Week 5 predictions for the Washington Commanders’ home game against the Cleveland Browns are in, and this game could set the pace for the remainder of the season.
The team is running smoothly with a relatively healthy offensive line, a rookie quarterback making headlines, and a dynamic passing and running game. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury orchestrated an impressive performance in their 42-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
One of the biggest takeaways from Sunday’s win is how the Commanders’ aggressive play. They were not trying to slow down regardless of the score. They made it very clear finishing games with convincing wins was a benchmark for the 2024 season.
The point spread in the past three wins has only gone up. Against the New York Giants, they won by 3. They won by 5 in their Week 3 victory against the New York Giants. This past Sunday, they won by a whopping 28. Given all the positives surrounding the Commanders, Sunday’s game against the Browns will have some returning faces and maybe a change in strategy.
Week 5 Should More Focus On Passing Game
Week 5 Predictions include an expectation for fans to see a more dynamic passing offense. The reasons? The run game may be limited. Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. sat out Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury, RotoWire reported.
There are no updates on the extent of the injury. Robinson rushed 21 times for 101 yards and a touchdown in last Sunday’s win over Arizona, so carrying the majority of the load could be the source of the injury, but no one is sure. This is concerning, considering fellow running back Austin Ekeler has been out dealing with a concussion.
However, according to the Washington Commanders’ Injury Report, Ekeler is progressing, listed as having limited practice on Wednesday. He has not been cleared for Sunday’s game.
Considering their status, Daniels would have to focus more on his pass game. This should not be a problem, considering the majority of the receivers active in Sunday’s game were targeted and caught at least once. Another factor to consider is Daniels’ run game. On Sunday, Daniels carried 8 times for 47 yards, so he can get it done with his legs, though it’s not popular with the coaching staff.
The good thing is his style of play has matured, sliding when he needs to and prioritizing his targets over his desire to make the play himself. Since Week 2, Daniels has thrown over 200 yards, averaging 20 completions a game. With his 86.7 completion rate, combined with the slew of offensive weapons, Daniels will be able to spread the ball out Sunday.
Ferell Should Have a Big Defensive Impact
Expect the Commanders’ Secondary will have a different look with returning players. While the conversation about the Commanders’ secondary has surrounded the status of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., he hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far. In Sunday’s win, Forbes only had two assisted tackles.
He practiced in full on Wednesday even though he’s still on the injury report. Regardless of his status and performance, he’s become more roleplayer than breakout star, which means everyone needs to pull their weight. This is the defensive strategy for Joe Whitt Jr, defensive coordinator: Just go make plays.
Outside of Forbes, the return of defensive end Clelin Ferrell should spice things up for Week 5. Before his injury, Ferrell had 4 tackles and 2 sacks. Last season with the San Franciso 49ers, Ferrell had 15 solo tackles and assisted on 13. With Sunday’s game at home, Ferrell will surely look to make his presence felt in from the home crowd.
Expect Turned Up Fanbase For Washington Commanders
While the Commanders fans were living their best life watching the team beat the Cardinals in their home stadium, it’s been reported fans of the burgundy and gold have some potty mouths. According to Fox 5 DC, a Flashpicks study concluded Commanders fans are in the Top 10 when using foul language, posting 213 curse words online.
At the top were the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions. The Commanders were fourth. With the game being at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, it’s safe to say that any Week 5 predictions expect a hyped-up crowd and probably more colorful language.
