Six quick takeaways from Commanders' 2025 defensive depth chart: 12 starters listed, with Von Miller tagged as an outside linebacker in a likely situational role. New starters Deatrich Wise Jr., Javon Kinlaw, Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos and Will Harris anchor the unit. Jer'Zhan Newton starts behind Payne and Kinlaw; Noah Igbinoghene backs up inside/slot behind Mike Sainristil. LB depth is thin behind Jordan Magee and Nick Bellore; rookies Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho may contribute later. Special teams: Matt Gay, Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane.

Washington’s offense is set to soar in 2024 with Daniels at the helm, flanked by Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, plus a high-end rushing mix. Daniels shattered rookie expectations with a 90.6 PFF grade and a 1.5% turnover-worthy rate, while the receiving duo provides elite upside. Front-line protection improves with Laremy Tunsil, and the defense aims to close the gap on the trenches as Newton, Kinlaw and Miller augment the rush. Daniels’ yardage ceiling sits around 3,400, making him a hot fantasy breakout talk in a repeat-contending unit.

Bottom line: Washington projects to score plenty, but defensive line depth and pass rush will determine title odds. If the defense to notch improvements, the Commanders become a legit Super Bowl contender. Fantasy-minded readers should weigh Daniels as a top-two QB option and monitor McLaurin and Samuel’s roles in this high-octane attack.

Quinn stressed run defense and tackling as Week 1 nears, citing preseason progress and new interior heft from Goldman, Kinlaw, and Wise Jr. to tighten the middle. Technically, the defense should be more cohesive with added mass and better technique up front.

Fantasy angle: a sturdier run defense could cap opposing RBs and lift Washington's D/ST floor in favorable spots. Early-season snaps and rotation will dictate how quickly these gains show in fantasy points.

Daniels’ breakout season turned Washington into a prime fantasy bet, pairing a high-powered offense with a defense set to upgrade the run game. Samuel’s arrival and McLaurin’s extension give Daniels new weapons; Kinlaw and Miller shore up the line and edge. Health and consistency are the key: if Daniels avoids the sophomore slump, the Commanders could push deep into the playoffs.

Defensively, Dan Quinn’s scheme must clamp the run and create turnovers to lift the whole roster. With the offense humming and the defense improving, 2025 futures markets should reflect a realistic shot at a division title and plausible Super Bowl odds, driving intriguing fantasy and betting angles all season long.