Washington faces a pivotal 2025, with a best-case path to 12-5 and a floor at 7-10. The biggest hinge is the defense: the unit must tighten in the fourth quarter and handle more score-heavy looks from opponents. Ten-plus games against top-13 scoring defenses last season pressure the offense to maximize Terry McLaurin when healthy, while a bolstered secondary and a deeper defensive line—paired with Von Miller’s addition—aim to turn more late-game stops into wins. The preseason showcased some warts, notably on a few high-variance drives, but improved play in frictions and depth could flip multiple close games. Offensively, sustained success hinges on support from a healthier McLaurin and sharper execution from the supporting cast. Even with a strong defense, avoiding a drop in scoring efficiency will be critical to surpass last year’s marks.

In fantasy terms, the defense’s ability to close quarters will drive multiple weekly outcomes, while McLaurin’s health and usage will define WR1 upside. The Commanders’ path to a ceiling season leans on a top-tier defensive finish in late games and a robust pass rush to pressure rookie or debuting linemen on opposing O-lines. If the secondary gel and the line anchors the rush, Washington can seize control in several tight contests and push toward double-digit wins, despite potential offensive bumps from McLaurin’s workload and the evolving supporting cast. The Bengals and Patriots frame the preseason narrative as tests for this squad’s resilience, and how they respond to such tests could foreshadow regular-season form.