance with a result that could legitimately go either way as things stand.
Commanders vs. Cowboys - Week 12
- Date: Sunday, November 24
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
Dan Quinn gets the chance to get one over on his old employees for the first time since becoming Washington Commanders head coach in Week 12. The Dallas Cowboys come to town in complete disarray as another campaign that was hyped up beyond belief is fading into relative obscurity.
Jerry Jones does a good job of keeping Dallas in the national media spotlight, but that's about all the owner/general manager is good at these days. The Cowboys have just three wins to their name following a chaotic offseason. Not finding the cash for running back Derrick Henry was a grave error in judgment. Waiting too long to pay Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb ended up costing him much more than originally projected.
Quinn's presence is being sorely missed on the defensive side. The Cowboys are toothless, incapable of stopping the run or coping with any type of pre-snap motion under new coordinator Mike Zimmer. Their personnel has regressed, although edge rusher Micah Parsons should be back from injury by this point.
The Commanders haven't enjoyed the best fortunes against their storied rivals in recent years. Washington's two games versus Dallas last season quickly became blowouts. This represents the perfect chance to turn the tide.
Nothing should be taken for granted. However, their chances have improved exponentially with the news Prescott's hamstring injury is worse than first feared and he's set to miss multiple weeks with the issue. If he's not under center in Week 11, it'll be either Cooper Rush or former No. 3 overall selection Trey Lance.
- Prediction: Commanders win (9-3)
Washington shouldn't be lacking motivation in this one. They'll be fighting hard for Quinn to ensure he gets some bragging rights from the clash. Several other players and coaches with previous connections to the Cowboys will also be striving with everything they have to ensure the Commanders' incredible momentum gathers pace with the home crowd watching on.
Commanders vs. Titans - Week 13
- Date: Sunday, December 1
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Washington Commanders are one game away from their long-awaited bye week when the Tennessee Titans visit Northwest Stadium. It's been a grueling campaign that fortunately hasn't brought much bad luck on the health front. Players will be hurting by this point, but toughing it out before their prolonged rest period is crucial.
This looks like a winnable game all things considered. The Titans are going through some early turmoil under new head coach Brian Callahan. Second-year quarterback Will Levis doesn't look like the long-term answer. They are also missing the presence of running back Derrick Henry considerably.
Another high draft pick awaits Tennessee if they cannot turn things around. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world - especially if there's a college quarterback that takes the fancy of those in power. Until then, the Titans will aim to salvage some semblance of respectability from another lost season.
They have some decent players who can hurt Washington if complacency becomes an issue. Tony Pollard is someone Dan Quinn knows well from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley is a match for anyone when motivated. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is a stud, so a big effort is needed to ensure everyone goes into the bye week on a positive note.
This would be a game that caused apprehension among Commanders fans in years past. The term trap game was often their undoing. But looking at the way this regenerated roster and enhanced culture shift has disposed of interior opposition so far this season should be enough to alleviate any remaining worries.
- Prediction: Commanders win (10-3)
If the Commanders can split their next two contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, being 10-3 at the bye week is a genuine possibility. Something that will all but confirm postseason football and see the excitement for Washington's future reach levels not seen for a generation.
