The Washington Commanders entered this season with excessive expectations after their gorgeous run to the NFC Championship only a 12 months in the past behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
That momentum has disappeared.
Accidents have disrupted their rhythm, with Daniels struggling a low-grade proper hamstring pressure late in Sunday’s loss to Dallas that may sideline him for Week 8.
The identical crew that thrived on consistency now searches for solutions as playoff hopes fade.
Washington sits at 3-4 heading into their matchup with the Chiefs, trailing the Eagles and Cowboys within the NFC East whereas holding solely a slender edge over the Giants.
The absence of Daniels has hit their postseason possibilities onerous.
Polymarket Sports activities shared the grim actuality on X: the Commanders’ odds to make the playoffs have dropped to simply 23 p.c.
With Jayden Daniels out AGAIN, the Commanders’ odds to make the playoffs are all the way down to 23%. 📉
They had been 1 sport away from the Tremendous Bowl final 12 months. What occurred? pic.twitter.com/GPl8Nxt7nP
— Polymarket Sports activities (@PolymarketSport) October 22, 2025
The schedule provides little reduction.
After Kansas Metropolis, Washington returns residence to face the Seahawks and Lions, each sitting at 5-2 and among the many NFC’s high contenders.
These video games will take a look at a crew already struggling to seek out its id with out its beginning quarterback main the offense.
Accidents have been relentless this season.
Fixed lineup adjustments have disrupted the chemistry that outlined final 12 months’s success, forcing changes which have thrown off the crew’s steadiness.
Self-discipline has additionally change into a priority, with 53 penalties rating eighth within the league and too many coming at vital moments that stall drives or negate large performs.
Defensively, the Commanders have regressed.
The go rush reveals occasional flashes, however the secondary continues surrendering deep completions that swing momentum.
Offensively, the bottom sport ranks second in dashing yards per sport, but sustaining that consistency week to week stays a problem with out Daniels orchestrating the assault.
The problems dealing with Washington are fixable, however time is working brief.
If the Commanders need to keep related in a aggressive NFC race, they should discover options shortly and rediscover the steadiness that carried them to this point final season.
NEXT: Ian Rapoport Shares Jayden Daniels’ Standing For Monday