The Washington Commanders power rankings continue to reflect the franchise’s dramatic transformation, with The Athletic’s Josh Kendall placing the team at No. 6 in his latest national assessment. The ranking positions Washington among the NFL’s elite, trailing only the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Following their historic run to the NFC Championship Game last season, the Commanders have established themselves as legitimate contenders in a league where sustained success remains elusive. The team’s 12-win campaign and playoff breakthrough have elevated expectations entering the 2025 season.
Washington’s front office made significant moves to protect franchise Quarterback Jayden Daniels during the offseason. The organization acquired veteran Tackle Laremy Tunsil through a trade and selected Josh Conerly Jr. with their first-round draft pick, investing heavily in offensive line protection.
Commanders Address Key Offensive Line Needs
“The Commanders added two offensive linemen — trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr. — to protect the franchise’s most important asset — second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels,” Kendall wrote in his Washington Commanders power rankings analysis. The moves signal the organization’s commitment to building around Daniels, who delivered a remarkable rookie season that exceeded most expectations. The second-year quarterback’s development remains crucial to the team’s championship aspirations.
Defensive Questions Cloud Championship Hopes
Despite the optimistic Washington Commanders power rankings placement, significant concerns remain on the defensive side of the ball. The unit finished in the bottom half of the league in nearly every major statistical category last season, a troubling trend that the organization has yet to adequately address.
The departure of Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen created additional challenges for a unit already struggling to generate consistent pressure and stop opposing offenses. Kendall noted the team “didn’t make any serious personnel upgrades on that side of the ball” during the offseason. The defensive shortcomings represent the primary obstacle preventing Washington from reaching the upper echelon of NFL teams.
Championship-caliber defenses typically rank among the league’s best in multiple categories, a standard the Commanders have yet to meet. But there is Pass Rush nobility on the roster this year: Outside Linebacker Von Miller. Miller is a two-time Super Bowl champion and 2015 Super Bowl MVP.
He has played 186 career games and totaled 129.5 sacks, 446 tackles and 171 tackles for loss during his career, according to the Commanders’ Press Release on his acquisition. Miller’s 129.5 sacks are the most among all active players. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time Associated Press All-Pro Team selection.
Second-Year Quarterback Faces Increased Scrutiny
Daniels enters his sophomore season with considerably more pressure and attention from opposing defenses. The element of surprise that aided his rookie success has disappeared, replaced by extensive film study and game-planning from defensive coordinators across the league.
The Washington Commanders power rankings position creates elevated expectations for the young quarterback, who must prove his initial success wasn’t merely a product of opponents’ unfamiliarity with his skill set. Historical precedent shows many promising rookie quarterbacks struggle in their second seasons as defenses adapt.
Training Camp Battles Will Define Season Outlook
The Commanders open their preseason schedule August 8 against the New England Patriots, beginning a crucial evaluation period for the roster. Training camp battles across multiple position groups will help determine whether the team can address its defensive deficiencies through internal development. Several undrafted rookies and returning players are competing for roster spots that could significantly impact the team’s depth and overall performance. The coaching staff faces pressure to maximize talent while addressing the systemic issues that plagued the defense last season.
Championship Window Creates Urgency
The current Washington Commanders power rankings reflect a franchise operating within a legitimate championship window, a rare opportunity that demands immediate maximization. The combination of a promising young quarterback, improved offensive line protection, and organizational stability creates optimism throughout the fanbase.
However, the defensive concerns identified in multiple Washington Commanders power rankings analyses represent a significant obstacle to championship contention. NFL history demonstrates that balanced teams typically achieve the greatest postseason success. The organization’s ability to address these defensive shortcomings will largely determine whether the current power rankings position represents sustainable success or a temporary peak. With increased expectations comes the pressure to deliver results that match the national recognition.
Closing Thoughts
The 2025 season represents a pivotal moment for a franchise that has endured decades of disappointment. The Washington Commanders power rankings placement at No. 6 nationally creates both opportunity and pressure as the team attempts to build upon last season’s breakthrough campaign.
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