A difficult schedule following an NFC Championship Game appearance, coupled with numerous injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels, resulted in the Washington Commanders being favored in only three games last season.
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Yet, the Commanders still went 7-10 against the spread en route to a 5-12 record that barely eclipsed half the team's projected win total (albeit a 9.5 win total that was the team's highest since 2021). A subpar defense that ranked bottom 10 against the run and the pass created game environments where 11 Commanders games went over the total, a mark exceeded only by the Dallas Cowboys. Time will tell whether the 2026 edition resembles last year's team or the team before. -- Kevin Pulsifer
Note: Odds by DK Sports and subject to change.
2026 outlook: Overhaul will keep Commanders competitive
Optimism among Commanders fans was at peak levels last summer coming off a transformative 2024 season. Led by a dynamic rookie QB, the team had just advanced beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Vibes were, undeniably, high. Unfortunately, a series of injuries, undisciplined play and a defensive collapse derailed Washington's 2025 campaign in short order.
2026 NFL team betting previews
AFC East BUF MIA NE NYJ AFC North BAL CIN CLE PIT AFC South HOU IND JAX TEN AFC West DEN KC LAC LV NFC East DAL NYG PHI WSH Tues.: NFC North CHI DET GB MIN Wed.: NFC South ATL CAR NO TB Thur.: NFC West ARI LAR SF SEA Washington brass has executed a massive structural overhaul to right the ship heading into 2026. David Blough was promoted to replace former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Daronte Jones was tapped as the squad's new defensive coordinator. Furthermore, GM Adam Peters dedicated significant resources to shoring up the offensive line via the signing of Laremy Tunsil, while the team bolstered its front seven by adding Javon Kinlaw, Odafe Oweh, Leo Chenal and first-round rookie Sonny Styles. Jayden Daniels also receives a refreshed stable of pass-catchers with the arrivals of Clemson standout wideout Antonio Williams, receiver Chig Okonkwo and running back Rachaad White. In a competitive division and facing a brutal schedule, this reinvented squad will likely struggle to hit double-digit victories, but they should manage at least eight wins. -- Liz Loza