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.

Washington's 2025 defensive line overhaul shifts from Allen and Fowler to a rotation featuring Kinlaw, Goldman, Day, Martin, Holmes, Ferrell, and Wise, with Payne and Newton back and Von Miller added as a situational edge. The plan centers on size, interior disruption, and multiple rushing options to improve the run defense and pressure in waves. Cutdown day looms as Peters trims to a 53-man DL with youth and versatility under consideration.

Washington opened its preseason with a 48-18 loss, resting most starters but getting a bright spot in Trey Amos, the rookie second-round corner who allowed zero catches on one target and chipped in a couple of tackles.

Offense struggled behind the backups, with Hartman and Johnson each throwing an interception and the QB room unsettled after Jayden Daniels’ absence in practice. Special teams were a mess, including a 100-yard kickoff return to start the game and a missed field goal. Jer'Zhan Newton and Jacory Croskey-Merritt flashed on defense, hinting at developmental fantasy upside for savvy managers.

Week 2 versus Cincinnati looms, but it’s unclear how much Washington will push its starters. For fantasy players, Amos’ emergence is the clearest takeaway—a potential Week 1 starter whose role could move the needle in one of Washington’s fantasy-friendly defensive back spots. Monitor Newton’s interior disruption and Croskey-Merritt’s workload as preseason reps expand.

Washington’s run defense looks notably improved in 2025, with Javon Kinlaw keying a revamped interior alongside Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton. Kinlaw, signed after San Francisco development and a productive Jets stint, anchors a interior that has also added Eddie Goldman to clog lanes. Payne, now in a favored role, pairs with Kinlaw to attract double teams, freeing Newton to flash as a disruptor. The preseason opener underscored a shift, though the starting unit wasn't present. Signs are encouraging, and the real test arrives Week 1 against the Giants, where Barkley and a stronger line will put the unit to the test. Washington still relies on a mix of veterans and the young duo to slow the opponent in the trenches, but early camp reports and scrimmages point to a bettable improvement in the run game for 2025.