Philadelphia to repeat as NFC East champion, per 29 NFL.com experts, with 28 of 29 first-place votes and 93% of first-place ballots. Washington is projected as a wild-card after a 12-win year, while Dallas and New York sit behind with scattered seed votes.

Jayden Daniels receives one vote for Commanders QB; the season opener pits Eagles at Cowboys, underscoring a marquee start. The group envisions Philly extending its championship-level influence beyond the division.

Philadelphia enters as the division favorite under CBS’s win-total projection, pegged at 11.5 wins and a realistic path to reclaiming NFC East glory after years of dueling with rivals.

Washington emerges as the real challenger, boosted by rookies at quarterback and playmaking in Deebo Samuel’s new fit. The projection also highlights a brutal road slate for Philly (KC, TB, MIN, GB, BUF), underscoring the need for every win and a disciplined approach from fantasy rosters.

Daniels navigates fame with discipline, turning down TV slots and stretch-mark opportunities to protect time for workouts and summer prep. Washington’s offense adds Samuel and a fortified line, giving Daniels clearer progression paths. Rodriguez reshaped his frame and sharpened speed and pass-catching in a focused, pro-style program, while Conerly and Tunsil bolster protection and run game blockers. The mix signals a more dynamic, fantasy-friendly Commanders attack in 2025.

Lean, productive targets like McLaurin and Samuel, plus a faster backfield, raise floor ceilings across the offense. Washington’s defense adds veteran presence with Miller, potentially tipping games toward more balanced scripts. Fantasy managers should buy into the improved depth, better pace, and the steady, workload-driven upside this revamped unit offers.

Washington’s 2025 fantasy outlook is built around a high-powered offense led by Daniels, the top-five quarterback who can shine both as a passer and a runner. Five Commanders stand out in drafts: Daniels at the helm, Croskey-Merritt as a rising feature back to stash, McLaurin as a reliable target floor, Deebo Samuel showing fresh upside, and Ertz as a late-round security blanket. Austin Ekeler is advised against in Washington rooms due to usage shifts; the backfield leans into a pass-heavy role with Ekeler, but not as big a carry contributor.

Beyond these four, the piece stresses upside late in drafts with potential breakouts and careful positioning around goal-line carries. Owners in deeper leagues should consider stashing Croskey-Merritt for a mid-to-late-season payoff, while McLaurin and Ertz anchor Week-to-Week production. The stance on Ekeler adds a cautionary note for managers chasing value in a Commanders-centric build.