Everything you need to know about the 2024 Washington Commanders
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Jayden Daniels during preseason. Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Your Washington Commanders — the "surprise team" of 2024? With new coach Dan Quinn and No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels as quarterback, one lead analyst says it's a possibility.
Why it matters: D.C. fans want to root for a winning team again, and it's time for the Commanders to show signs of rebuilding in their second season under the ownership of Josh Harris.
State of play: The season kicks off with Washington away against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 4:25pm.
Zoom in: Trevor Sikkema, a lead analyst at the NFL data wonk site PFF, sees the Commanders as good enough to finish second in the NFC East.
- He credits Quinn (a Cowboy-turned-Washingtonian) for building a new roster. And a big upgrade at QB thanks to Daniels.
- The 23-year-old Heisman Trophy winner is entering the squad under all the pent-up anticipation of a fandom looking for its first standout quarterback in decades. (No pressure.)
What they're saying: "It's not a perfect roster, but the Commanders will give the Cowboys a run for their money as the second-best team in the division," says Sikkema.
Reality check: ESPN's predictions aren't quite so bright. Washington lands in the No. 28 spot in their preseason power rankings.
Plus: While the pundit-class consensus seems to be that the Commanders will improve over last year's four wins, the playoffs aren't exactly in the forecast.
- The last time the burgundy and gold won a playoff game was in 2005.
What's new: The owners secured Northwest Federal Credit Union as a new stadium sponsor this summer while long-term planning for a potential move back to RFK continues.
- In February, the then-FedEx Field began undergoing "significant upgrades," promising fans faster entry, new premium-level seats, and improvements to concessions.
Who to watch: Beyond Daniels, veteran offensive player Zach Ertz is set to make his debut after missing the preseason games, with hopes he'll quickly link up well with the new QB. Second-round draft pick Ben Sinnott is also a rookie tight end catching a lot of attention.
- Undrafted free-agent safety Tyler Owens has created quite a buzz after showing off his explosive talent at the NFL Scouting Combine and during preseason.
What's next: Washington's first home game is against the New York Giants on Sept. 15.